Prologue
Dappled light shadowed the pram from the full force of the sun’s rays, an elderly gentleman sat beside it keeping a watchful eye on his young charge. She was his granddaughter, the only child from his only child; who died in childbirth. It is unheard of for a man such as him to sire a daughter, but for that daughter then to have another daughter? Well the ever shrinking family were a miracle to be sure.
“Sweet pea.” He cooed, leaning over to glance at her stunningly light eyes once more before he had to leave. “You are so precious, my little Cameron.”
Cameron, it was his surname. Chosen by his daughter to connect her two favourite people as the child was known by another surname: Laird.
“I wish I could see you blossom and bloom into the woman you’ll one day be.” He sighed, lifting her against his chest as he stood and circled the large trunk of the Oak which shaded them from the harshest light. “You’ll be leaving Germany soon, going back to Scotland where we Cameron’s belong but you’ll be alone my sweet pea… I cannot go with you; they’ll find you and make you something horrific. You must be a natural creature, allowed to blossom as you please and you might.”
The baby gurgled, perfectly content to be held by her grandfather. “I know darling.” The old man laughed, feeling the tears prick at his eyes. “I’ll miss you too but I promise I’ll be back… When you need me most I’ll be there.”
“Hamish, we must leave with her now.” May said softly, knowing how much pain the man must be in. “I’ll keep her safe.”
“Okay, let me put her down.” He sighed, pressing his lips against her black downy hair. “Be safe Cameron, keep this with you and I’ll always find you.”
In their last moment together for many, many years Hamish withdrew his charm and looped it over her head, letting her little hand grip the charm. May’s hand rested on his shoulder as he nodded, taking a step back before fazing out of the garden; unable to watch his granddaughter being taken away from him.
“Hello, little one.” May smiled, smoothing her hair down to one side as she pushed the pram out of the gardens and towards the waiting car. “I’ll take care of you, we’ll go and live in my cottage with my sister Lila… you’ll be safe and loved; it’s your destiny. Don’t tell your Grandpa but I’ve seen it… a great romance.”
The baby wasn’t interested in the voice above her; she was far more interested in the warm thing place in her hand. The charm knew its new owner and sought to entertain; playing lullabies only Cameron could hear, making sure the baby never grew cold or bored.
It was its old masters wish and it would make sure new master was content and safe.