Extended Epilogues

The sun was bright and the spring festival was under way. Dunnottar Castle had been scrubbed clean from top to bottom the past three weeks and every room had been aired to accommodate the guests that would arrive for the festival.

“Ye’ve outdone yerself,” Allie complimented. “This is even better than last year.”

“Hush, Allie,” Elspeth said, suppressing a smile. “Ye’ll upset Judith.”

“Oh, no.” Judith Labert waved her hand. “Allie’s right. I could never do anything as sophisticated as this.” Judith was the wife of Charles Labert. They had met when he had gone on a hunting trip to Ireland, but instead of bagging any deer he had found Judith.

Though she came from humble stock, she was great fun, and livened even boring old Charles up infinitely. Elspeth always enjoyed having her over, especially when she saw Laird Labert interact with his grandsons.

“I tell ya, the old man keeps getting younger and younger each year. It’s the grandkids. He says he can’t bother with death when there’s so much life yet, to live. I’m glad to see you have another one on the way.”

Elspeth gasped and touched her flat tummy. “How did ye ken?” she asked. “I only found out yesterday. I have nae even told Bruce yet.”

“I have a nose for these things,” Judith said, tapping the side of her nose with a finger.

“Oh, Elspeth. Congratulations!” Allie said, and they hugged. “I must say, I’m jealous. Ye become even more bonny when yer with child.”

“Aye,” Judith agreed. “It’s unfair on us who become bridge trolls when we’re carrying.”

Elspeth laughed. “That is nae true. Ye both looked lovely when ye were pregnant.”

“Ye have nae told Bruce yet?” Allie asked.

“Nae. I was hoping to do so after the festival.”

“Ye should nae wait to share glad tidings. Go, find him. Tell him the good news.”

Elspeth but her lip and eyed the buffet table. The candied apples were running low, and they needed to put more roasted meat out. There were so many things to care for, she couldn’t possibly take the time away from hosting duties.

“We’ll handle the buffet table,” Judith assured her. “Go! Find your husband.”

Elspeth hesitated for only a fraction of a second then took up the offer and left to find Bruce. He wasn’t at the tent with the rest of the lairds, nor was he supervising the games on the green. Elspeth wondered if he was inside but could see no reason for him to be.

The years had been kind to them. They had known more happiness than they had sorrow. When Elspeth had fallen with child the first time, Bruce had been over the moon. But their happiness had come crashing down when she had lost the child within the fortnight. Elspeth had believed then that she would never be able to overcome that grief.

But more grief had been written in her destiny. There were days when she feared that she would never be able to give Bruce the heir he craved. A feeling of being incomplete had come between them. They didn’t talk about it, or give words to their fears, but the sense of it was palpable, like a cold corpse between them.

“Emory!” she called. Emory was standing by the archery range with Daniel, and Big Nate. “Have ye seen Bruce?”

“Aye,” Emory said, raising his goblet he pointed to the castle. “I think he’s at the back of the castle. He took some of the kids there.”

“Thank ye,” she said.

Bruce was great with children. Every spring festival, they gathered around him and he enjoyed planning activities to keep them busy. Their parents enjoyed a break and everybody was happy. He was especially well prepared when they hosted the spring festivals. Elspeth knew what they were doing and a memory from their childhood resurfaced.

It had been right here, decades ago, when she had asked if she could fly his kite, and Bruce had handed her the string without question. Little had they known in that moment that he was handing her the strings of his life.

Kites sailed the sky, painting the iridescent blue with reds, greens, and yellows. The Laughter of children provided the music that the wind snatched and carried with it, powering the kites to reach greater heights. In the middle of this cacophony of children, was Bruce Grant, a tall giant grown taller because he had little Jason Labert on his shoulders.

“Is everyone having a good time?” Elspeth asked, touching the shoulder of little Mary. The girl nodded, her golden pigtails bobbing on her shoulders.

“Look at that one, Elspeth,” Bruce said. He set Jason down gently and pulled her closer to him. It still set her legs to trembling when he touched her like that, intimate, and gentle. “That’s higher than I’ve ever managed to go. Good job, Andrew.”

“He’s only going this high because his father taught him to fly a kite since he was in swaddling clothes,” she said, ruffling the boy’s hair.

“Ma!” Andrew Grant protested. “Ye’ll make me lose my kite.”

“She’s good at that, son,” Bruce chuckled.

