'When you know what a man wants you know who he is, and how to move him.'

-George R.R. Martin, A Storm of Swords
***

Rayna wondered if it was really the end for her…

Did she have any other choice left, than to accept her defeat?
What would it mean for her, and her child?

The approaching archway, bathed in the dim shadows of the dungeon, put a merciful stop to her erratic thoughts.

She paused before the entry, casting an acrid look at the old general who had escorted her here.

“I will manage from here.”

Walder seemed thoroughly unconvinced, choosing to disregard her words.

Rayna realised the futility of asking again, and instead made her way through the intimidating passage.

The men guarding the gates of the dungeons, threw suspicious glances at her. However, she had no mind to pay heed to that. Her focus was directed at the dejected figure of the man standing in the corner of the stifling cell.

“Father.”

His face snapped to her direction, the moment the word was out of her mouth.

Her knees almost buckled with the shock of seeing him look so miserable. For her, he had always been the epitome of strength and character. Up until the fateful day that changed her life for the worse, she had been living with the knowledge that as long as she had her father’s protection, no power in the world could harm her.

She was so saturated with the thought, that she failed to realise that even her father- the man who was invincible in her eyes- was very much a mortal. He was human; and just like the others, he too had a critical weakness- his daughter.

She knew she was the reason behind his predicament. If it hadn’t been for her, he would never had to deal with such humiliation and torture.

“Rayna…?”

He whispered her name with a hopeful uncertainty, almost afraid to believe in her presence.
She stood straight, awaiting his reaction.
It took him another second to be assured.

“Oh, Rayna!”

Rayna sighed contently as she found herself engulfed in her father’s safe, impervious embrace.

Neither of them minded the watchful gaze of Walder, or the hesitant glance of a deflated Gillian, standing near the opposite wall.

“Are you alright, my love? Did that man hurt you in any way? You tell me. Tell me, and I will have his head.”

Rayna gave him a teary smile, her throat clogged with emotion upon seeing his worried glance.

“I am fine, father.”

His eyes portrayed his wariness at her answer. She knew she will be unable to convince him in the least.

“And if you take such reckless decisions- as the one that has brought you here, you will not only lose me, but also our entire clan.”

She held onto his hand, fixing him with a beseeching gaze.

“Then what were I to do? Sit back and do nothing, while my daughter was suffering unspeakable hardships?”

Rayna dropped her gaze, trying to think of a way to convince her father to leave. The rough skin of his hands, which used to be the source of endless assurance, seemed to be mocking her. She could feel the fresh cuts and bruises- could see them on the other parts of him too.

“Oh, what have they done?”

Her voice choked as she ran her fingers up his arms, tracing the network of angry red gashes.

Her father scoffed.

“Nothing that could hurt me. It is not me we should be worried about; it’s you. What have they done to you, Rayna? I know what happened at the arena.”

He looked fleetingly at the contrite figure of the man standing in the far-right corner, just out of Rayna’s sight.

She turned to follow his gaze, gasping softly at the realisation of Gillian’s presence.
He looked utterly miserable; and adamant to avoid her. The darkness lingering in the cell, made it impossible for her to deduce his expressions.
She could not see the state of his battered body- something that she was thankful for at the moment.

Before her mind could venture further, her father spoke again,

“You are here…That must mean something. Are they letting you leave? Has that wimp finally regained his senses?”

Rayna’ eyes widened, horrified of the consequence of such words from his mouth. There were countless men guarding these walls; Walder- a trusted advisor to Algar, was himself standing just behind her.

“Father!”

She turned an apologetic face to Walder, hoping to avoid the catastrophe. To her immense shock, the man seemed hardly interested in what was spoken, his face remaining a well-fixed mask of indifference.

Her father noticed her fear, and chuckled wryly.

“Do not worry about your old father, Rayna. I have lived my days. If I was incapable of saving you, then my life has already lost all of its meaning.”

Rayna shook her head in vehemence.

“No, father! You shouldn’t speak such awful words. You are the Chieftain of our clan. There are others dependent on you; others who look up to you for their safety and well-being- men, women, children…You have to be there for those people.”

Her words seemed to crack his armour, letting out a first streak of helplessness.

“But, how? How can I save them, if I was unable to save you?”

Rayna smiled, keeping her gaze steady.

