Chapter Text
Checking after the bedding ceremony - this was outside the scope of what Elinor and Merida knew so this was cut. Way back in an earlier chapter Ian cut his hand and this is the result of what everyone saw.
The early morning light filtered through the narrow windows of DunBroch Castle, casting a soft glow across the stone walls and the grand tapestries that decorated them. In the quiet of the castle, the usual bustle of activity was subdued, with many still recovering from the night's festivities.
Maudie Donaldson had been the nursemaid for the royal family since Merida was a wee lass. She had been there to see her blossom into a young woman. Now she's married and going to leave home. It was the cycle of life, she thought, as she shifted the laundry basket from one hip to the other. As much as the triplets drove her up the wall, she was going to be sad when they had to leave for their training.
Behind her a slightly hung over Aidan Macintosh, Brian Dingwall, Kevin MacGuffin, and King Fergus followed her to the marital bed. Ian and Merida had been up bright and early ushered out for some reason or another so the room was empty.
"It's important that it's checked," slurred Aidan slightly as Brian nodded.
Kevin only rolled his eyes wondering if this was necessary. He trusted that his son did his duty as a new husband. Fergus was just silent as he gestured for Maudie to open the door.
Maudie gulped as she pushed open the heavy wooden door. Inside the room the fire burned out, leaving only the faint, cool light of dawn to illuminate the scene. The room was serene, with the heavy curtains drawn back just enough to let in a stream of early morning light. The large four-poster bed, draped in rich, luxurious fabrics, appeared untouched since the previous night.
Automatically she went to the bed and checked it. The light bedspread had fallen to the floor, the blanket and sheets bunched together. She noted the faint impression of two bodies nestled in the covers, most noticeably Ian's husky frame. Her heart thudding, he peeled back the sheet looking for the tell tale sign that the marriage had been consummated.
Finally, she spotted it. The blood, undoubtedly Merida's, stained the fitted sheet. It wasn't a lot but it was there. Maudie's breath caught in her throat as she confirmed the evidence of their union.
As she was about to pull away something else caught her eye. Nestled among the rumpled sheets, half-buried under the blanket, was a delicate scrap of fabric. Maudie's fingers trembled as she picked it up, her heart racing with anticipation.
The fabric was a piece of linen, torn and frayed at the edge. She recognized the piece, it was from what Maudie knew as Merida's smock. The back of her smock.
As she examined it closely, Maudie could see the faint intricate pattern on it. Just underneath the fabric rip was a letter. The folded over parchment was bound by another piece of fabric as she skimmed the contents wondering who it was for.
Oh my. It was a love letter, a very detailed one at that. The words made her blush and breath catch. She couldn't possibly show this to the lords and the king could she?
Taking a deep breath she folded the letter, her heart beating wildly before going to the door. The early morning light cast long shadows on the stone floor as Maudie emerged into the corridor where the lords and King Fergus awaited. Their faces were a blend of anticipation and impatience, their expressions revealing a blend of curiosity and underlying tension.
Maudie took a deep breath and gathered her composure before emerging into the corridor where the lords and King Fergus awaited. The early morning light cast long shadows on the stone floor, adding a dramatic flair to the moment. Her heart pounded with a mixture of apprehension and resolve as she approached the group.
King Fergus, Aidan Macintosh, Brian Dingwall, and Kevin MacGuffin stood in a semi-circle, their expressions a mix of curiosity and tension. Fergus, tall and imposing, appeared impatient. Aidan and Brian exchanged glances, their faces revealing a subtle mix of anticipation and curiosity. Kevin, more reserved, maintained a stoic posture but seemingly proud of his son already.
Maudie curtsied respectfully, feeling the weight of their gazes on her. "The wedding has been consummated," she said, her voice steady despite the blush still lingering on her cheeks. "I have checked the bed and confirmed it."
"Thank you, Maudie," Fergus said, his voice gruff but warm. "You've done your duty well." He studied her as she subconsciously put a hand on her apron pocket. "Was there anything else?"