Elspeth nudged him with her elbow, frowning at him, but couldn’t make it last. Her sunny smile returned. It couldn’t stay suppressed. Where God had granted everyone, they knew two children or more in the past twelve years the Grants had been blessed with only one. And he was perfect. At nine, Andrew Grant had his father’s build and coloring, but his mother eyes. He was smart as a whip, and compassionate to a fault. She was extremely proud of him, and he made her smile, even when she didn’t feel like it.

Yes, they really had been blessed with more happiness than grief. Touching her abdomen gently she hoped God would permit her another. The midwife had said she was four months along and that the reason she wasn’t showing was because the baby was resting horizontal on her hips.

Four months. The only child she’d carried to four months and beyond was Andrew. This gave her hope that she’d be able to keep this child.

“Bruce. May I have a word in private?” she asked.

“Of course. Is anything the matter?” he asked. “Is Charles boring the heads off people again? Or do ye need me to take the men out on a hunt to distract them from the ale kegs?”

“Nae,” she laughed. “None of that. I needed to tell ye something. I do nae want ye to get yer hopes up, but since I only just found out I cannae keep it from ye.”

“What is it, my love?” he asked, taking her hands within his. The wind buffeted against them and whipped their hair and clothes, catching at them, trying to grasp their attention, but they were looking at each other and when that happened thew world ceased to exist. “Yer worrying me.”

Elspeth sighed and it all came out in a tumble. “I’m with child.”

Bruce paled. “But… the midwife said… yer too weak. She said ye could nae-”

“I ken. But it’s a miracle, Bruce. I’m four months along.”

It was only then that Bruce allowed himself to be relieved, and somewhat happy. They had been stung so many times with disappointment and sorrow that even good news was taken with a pinch of salt, and lots of prayer.

“And yer certain ye do nae feel poorly?” he asked.

“Nae.” She cupped his cheek in her hand. “I’ve been told I look mighty bonny when I carry yer bairns.”

“Yer always bonny, my Elspeth. To me yer the most beautiful lass on earth. And ye ken that I do nae need for ye to put yer life in danger to give me bairns. I am happy with our Andrew. I am happy with our life.”

“I ken, and I made nae effort to fall pregnant which is why I feel this one will go the whole way.”

“That’s it then.” Bruce clapped his hands decisively. “Yer going to bed, young lass. And yer nae stepping out until I tell ye yer good and ready.”

“Bruce!” Elspeth laughed. “We have guests.”

“Aye, we have guests every three years. They ken all about the castle and where to get what. Last night I caught Domnhall rooting through the linen closet looking for fresh sheets. They are all our family, and they will understand why ye cannae be in attendance. Come, let me be the healer for once.”

Sighing Elspeth allowed herself to be walked back inside the castle. A lay in sounded ideal now that she thought on it. They reached their chambers, and Bruce helped her undress. Once she was in bed, he caressed her abdomen. Lying down they could see it was a little raised. He kissed her belly.

“Ye make me so happy. Ye have been naught but a fount of joy for me, Elspeth.”

“Lay with me a while, Bruce,” she said, extending her arms. “Lay with me until I fall asleep.”

Bruce lay beside her, his arm snaked protectively around her waist. Together, they dreamed a brighter future for them and their family.

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A few weeks later…

“Are ye ready then, Isbeil?” Isbeil nodded, but she breathed out with a trembling voice as she and Ailsa stood together in front of the looking-glass.

“Aye, I think so. But did ye feel this nervous when ye were about tae marry my brother?”

Ailsa grinned. “Do ye nae remember me gripping yer hand very tightly as we walked down the stairs tae meet him with the priest? But remember, ye and I are doing it taegether taeday. What makes ye so nervous?”

“It is just that our love is so new. Well, nae new, but we only newly ken about it. I worry that he will change his mind. It is so rushed!”

Ailsa chuckled and turned Isbeil around so that they were facing each other, hand in hand. “He will most certainly nae change his mind, especially when he sees just how lovely ye look, Isbeil.” Isbeil, like Ailsa, was wearing a white-gray dress, her brown hair twisted in braids around her head, and the both of them wore crowns of flowers. “He has loved ye for a long time, as ye him.”

Isbeil blushed at her sister-in-law’s words, but she also smiled. “We owe everything tae ye, Ailsa. I would never have spoken of my love if ye had nae encouraged me. And he was so worried about what Niel would think that he, too, would have kept his mouth shut. So how can I ever repay ye?”

“Isbeil, ye have already repaid me with yer love and kindness as my sister. I have never had sisters of my own, and even my cousin who came the closest tae a sister was taken from me. Ye have given me a new and loving family. Ye have welcomed me with open arms. I am only glad that I could help in some small way tae bring ye yer own happiness.”