“I know you will. I am sure of that. As for me- I do not need saving, father.”
She steeled her spine, against the onslaught of emotions that her next words were bound to have.
“I am perfectly fine here, father. The Prince-"

She swallowed the bile that threatened to rise to her throat, before continuing,

“-he is every bit a gentleman. He has never harmed me in any way. He cares for me, father.”

She saw the look of incredulity that fogged his eyes.

Behind them, she heard a distinct shuffling. She knew Gillian must be just as shocked at her words, as her father. After all, he had, just hours ago, fought a bloody duel to secure their freedom; and now, he was hearing her say that she was content here.

But no matter how much she desired, she could not explain her circumstances to him; not when they had a vigilant Walder superintending each word that escaped her mouth.
Hence, she dared not turn back.

“Am I hearing you right, Rayna? What are you trying to say?”

The confusion was palpable on her father’s face. Rayna cast a sideways glance at the minister behind him, clenching her jaw when she noticed his sharp gaze.

“I am saying that you should take the others, and leave. I have no desire to go back, father. I am living a content life here. The Prince loves me, father.”

“Nonsense!”

She tried not to wince, as his voice bellowed around them.

Circling her, he pointed an accusing finger at an indifferent Walder.

“They have forced you to say all this shite, haven’t they? It is all a part of their despicable plan.”

His mouth was twisted with unrestrained fury.

Rayna knew she had to contain the situation before it got out of hand. She heard the clinking of armours, as the guards outside were alerted by the commotion and pulled him by his forearm.

“Father, please! Nobody forced me to say anything.”

It took her a few minutes to regain his attention.
She held him by his shoulders and spoke pleadingly,

“I am speaking the truth, father. You all need to leave.”

Fleetingly, she looked at the still figure of her husband, shuddering at the animosity emitting from his form.

“No. I refuse to believe that. At least not until I have heard the truth from you, without this dog keeping watch on what you’re saying. I might be old, but I am no fool.”

Rayna looked at Walder with a cautious look. She hoped he would understand the delicacy of the situation, and act with prudence.
As far as she had observed him, he seemed to be capable of gauging the nuances of such precarious circumstances. Although she was the one most invested in the success of this plan- for the sake of her father’s safety, Walder knew well enough that it was the best available option for Algar too.

“See? He won’t dare to leave you alone with us! That is only because he knows you will tell us the truth if he isn’t there to school your words. I will not let you sacrifice yourself like this, Rayna. I will not leave until I am assured of your return. If that results in my death, so be it.”

Rayna cast an exasperated glance in Walder’s direction. A faint hesitation had entered his eyes.

“Leave us alone for a moment. I will join you shortly.”

Rayna spoke with a deceptive authority in her tone. Walder frowned as he held her sincere gaze.

‘Please. Trust me.’

She mouthed the words, only for Walder’s eyes. Her shoulders sagged with relief when she saw the subtle nod of his head.

“Alright, Chieftain Edgar. I hope you are able to trust your daughter’s words, once you’re alone. I will be outside.”

Rayna waited for him to exit. She was not going to mistaken his actions for sympathy. She knew he was well assured of her words, only because he knew what was at stake for her; he knew she wouldn’t dare to put her family in danger’s way- at least not after what had transpired in the arena.

No sooner was the man out of their sight, she was pulled to face her father.

“Tell me the truth, Rayna. They forced you to say this, didn’t they?”

Rayna sighed heavily, closing her eyes against a sudden headache.

"Father, listen to me very carefully- I am alright. I am safe. The Prince won’t hurt me. You have my word.”

Of that, she was sure. She knew the boy wouldn’t actually kill her. If that was his intention, he would have already done that.
No, he wouldn’t. He took far too much pleasure in devising new ways to break her spirit. A fast killing, will never be able to satisfy his lust.

“But why? Why can’t you leave with us, Rayna? You have your family there, my sweet daughter. You have me, your friends… your husband.”

His eyes watered as he cupped her chin in his palms.

“And my grandchild…do you not want to raise him with your family?”

His gaze dropped to her stomach, causing Rayna to stiffen.

“Your child needs its father, Rayna- your husband.”

She blinked back her tears, trying hard not to look at Gillian. Her father rectified that for her, when he beckoned Gillian towards them.

“Come here, my son.”