Hesitant, she shook her head no despite the love letter burning in her pocket. She wanted to tell someone but her father was not the person to tell. She made the quick decision to give it back to either one of them or burn it if she didn't see them.
"We must discuss the next steps. You're free to go, but please, do take a moment for yourself."
As Maudie retreated down the corridor, she heard snippets of the conversation behind her—discussions about the future, plans for the newlyweds, and the shifting dynamics of their roles. Her thoughts were a swirl of emotions, knowing that her role in the castle was coming to an end, and that her life would soon be taking a different path.
She paused near a window, looking out over the mist-covered landscape. The castle was waking up, its usual bustle beginning to stir. Maudie took a deep breath, letting the fresh morning air fill her lungs. She thought of the triplets, of Merida, and of the new chapters awaiting them all.
They were none the wiser that the blood on the sheets was actually Ian's. Nor did they realize that the letter, a carefully crafted piece, was intended to mislead them and cover up the fact that nothing had really happened at all.
Kevin's thoughts when Elinor confronted him about Merida choosing Ian and then telling his son. This was cut because I already had so much going on earlier in the story where I don't think I could have cut to their POV's from switching to Ian and then back to the ladies.
Elinor, with all the grace and poise befitting a queen, stood before Kevin MacGuffin and Brian Dingwall. Kevin just sighed wondering why he had to be excused from the table. He and Fergus were reminiscing about their time fighting Vikings.
"Kevin, Brian," said Elinor, meeting both of their eyes. "There have been some plans changing concerning the outcome of the games."
Kevin glanced over at Brian as they shared a look. He shrugged before turning to look at Elinor. If this was about Merida outshooting their sons and humiliating them, Aiden should be here too. And it shouldn't be coming from Elinor. Kevin would rather hear that from Merida herself. Honestly, did Merida and Elinor even talk about the games and their outcome this year?
"What about them?" asked Brian glancing at Kevin as he just scowled. Whatever Elinor said wasn't going to go over well.
"You see Brian, I've talked with Merida and despite your son's great shot she has feelings for another one of her suitors."
Kevin could see where this was going from a mile away. The games were far from his mind as he saw Elinor deliberating over what to say next. Something in him wanted to shout out in excitement. It didn't take an idiot to put two and two together. If he and Brian were called over here to talk about feelings for another suitor and only one of them was the winner, well, Brian must have gotten daft in his older age.
"What do you mean? Logan won, we should be celebrating," said Brian looking confused.
Kevin fought to keep his expression neutral, though a surge of pride and excitement threatened to break through his usually stoic demeanor. He knew exactly where this was headed, and the realization filled him with a quiet satisfaction. Ian, his thoughtful and steady son, had somehow won Merida's heart. The thought of it made Kevin's chest swell with a father's pride, but he quickly tempered that with the understanding of the delicate situation they were now in.
"It appears that while Merida was impressed by his shooting; she'd like to court Ian."
Lord MacGuffin looked pleased as he stood up straight.
"WHAT?!"
Hearing it spoken aloud, seeing the fire ignite in Lord Brian Dingwall's eyes, made it all the more real. Brian's outburst echoed through the room, the word laced with fury and disbelief. Kevin could see the muscles in the man's neck tighten, his hands balling into fists at his sides.
Kevin straightened his back, trying to maintain an air of calm even as the tension in the room thickened. Brian's face had gone from confusion to disbelief, and now to anger, his voice booming as he tried to process what Elinor had just told him.
A twinge of satisfaction ran through him. His own son, Ian, had won Merida's heart, and that meant something far more valuable than any trade agreement or alliance.
Later that night Ian stood outside his clan's tent tending to the fire that night. He and two other men laughed over a story from the last Viking attack. His father was coming toward him with a purposeful stride, something in his expression, a mixture of gravity and excitement that made Ian's stomach churn with anticipation. Whatever his father was about to say, Ian knew it was important.
"Son, there's something important I have to tell you," he said as Ian stepped away from the campfire.
"What's going on?" asked Ian, wondering why his father looked so eager.
"Merida isn't going to court Lord Dingwall's son," said Kevin.