Isbeil wrapped Ailsa in her arms when there was a knock on the door. “Are ye ready, my dears? The carriage is waiting.”

“Aye, Mother. We are!” Isbeil called, and the door opened. On the other side, Marta was looking elegant and beautiful, and when her eyes alighted on the two girls before her, she put her hand to her mouth. “My daughters. Ye are perfect and lovely. Come. This is a joyous occasion, and we shall have cause tae celebrate it.”

Ailsa and Isbeil linked arms as they rode in the open carriage to the church, not far from the castle. It was a beautiful day, and the sun was shining. There wasn’t a cloud in sight, and even though Ailsa was already well and married, she still felt nervous at the thought of marrying once more in the presence of the clan and her uncle. He had given his hearty blessing and was now attempting to woo Marta, even though he’d never admit it, but she was still nervous that all the dreams she had so recently come upon would falter, and she would be back where she’d come from: afraid, alone, and unhappy.

But Isbeil’s smiling cheer calmed her a little. “I do hope that the ceremony goes quickly so that we can get to the feast and begin tae celebrate.”

Ailsa grinned. “Perhaps there is something else ye wish tae get tae as well,” she said in a low voice so that Marta would not hear.

Isbeil’s cheeks bloomed red, and she stifled a laugh. “I cannae hide from ye, can I? Ye are quite right, but that is partially what makes me so nervous. I…I have kissed before, we have kissed, but that is nae the same as what comes after. Is it really so dreadful as what some people make out tae be? But, from our kisses, I ken that it would be very good between Kieth and me.”

She watched Ailsa with slight trepidation, and Ailsa wondered who on earth Isbeil had been speaking to about such things. For surely they were not happily coupled with their own partners and sought tae ruin a young woman’s happiness and anticipation. She patted Isbeil’s hand comfortingly and thought back to the passionate, frenzied lovemaking that she and Niel had enjoyed. It was so far from dreadful that it was laughable.

“Dearest Isbeil, I can tell ye now that it is nae dreadful at all! Ye shall enjoy yerself immensely. I promise.” She winked, and Isbeil grinned, looking ever so slightly relieved.

The church finally came into view, and both girls experienced a fresh rush of nerves as they saw the crowd gathered outside to welcome them, the two grooms waiting near the church doors, dressed in MacLean kilts and colors, their blades gleaming in the afternoon sun. Her uncle stood off to the side, a warm smile on his face. The men walked to gather the women from the cart, and Niel’s eyes were warm as he lifted Ailsa down from her seat, hands on her waist. It brought to mind the good news that she had to tell him as soon as they would be alone together.

Once she was firmly on the ground, Niel whispered in her ear. “My dear, it is nae every day that a man gets tae the woman he loves. Twice.” She shivered as he placed a quick kiss on her cheek, and she took his arm, following the procession into the church to stand in front of the priest. To be married once was one thing, but to be married again was a certain sign that their love was strong and permanent. Ailsa sighed inwardly with deep contentment and listened to the priest’s words as he bound the two couples to eternal bliss.

***

Ceremony and speeches done, Niel sat at the head of the main hall’s table, his hand touching his wife’s leg. For she was officially his wife, twice over. They were watching Isbeil and Kieth happily dance together in the center of the busy room. The whole clan had been invited, and if it were possible, the castle was near to bursting. He didn’t care. The merriment of the people very much matched his own merry mood, and absently, he lifted Ailsa’s hands to brush a kiss across her soft fingers.

He looked down at them with scrutiny, twisting and turning them in his hands. “My dear, yer fingers have proved to be skilled in many ways that I didnae expect as a man. Or yer husband.”

There was a seductive gleam in Ailsa’s eye as she leaned towards him. His body was already raging to take her to bed, but he’d promised his mother that he would remain in the hall to celebrate Isbeil and Kieth’s wedding as long as possible. “Do tell, my Laird. What skills do I possess.”

“Well,” he kissed them again, slowly this time, keeping her gaze. He was delighted when her mouth went a little slack. “Ye have proven yerself quite skilled with a sword, even after only a few lessons.”

“Thank ye,” she said with a slight bow to the head.

“Ye even proved adequate with yer fists when it came time for those lessons, too.”

She grinned. “Women have far more strength than men give them credit for.”

“I have never denied it, my love. And there is another area in which ye excel.” She blushed again, and he grinned, knowing that their connection in bed far exceeded anything he’d ever experienced before. With each new time, there was something new they learned about one another, some new height of pleasure they reached. “Yer fingers are quite adept at…stroking, lass,” he said, leaning closer. “I can honestly say that ye are far better at stroking me than I am myself.”