It took several seconds for Gillian to move out of the shadows.
Rayna couldn’t help but draw a horrified breath, upon seeing the state of destruction of her husband’s body. There wasn’t an inch of skin left, that wasn’t marred by dirt or blood. His silky hair, was disarrayed and frazzled; while his face was bereft of its majesty.
He looked defeated- and it twisted her heart with agony.

His eyes were downcast, and she wasn’t surprised in the least. She knew him- knew his pride and integrity. He was a proud warrior- one who strived to win and defeat his enemies. Today’s loss, must have devastated him.

But there was something else in his expressions- a torment of another kind; one she couldn’t deduce.

Shouldn’t he be happy to finally be rid of her?

“Look at him, Rayna; look at your husband. He put his life on the line, to save you. He loves you, just like you love him. Are you willing to lose him? Are you willing to take his child away from him, letting the fear of that bastard’s words cloud your future?”

Rayna fisted her hands, letting her nails dig into her palm. She willed the pain to drive away the flood of emotions that threatened to overwhelm her.

She saw Gillian’s throat move, as he fixated his eyes on her midsection.

The child.
How could she forget?
Had he finally taken consideration of their son?
Had he finally decided to claim him?

Oh, the cruelty of her fate!
When she finally had a chance to get what her heart desired the most, she had no choice but to decline it.

And as she saw him finally raise his feverish eyes to her, she knew what she had to do. Her mind thrummed with protest at what she was about to do, but she squashed it ruthlessly.

“There is no child.”

Her words were met with a perplexed silence. She could feel the fiery gazes of both the men.

“What do you mean?”

It was Gillian who presented the question, his voice infused with perturbation.
Rayna straightened her spine and looked at him with a stoic face.

“I said I do not carry your child anymore.”

Her heart bled with remorse, as she prayed for her son’s forgiveness, for speaking such ill words.

'I am so sorry, my little tiger. Your mother is compelled to say these abhorrent words. Pay no heed to them, my son.'

She knew the exact moment that the realisation of the implication of her statement hit both the men. Her father’s face contorted with disbelief and horror.

“No…”

She could not bring herself to look at Gillian; not while speaking such a horrendous lie.
But it was gravely needed. They would never leave otherwise. This was the only way to lessen their responsibility.

Gillian was probably feeling obliged to care for his child, now that he had spent a few days apart. Perhaps she had been wrong in thinking that he was only fighting the duel to assure her father’s safety; perhaps, he had finally realised the blessing they were given in the form of their son.
But it did not matter anymore.

Even if he had rectified his ways, he had to leave here. It would be best for him, if he left with the knowledge that he couldn’t have saved their son anyways.
That he had no obligation to bring her back, since the one thing that tied their fates together- their child- was no more.

Perhaps she was destined to face this hardship alone.

It was the only option she had left, to assure everyone’s safety. This way, they all could escape unscathed- all but her.

“Th-The child…is it?”

Her father’s voice cracked with emotion.

Rayna nodded her head, letting her guarded emotions escape for a second. She looked at him with the full force of her misery.

“The little one could not survive the stress.”

She was thankful for the flowing fabric she had chosen today. It helped hide most of her curves, along with the distinctive hardness of her abdomen. They would never catch upon her lies.

“So, you see…I have no real reason to go back, father. If I stay, all will be fine. I will be safe, and so will all of you. The families back in the village, will continue on with their lives. As for Gillian-"

She smiled sadly as she looked at his stunned face.

“-I am sure he will find a reason to live his best life.”

Her husband’s eyes flashed with lucid anger, dizzying her with its impact.

“Rayna…my sweet child. How much did you suffer? I have failed you, haven’t I? I came here to save you…and here I am- just a pathetic coward.”

Rayna was taken aback by the tears that rolled down her father’s face. In all the years of her life, she had never once seen her father cry. He was the unassailable Chieftain, the rock anchoring their entire clan to safety.

She muffled the sob that escaped her mouth, aghast at the display.

“No, father! Whatever has happened, is not your fault. You just have to look after our clan. I have lost enough of my family…I cannot bear to lose more. Please, father. Just promise me this- you will leave and not worry about me. I give you my word, I will be safe. I am your daughter after all- Chieftain Edgar’s daughter.”

When he next looked at her, his eyes held an uncanny comprehension.