"She's not?" Ian asked a bit bewildered.
Something in Ian's mind clicked. His dad wouldn't be telling him this if he didn't have some part of this. "She, she, are you saying what I think you're saying?"
"She chose you son, she wants to court you!"
Ian could recall when they were gathered in the hall presented. She had pulled her wimple over her eyes when she was disgusted with Lord McIntosh's son's arrogant display. He could see her glance over at him with a silent curiosity. He was so nervous and his face red, avoiding anyone's eye, except giving her a small smile when he saw her eyes. Was that the moment? Or maybe during the events of the games?
"Are you sure, Dad?" Ian asked, his voice almost a whisper, still trying to grasp the reality of what his dad had just told him. "She really chose me?"
Kevin's face softened, a warm smile of pride breaking through his usual stern expression. "Aye, lad, she did. Merida sees something in you, something worth pursuing. This is your chance, Ian. Don't let your nerves get the best of you."
All at once Ian began to feel many emotions at once—excitement, disbelief, but also a deep sense of responsibility. He didn't really know her, but the thought that she had chosen him, out of all the others, was both exhilarating and terrifying. He knew this wasn't just about courtship; it was about proving himself worthy of her choice.
Kevin, King Fergus, and Ian discuss Merida's dowry. Again not a scene that would have fit with so much going on and it was outside the scope of what Merida would have known.
Historical Fact: A dowry is like a bride price. It's the bride's money that she brings to the marriage. If something happens to the husband all of it would go back to her.
It was bright and sunny out as Fergus, Kevin, and Ian stood in the clearing. Their swords, bows, and spears at the ready for deer or the occasional boar or elk.
So far Ian had killed several deer, hares, and wild birds. The antlers and meats were prized in the clans. Mildly impressed, Fergus clapped the young man on the back. Kevin killed some smaller deer as Fergus watched their kill count get higher. The hunt not weighing on his mind as much as why he was out there with the MacGuffins.
Ian's marriage to his daughter weighed more on his mind. The lad would be a good provider, contributing to a little over half of their game. On paper Ian of Clan MacGuffin was everything his wife was looking for to marry their daughter; he was from a good family with a good social standing, good reputation, had the wealth and land that Merida was used to, a skilled warrior, and made for a good alliance.
Although he wanted to judge the lad himself.
"Fergus," said Kevin as he turned to him. "As fun as this has been, I thought we were going to discuss the matter of the dowry."
Right, the bride price, as Fergus sighed heavily.
"We can do it here and now," said Fergus as Ian looked up as he pressed his lips together.
"It's about time," muttered Kevin to himself then spoke up. "Aye, we've been waiting for this. What do you have in mind for the dowry?"
Fergus cleared his throat. "Well, as you know, Merida is a princess, and there are certain expectations. I'm prepared to offer a dowry that reflects her status and our appreciation for Ian's alliance with us."
Ian, who had been listening intently, shifted his weight nervously. He was keenly aware of the significance of this conversation but was more concerned with proving himself to Fergus than the specifics of the dowry.
Kevin's eyes were wide with interest. "What are you offering then?"
Fergus took a deep breath.
"We'll offer materials and boats for easy travel between our lands, which will be of great help given that our territories are separated by the loch. Specifically, we'll provide three sturdy, well-crafted boats—ideal for both transport and fishing.
Kevin's expression softened with approval.
"Aye, and we'll also include a shipment of timber and tools necessary for maintaining and repairing the boats. The timber will help with building and repairs, and the tools will ensure that they remain in good working order. Alongside that, there will be a sizable herd of cattle, as well as a stable of horses. We'll also include some iron and coal as a show of our goodwill."
Kevin nodded approvingly, his own expression one of satisfaction. "Aye, Fergus. The horses and cattle will serve us well. It's a fair dowry, and I appreciate the inclusion of the iron. The MacGuffins can always use more."
Ian, standing slightly apart, looked at the offerings with a thoughtful expression. He shifted his weight from one foot to the other, clearly considering more than just the material value of the dowry. His gaze met Fergus's, and he spoke with a hint of resolve.