She made a contented sound in his ear. “Perhaps we might put that tae another test, dear husband?”

“I couldnae agree more, but I did tell my mother that I would remain in the hall while Isbeil and Kieth were here, tae celebrate their nuptials.”

Ailsa’s eyes turned to the crowd, but she frowned. “They are nae here any longer, Niel.” He looked out as well, and even though the room was quite a crush, he knew that he would be able to easily spot the other bride and groom. “Yer right. Damn. I wonder if he took my advice?”

“What advice would that be?” Ailsa asked him with narrowed eyes.”

“The advice that the room would be far too busy for anyone tae notice if they left for a little while….”

Ailsa burst into laughter. “Ye are a bad influence, Laird MacLean, but as we are about tae embark upon the same thing, I cannae say that I blame ye.” She stood, her hand still in his.

“We are?” he asked, sounding as eager as a young boy.”

“But of course. Yer promise nae longer matters, now that the bride and groom are nae even in the room tae celebrate. And I have the perfect place for us tae go.”

He watched her for a few seconds before realization dawned on him. “Och aye,” he drawled, standing up and following her out along the far wall until they reached the corridor heading to the library. “We were too hurried a few weeks ago after the battle that we forgot tae avail ourselves of this spot at the last feast.”

She giggled, and like young people, they were hurrying to the library to relieve the scene of one of their first times of heated passion once more. They were close now, and he turned his back to the door, walking backward as he drew her close to him. “Come, my love, all that talk of fingers and stroking has my mind going wild.” But outside of the doorway, his ears perked up, and he paused, his face slowly reddening.

Quickly, he moved away from the door and muttered, “That bastard.”

Ailsa frowned. “What are ye talking about?”

“Listen for yerself,” he said, nodding to her, thoroughly embarrassed. Ailsa’s eyes opened wide at the sound of a loud moan. A feminine moan of pleasure, and it sounded uncannily like Isbeil.

Ailsa covered her mouth and hurried from the door, trying to keep her laughter to a minimum. As they walked back down the hallway, hand in hand, Niel frowned. “What on earth are ye laughing at?”

“Did ye give him the exact location as well?” she asked when she could catch her breath. Niel found a small alcove and pulled her inside with him, but she kept laughing. Finally, he stopped her laughing with a kiss. Her hot mouth moved over his and stirred him instantly to attention.

“I didnae,” he said breathlessly against her mouth. “Now he has stolen it.”

“Let them be. They are newly married and in love.”

“May I remind ye that we are quite the same and in need of giving intae our desires?” He ground his hips against her, and Ailsa’s eyes flashed with desire.

“Ye donnae need tae remind me, but we will find another place tae make love this evening, I am certain of it. Now, there is something I wish tae tell ye if ye would stop being so….”

“Charming, irresistible?”

“Frustrating,” she said with a mischievous grin. Then, before he could say anything else, she took his hand and laid it upon her stomach. “I wanted tae tell ye, my love, that I am expecting. That we are tae be a mother and a father.”

The words took a few seconds to sink in, but once they did, Niel’s eyes widened, and he pulled a laughing Ailsa to him, covering her face and neck with his happy kisses. “I take it ye are happy then?”

“Gloriously so, my love,” he said between kisses. He pulled away. “I am nae hurting ye, am I?”

She frowned. “Now, ye must remind the strength of the female body. We are nae simply cotton wool that must be protected at all costs. Yet, we can still do things. So many things, even if we are with child.”

At that, he grinned, drawing her near. “Then come along. I wish tae test this statement of yers and nae within earshot of my own sister.”

“Lead the way, Laird MacLean, for, in this case, I shall happily follow.”

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Oliver waited at the castle gates, having just told the guards his identity and waiting for them to confirm it. It had taken him longer than he thought to clear up the mess that led to his disappearance. It was over a year since he had seen his sister and his friend and he had been very busy since, spending most of his time undercover at his fief and only keeping tabs on the happenings in London through a proxy.

He had let go of all his staff, making sure to leave them a hefty severance pay, and sold the house. With that, he vanished without a trace for those that wished to find him.

Around six months ago was when he first found out that Violet and Bryan were looking for him, but since he was still undercover, he was unable to show himself carelessly and was forced to ignore them. They had even gone as far as sending some men to London to look for him. It had pained him to put those poor Highlanders through the trouble of visiting London so often in search of him despite how much they disliked being there, but he figured that they would give up eventually.