“You know I trust you, Rayna. I trust you because I know you. You are my flesh and blood. I vow to avenge you. We may be weak now, but we will not lose hope. I know I have failed you- and my precious grandchild. But I am telling you this, Rayna- I will not rest until your child’s death is accounted for.”

Rayna smiled sadly.

“I know. I know you won’t. But now isn’t the time. You need to leave. Just know that the moment I feel the need to return, I will come back. No power, not even the Prince, will be capable of stopping me then. But I will do that by my own terms. The Prince has given me his word; he will never hurt me, so don’t worry about my safety. I know what I am asking of you, will seem implausible.
But for once, please set all your reservations aside and trust me. This is not the time to act recklessly. It is the time to act with caution- and slyness. Knowing that you- and the others, are safe back home, will give me peace of mind. And that will just help me in attain my goal. You know how tenacious your daughter can be, don’t you?”

Her words seemed to have their desired effect on her, though they did little to expel the sadness out of his eyes.

“I know…I know my daughter’s strength. I know you always achieve what you set to do. But I am your father, Rayna. I also know that you hide all your pain behind this tough exterior.”

He interrupted her protests with a firm shake of his head.

“You cannot lie to me, Rayna. But do not worry, I will do as you say. Not because I am afraid of what that weakling would do to me, but because I have faith in you. I know you are hurting; you have to be. With the loss that you-"

He directed a sympathetic glance at Gillian, before continuing,

“-and your husband experienced…there is no way you are alright...I can tell you both need some time alone. I will be outside.”

Rayna held her tongue, while her father patted Gillian’s back feelingly.

“Have courage, son.”
______________________________________

Gillian doubted if he had enough courage to face Rayna.

He heard the Chieftain’s voice as he warned the men outside to give them a few minutes of privacy; not that he needed it.
He was already too disoriented to formulate any sentences.

The duel had been fresh in his mind until a few moments ago. He could feel the rush of adrenaline, followed by the jarring defeat. The humiliation of been granted the scrape of mercy, was burning his throat.

And as the men escorted him back to the dungeons, he was forced to face the dreaded moment of disclosing the shameful results to the Chieftain.
His disappointed and helpless face, as he had quietly acknowledged his words, would be forever etched in his memory. He had failed to fulfil the wishes if the one man, he had vowed not to disappoint.

While chieftain Edgar had been kind enough to remind him that it wasn’t his fault; that having a blunt sword had already put him at a grave disadvantage, he had not been able to shake off the feeling of being a failure.

What if the boy decided to change his mind, and kill the chieftain?
And what will he do with Rayna?

They had been in the middle of a discussion on what course of events to follow now, when she had entered with that minister.

Gillian had decided to stay hidden in a corner, avoiding the pity and distaste that he was certain to find in her eyes.

She had witnessed the duel upfront. She was part of the reason, why that bastard had granted him mercy.

Huh. She was probably scoffing at him, revelling in the knowledge of being his saviour.

In some part of his heart, Gillian knew that his mind was simply constructing excuses to avoid the sympathy he was feeling for the woman.
He did not want his pity, to cloud the injustices and tricks that this woman had subjected him to.
He wanted to feel nothing for her.

Hence, he had made sure not to intervene in the moment shared between father and daughter. Even when she disclosed her intention of staying here, he had remained quiet.
While she spouted the gibberish of feeling safe and happy in this hellish place, even though he had seen the uneasiness and terror on her face- first hand in the arena, he remained quiet.

How did it matter to him anyway?

She was deciding to live here on her own discretion. Although, he knew it was a because of his failure to defend her. But then again, it wasn’t his task to save her.
She should not matter to him.

They were getting to leave this place with their lives intact. Chieftain Edgar, and his comrades will be safe and sound.
No one was going to die.

As for Rayna, though he pitied her, he knew she will pull through; hadn't she managed to survive this long?

They didn’t really have any other choice. She was right. Whether she was forced to say this, or not- they had to leave here without her. This was the only option for them.

Meanwhile, just when he had convinced himself of the validity of this decision, the chieftain posed the one question that he had not dared to consider; and all his resolve went to the drain, the moment she made the wretched revelation.

Rayna’s words replayed in his mind in a torturous loop-
“There is no child.”

The child was dead…his child was dead.
And part of his blood was on his own hands.