"I'm grateful for the dowry, King Fergus. It's more than I expected," Ian said truthfully.
Ian, standing slightly apart, looked at the offerings with a thoughtful expression. His gaze met Fergus's, and he spoke with a hint of resolve.
"Good to know you're happy with it," said Fergus cautiously.
"And I want to thank you, King Fergus, for trusting me with your daughter and Merida's happiness," said Ian after the negotiations were for sure complete as they shook on it. "I'll do everything I can to make her feel safe and taken care of. Knowing that you trust me means more than any dowry."
Fergus looked a little taken back at the sentiment and said nothing right away. Kevin stared at his son, not expecting him to say anything so heartfelt and in perfect Scots no less; normally his accent was so thick.
Fergus finally managed a grin breaking through his rugged face. He watched as Ian shifted but the sincerity on his face never wavered. Fergus fumbled for the right words.
"Thank you, lad. It's not… not often you hear such… honest words." Fergus scratched his head, clearly struggling to figure out what to say next. "It's not just the dowry. It's, uh, the knowing she'll be… well, cared for. That's what matters."
Ian gave a reassuring nod. "I understand, and I'll do my best to prove that your trust is well-placed."
Kevin clapped Fergus on the back. "Seems we've found ourselves a good match for Merida."
Fergus's grin widened, though he still looked slightly uncomfortable with the sentimentality. "I hope you hear the same from any granddaughters suitors."
Merida with Angus - only cut because again so much was happening at one time. Maybe if I extended some of those earlier chapters more? That or I might have written this after the chapter was posted.
Angus finally arrived three days after Merida moved into Clan MacGuffin's castle. Merida rushed out to greet him as her fiery curls flew in the wind. She had missed him, though the castle and its grounds had kept her plenty occupied.
"Ah, there you are, Angus!" she said, patting his broad, familiar neck as she made her way to the stables. "I missed you. I have a lot to fill you in on."
Servants and maids began to pull off any of her remaining trunks and anything miscellaneous off the carts he and three other horses pulled. Merida felt Vevina's eyes on her but ignored it for now. Her best friend was finally here.
"If you don't mind me organizing your remaining stuff, you take the afternoon off to ride," said Vevina brightly.
"I don't mind at all," said Merida breathlessly. Everything else that came with her wasn't as important as reuniting with Angus. Merida grinned and gave Vevina a quick nod of thanks.
Without waiting for another word, she grabbed Angus's reins and swung herself onto his back. First she rode him around the short way to the stables. She nodded to the stable hands who were ready for them.
"I'm just showing Angus around," she said, leading him to the stall that she personally got ready. "Angus, this'll be your new home."
She waited, wondering what her faithful friend would think. Angus let out a soft snort and took a cautious step forward, his hooves scraping softly against the stable floor.
Then raised his head sniffing the air taking in his new surroundings with a mix of curiosity and approval. He took in the fresh hay, water, and the neatly organized stall. Then gave Merida a gentle nudge as if to say he was pleased. Merida smiled and patted his neck, giddy with happiness.
"And this," said Merida gesturing to the stall next to him where the filly peered up at him. "This is Agnes, she was given to me from Ian as a wedding present." Her face softened as she thought about the gesture. "It was a thoughtful gift. Anyway, think of Agnes as a younger sister."
Angus's ears flicked towards Agnes as he took in her presence. He seemed intrigued by the filly, who returned his gaze with a mixture of curiosity and shyness. Agnes took a tentative step closer to the dividing wall, her gentle eyes meeting Angus's.
Merida watched with a smile, feeling a sense of satisfaction as the two horses began to size each other up. Angus gave a soft whinny, a sign of acknowledgment and perhaps an attempt at friendliness. Agnes responded with a delicate nuzzle against the wall, her own way of saying hello.
"She's a bit younger and smaller than you," Merida explained, "but she's got a good heart. I think you'll both find each other good company." She reached over and gave Agnes a reassuring scratch, then turned back to Angus. "It'll be nice having a companion for you here."
Angus seemed to settle into the idea of having Agnes around. He gave a contented snort and turned his head slightly, inviting her to come closer. Agnes, encouraged by his gentle demeanor, edged nearer to the wall. Her nose twitched as she sniffed at the air, taking in the scent of her new stablemate.
Merida grinned giving Angus an apple and apple slices to Agnes. She couldn't wait to take both of them out into the fields together in a couple of months.
Elinor and Moira right after Merida declared she hates them both and runs off. This was written after the chapter was done and posted and I was playing around with, what if I went farther in this POV.
Elinor watched her daughter storm out of the room, her heart clenching with each hurried step Merida took away from her. Her daughter's final outburst echoed in the chamber long after she stormed out, leaving only silence in her wake. "I'll get married just to get away from you." It stung more than Elinor wanted to admit, but her pride kept her from running after Merida. Her composure was frayed, unraveling thread by thread, but she couldn't let it break—at least not yet. She had expected Merida to push back, but not like this—not with such venom, not with such despair.
From the shadows of the room, her mother appeared in the corner of her eye, her sharp eyes catching the fleeting figure of her granddaughter before turning to Elinor. She had been silent during the exchange, watching, assessing. But now that Merida was gone, her presence grew heavier, more commanding. She stepped forward, her skirts barely making a sound as they brushed against the stone floor, her expression unreadable.
"Do you see what happens when you allow a child to defy you, Elinor?" Moira's voice was low, calm, but laced with disappointment. "You've let her embarrass you, embarrass us all, and now we're left to deal with the consequences of her impulsiveness. You did what needed to be done. Merida will realize that soon enough."
"You're right," she said, though the words felt hollow in her mouth. "I'll see this through."
"Good," said her mother with an approving nod. "If she marries now, it will secure her place and the clans' loyalty." She paused and gave Elinor a long stare searching her face. "You can't be soft on her now, Elinor. She's made her bed, and she'll lie in it. She'll marry, just like you did, just like I did. And one day, when she sits on that throne, she'll thank you."
Moira gave a nod of approval, but as she turned to leave, Elinor couldn't shake the feeling that something was slipping away—something precious and fragile that she couldn't afford to lose.
When the door closed behind her mother, Elinor stood alone in silence. The throne felt heavier than ever, and the weight of the crown, though not on her head, pressed down on her heart.
Merida's words echoed again, but this time, they were followed by another thought, one that chilled Elinor to the bone.
What if Merida never forgave her? What if this choice, this sacrifice, tore them apart forever?
The future she had so carefully planned seemed less certain now, the cracks widening with every passing moment.
Funeral arrangements - only cut because the chapter was long enough and I don't think anyone really cared to know about Annabel and Merida's fiddle lessons or planning for the event.
Merida was standing with Annabel, her mother, and Vevina as they pondered over the instruments in the music room. There weren't many, the lyre Merida had was found eventually when she was cleaning out old trunks. Horns, flutes, drums, fiddles, harp, and of course the bagpipes.
"So I know we plan on doing a very traditional funeral," started Annabel. "We have Flowers of the Forest on bagpipes. However, I think instead of me playing the fiddle, I think it should be Merida."
"Me?!" said Merida as she rubbed Rowan's back. He had been strapped to her chest as she helped with funeral preparations. "I only ever learned three songs."
"You learned three songs?" asked Elinor, looking at her daughter surprised. "You couldn't even play the right note on the lyre."
"I started the music slow, then stood up and kicked down my chair and then did a very fast-paced tune," said Annabel, with a small smile of her own. "I suppose I enticed her into learning how to play."
"Annabel made learning very compelling," said Merida with a grin and laughing, "Besides I had to do something when I couldn't ride Angus. I could only make so many medicines and shoot so much. By the way if you need anything, I think I have ten years worth you can take back with you."
"You kicked a chair down? Good to know my proper daughter has some rebellious tendencies in her," teased Vevina gently pushing on her daughter's shoulder. "I can hold the baby if you want to show us something."
"I'll hold Rowan," said Elinor, jumping at the opportunity to take care of him.