If only he had saved Rayna from those men that day…if only he could bring that child back, then maybe he wouldn’t feel so riddled with guilt.

Gillian did not know he was capable of feeling this level of pain. A gaping hole seemed to have opened in a part of his heart. He wondered if this was how he was supposed to feel.

The knowledge that the tiny life, that he had so far not even considered as his own, was lost forever…it filled him with a crippling disdain.

Why was he feeling this sadness? Where was this anger coming from?

His hands shook with the effort of keeping his ire in check. His eyes burnt with a scorching heat. He could hear nothing against the ringing in his ears, as he looked at the cloth that covered the now-empty womb of the woman in front of him.

He wasn’t even aware of the moment the chieftain left him alone with her. It was only upon hearing her voice, that he was forced to face the situation at hand.

“It will be for the best, if father remains unaware of the reality of our marriage. I know you do not care for me- neither you did for the child…but please ensure not to let him know that. Try and act sad, if only for the sake of pretence.”

Her words were a jumbled mess for his ears. He could hardly believe the level of ignorance she showcased.
Did she really take him for a monster?

Her face was exquisitely blank.
He could never guess what she was thinking.
Was she angry? Upset?
Sad?

“Try and keep my father calm. Make sure to leave this place as soon as possible. I do not know how long this offer will stand. Best make use of it by then. As for the Prince, I do not think he will be attacking anytime soon. The King is very sick and not likely to survive another week. The Prince is going to be too busy here, to have time to spare for other things. Still, it will be prudent to remain vigilant.”

Her words came out in rushed, mechanical whispers- mindful of the ears outside the cell. For someone watching from afar, they would have appeared to be having an intimate conversation.

“Gillian? Are you listening?”

Her impatient tone, forced him to refocus his gaze.
He gritted his teeth in frustration, staggering at her ability to remain this distant and calculating, just after revealing her babe’s death.

“I am. Clearly.”

He kept his tone clipped, controlling his anguish.

“Very well. I know father would not want to leave. But you must make him see reason. I cannot spend any more time here. Convince him to not do anything else; at least not till I send some sort of message. Also…how is everyone back home? How is Olga?”

Ah! Finally, a chink in her fortress.

He could see the longing in her eyes- along with hope. He thought about Olga, and the child that she carried- the child that was still alive and kicking, unlike his own.

Clearing his throat, he replied gruffly,

“She’s fine. Everyone’s fine.”

Rayna nodded softly.

“Just tell Olga to take care of herself and the little one. Hopefully, I will be back to see her. And…tell her that it wasn’t her fault.”

Gillian had a faint idea of why she said that. He remembered Olga telling him where Rayna was. She had sounded terrified- blubbering about how she had implored her not to go alone, but she hadn’t listened.

“Gillian, I-"

She stopped abruptly, looking unsure.

He wanted her to continue; he needed to know what she was thinking.
How was she faring?
Though, considering the debacle he had witnessed, she was most definitely dreading each second here.

He wanted to know desperately, if she had felt this same pain, as him, upon learning about the loss of the baby. And as he recalled her beaming face back home, whenever she talked about the child, or caressed her stomach, he knew it was undeniable.

She was bound to have been devastated.
Who was there to support her then?

He wanted to ask so many questions, but his tongue rested heavy in his mouth. Consequently, he said nothing.

He didn’t ask her what she was going to say, or why she stopped.

He spoke not a word to her.

Even when the chieftain returned with the minister tailing after him, he remained rooted to his spot.

And while she finally said her farewell to her father and left the dungeon, he remained still.

It was only when the chieftain pulled him in his arms, offering his solace for his ‘immense loss', that the reality of his situation hit him full force.

The child he had ended up hating for its mere existence, was no longer alive. And he would finally be rid of the woman, who had made his life a living hell.

But then, why did it feel so desolate and futile?

Why was he feeling like he was being punished for something?

Why?
______________________________________

Author's Note-

Hello to all my wonderful readers!

There's a good news!
Claiming His Reluctant Heart has qualified for Round 2 in 'Court of Miracles Awards' by SanctuaryCommunity 🥳

Thanks to the judge CodeMonkeyArts ♡

So, Rayna has decided to embark on a risky path. What do you think will be the course of her future?

Do they have any other choice?

Witness the events unfolding in the next chapter☘

Till the next time 👋🏼