"How about you hold him, Annabel," said Merida, passing her child off to her sister-in-law. The blond looked pleased as he buried his face into her shoulder. It was almost comical the way Elinor and Vevina sighed together. They've been wanting to take care of him as much as possible.
Merida took the fiddle and played the first tune that she could remember. She hadn't played since giving birth. Something fast and spirited, a lively reel that she'd learned from Annabel's collection of folk melodies. The notes, though rusty, came back to her with surprising clarity, filling the room with a bright, energetic rhythm. Then stopped when she saw that Rowan was chewing on Annabel's dress as if he was trying to eat.
"That was amazing," said Elinor as she turned to Annabel. "How did you teach her?"
"I didn't teach her notes, I just taught her a song and how to play it."
"Yea don't ask me what a 'C' is," said Merida, going to a nearby chair to nurse.
"I think you should play something," said Vevina. "Just like that. Maybe even two songs, if you know something slower."
She blushed before agreeing to play something small during the ceremony.
"Can I play something, too?" asked a small voice as Elinor spotted her niece in the door.
Fiona with her brown eyes wide and sincere, the seven-year-old looked like she was going to cry if she wasn't allowed. Elinor got on her knees to meet her eye.
"Of course you can, Fiona,' said Elinor, as she handed her the lyre to practice with.
Fiona accepted the lyre and played a soft tune to fill the room. It was slow and melodic, if a little simple but she was still learning. Annabel promised her that she could teach her a simple song.
They were ready for a funeral.
A vulnerable scene that I didn't know where it would fit. Definitely later in the story though! Maybe I could use this for a different princess and change the names around? I don't think it fit Merida that much but thought I'd share anyway!
Merida laid on her back as best as she could, his hands sliding down her pale bare body.
"Lower," she said as his hand slid down the plane of her abdomen to the fleshy most intimate part of her body. His fingers in her hair between the junction of her legs and found where he'd pushed himself only hours ago. "Stop."
He hovered there for a moment as her breath hitched.
"It's supposed to get ten centimeters round. You could fit a hand there but a head is going to come out first," she whispered, voice shaking trying not to crack. "There's a thing called the ring of fire. Where it'll burn but I won't be allowed to push so nothing tears. If I could see my reflection, there would be a head coming out."
He tried to picture a small infant being pushed out of her body just where his hand rested but couldn't. Ian couldn't even remember his sister being that tiny.
Her chin wobbled and tears pooled in her eyes. She was 8 months along and the reality of pushing so soon finally hit her. At the beginning of next month they'd have a baby. Sure as a princess they'd have a nursemaid and wet nurse and as much help from his family but she was still raising a baby. The baby. Their baby. Little Lilias or Rowan or Alasdair or whatever name they'd pick.
"Ian I'm scared," she whimpered, wiping her face as the tears streamed down her face, "I sound pathetic, many women have done this before, some even younger than me including my own mother. People even die doing this. I sound so confident all the time and I usually am but this - I don't want to be scared. I don't feel old enough to do this, I'm only seventeen Ian."
He pulled her up and into a hug. Just 11 months ago he was competing for her hand at the Highland Games and she tried to fight her way out of the marriage only to fail. 8 months ago she was telling him they were having a baby. 2 months ago he turned 20 and was very much beginning to feel like a man.
Ian's heart ached as he looked down at her. He wasn't used to seeing her like this, and it hit him like a blow to the chest as he wrapped her in his arms. This was different. This was the unknown, and it terrified her in a way he had never seen before.
Merida's voice cracked, her usually fierce and fiery demeanor now softened by fear and uncertainty. It was a side of her he wasn't used to seeing, and it tugged at him in a way that made his chest ache.
His hand stayed where she'd told him to stop, fingers resting lightly on her skin, right over the place where their child would soon enter the world. He couldn't quite imagine it yet, couldn't wrap his head around the fact that in just a short time, they'd be parents. But seeing Merida like this—vulnerable and scared—it made the reality settle deeper.
"You don't sound pathetic," Ian said softly, his voice thick with emotion. He reached up with his other hand, gently wiping away the tears that slipped down her cheeks. His thumb moved tenderly over her soft skin, trying to comfort her the best way he knew how. "You're allowed to be scared, love. It doesn't make you any less strong. It makes you human."
Merida sniffled, her hands trembling as she wiped at her face again, frustration bubbling beneath her fear. "I just… I don't know what to expect, Ian. I've been preparing all this time, but now that it's so close, it feels—" She paused, her voice catching as more tears welled up in her eyes. "It feels like I'm about to face something I can't fight. I don't know how to do that."
Ian's heart broke a little more with each word. He could see how much this was weighing on her. She was used to having control, used to charging ahead with confidence. But now, she was facing something completely out of her hands, and it terrified her.
"Merida," Ian said gently, moving closer to her, his forehead brushing against hers. "You've faced every challenge that's come yer way, and I've no doubt in my mind that you'll get through this too. It's scary, yes, but you're not alone in this."
Her blue eyes, glassy with tears, met his, searching for reassurance. "What if I can't do it?" she whispered, her voice so small it nearly broke him. "What if it's too much?"
Ian shook his head, his hand moving from her face to rest gently on her abdomen, feeling the faint movements of their child beneath his palm. "You will do it," he said with quiet certainty. "Because you're the strongest person I know. And you'll have me by your side every step of the way. We'll do this together."
A smutty scene cut - this was going to be right before Grandmother Moira and Elinor walked in but a) she was too far along for them to be doing anything besides making out and b) making out was embarrassing enough, them just doing it would be downright mortifying. So this was cut for obvious reasons. I did round it off to work as a small drabble for this chapter though!
"I think the bath has cooled off," said Merida with a grin going to lower herself in.
His colored cheeks paled before dropping his tartan and tossing his shirt aside climbing in with her. Carefully and he ran a soapy rag down the back of her shoulders and the slope of her hips. Her bum poised to be on his lap as she could feel him getting turned on as she settled to get comfy. Desperate to distract himself, he reached for the pitcher and dumped water over her hair and combed her curls with shampoo as he noticed a shiver run down her spine.
She felt the heat rush to her cheeks. Suddenly she liked it when someone was brushing her hair. She splashed the water gently and swiped the water from one side and out of his way. Confused, he watched her point to her neck.
"Kiss me here," she said confidently as she felt him stiffen up as she smiled.
Ian's breath hitched, and he stiffened momentarily, but he leaned in slowly, his lips brushing her skin with a tender, lingering kiss. As his lips made contact, Merida melted into the warm water. The sensation was soothing and intimate, and she felt a deep connection to Ian as they shared this quiet, affectionate moment.
The water wasn't even starting to get cold as he carried her to their bed. Merida gasped softly as Ian's grip tightened on her hips, a surge of heat spreading through her at the intensity of his touch with a passion that took her breath away, sent a shiver down her spine.
"Ian touch me," she demanded as he grasped her breast as she moaned at his touch.
Ian surged forward, capturing her mouth in a searing kiss that made the world around them blur and fade away.
I-I-I can do it from behind.
She could feel every inch of his manhood inside of her as she moaned in pleasure.
"Deeper," she demanded as he pushed in and she adjusted her hips. "Deeper."
Surprised he gripped her hips and dug as she arched her back. She gasped as she could feel him hit something hard and whimpered gripping the sheets.
"Merida."
"What are you doing? Why are you stopping?"
"Didn't that hurt?"
"No and don't stop."
Her whole body swayed with the power of his next thrust as she sighed feeling her orgasm coming on as his hips ground against hers. She could feel her head spin, not believing that she enjoyed this as she spasmed. His orgasm released as her head rolled forward in pleasure. Her breath hitched as she felt her hips twitch in enjoyment. She drew in a deep breath and gripped the sheets as he finished.
He was gently kissing her shoulder and collarbone before climbing off her. Their pants were simultaneously as she rolled on her side to face him.
Ian brushed her hair away from her face as she grinned at him.
"We'll have to remember to do it that way away again," she said with a giggle.
"And again," he muttered, pulling her close to him as she settled in the crook of his arm.