He was wrong, they did not give up but instead continued to search for him to the point that it became news in the gossip mills that Oliver Salipsbery was missing. They did not find evidence that he was dead, so even though the gossip said that he was most likely dead, the news did not die down since the Highlanders did not allow a month rest without ransacking London.

It had never once crossed his mind that he was important enough to either of them that disappearing would affect their lives so he had traveled as soon as he could, thinking that they may be having problems that required him to take responsibility. Movement caught his eye from inside the gates and his eyes widened as he saw his sister running out of the castle with desperation clear in her expression.

She was looking at him through the gate, hope and doubt fighting for dominance over her features. Was she worried for him? He realized then that she probably could not recognize him since he had a full beard and was wearing a cloak. Bryan came out after her then, carrying a child on his shoulder.

Oliver felt his eyes widen and his jaw drop. Oh… they had a child… that was why they were looking for him, because they wanted him to meet his nephew. Bryan ordered the guards to open the gate and he was let in. He led his horse into the castle grounds and stood before the couple, suddenly feeling awkward.

How was he supposed to act with them again? It had been too long since he acted like a dimwitted drunk and even longer since he acted like his usual self in front of his loved ones. The disparity between the two characters was too great and as a result, Oliver found himself only able to stand and stare.

They looked good, he noted to himself. Violet’s figure had rounded out and she looked fuller, probably the result of childbirth, and her skin was flush with health and life. Bryan looked even more mature than he usually was and he looked happy, with the weight he used to carry around gone. It seemed his choice to wed them had turned out well. He was glad.

“Ye look tired, me friend,” Bryan said, finally breaking the silence.

Oliver gave him an exhausted smile. He was tired, it had been days since he slept. He had come immediately after getting the documents for the official rights to the mine including distribution and sale of the gold. He made public the revitalization of the Salipsbery viscountcy, buying back all of the land he sold at cheaper prices than he had sold them since everyone was trying to curry favor with him and at the same time were thrown off by his shrewdness.

He had also exposed the old man’s plans to kill him and take the mine. All of this had happened in the space of two weeks. He had resurfaced and turned the gossip mills upside down, only to leave London immediately, not giving them room to catch their breath or make sense of what had happened.

“I truly am,” he confessed.

Bryan stepped forward then, crossing the invisible boundary between them first and pulling him into a brotherly hug. Violet, who had tears streaming down her face, moved then, throwing herself into his arms and sobbing. He patted his sister’s hair, relief flooding him as he relaxed for the first time in a long time. Tears pooled in his eyes but he blinked them away. He had done it. It took him years but he had succeeded. He had kept his sister safe and happy, kept his life, and kept the viscountcy, shocking all those who thought the Salipsbery name would die out with his parents. He wondered if his parents would be proud of him.

“I think ye should go take a bath, I will have some maids prepare ye a hot one as well as some relaxing herbs,” Bryan said, and Oliver did not argue.

His horse was led to the stables and the few things he brought with him were taken up to the chambers he was assigned, where a steaming bath with herbs was prepared for him. He knew that it was best to hurry so he could go back to them as they no doubt had questions for him, but he could not bear to leave the bath and ended up soaking until he felt all the stress and nerves leave him.

He decided to shave his beard while he was at it and came out of the bath clean-shaven. He dressed in the clothes he had packed from his new wardrobe. Clothes worthy of a viscount. He tied his hair, which had grown quite a bit, in a ponytail and left the room looking like his true self for the first time in a long time. He was led to the dining room where an impressive spread was waiting.

“Oh, this is surprising, when were you two able to prepare all this? It is not as though you were expecting me,” he said as he sat down.

Violet blushed and Bryan laughed.

“Actually, this was only expanded lightly to accommodate ye. Ever since she had Aaron, Violet has learned to eat like a true Highlander,” he said, surprising Oliver.

It seemed Aaron was their son. He smiled then, glad that she had been able to get used to living in the highlands after all.

“How old is your son?” he asked.

“Half a moon’s cycle,” Violet said proudly, causing Oliver to smile.

It was nice to see his sister being a mother. As they ate, he explained the situation starting with what had caused him to act like a gambling addict.

“With the danger of your kidnap out of the way, all I needed to do was protect myself. It was easy to do that since taking care of you was my only real responsibility. I donned a disguise and went over to the fief to supervise the secret mining myself. Once we had enough, I was able to contact a judge our father knew and set up a meeting for the old man to expose himself. He tried to have me dragged out of the room and killed, but then the judge burst out of the next room with officers, arresting him and his men.”

Violet had tears in her eyes as she covered her mouth in surprise and Bryan just had a solemn expression with a hand on his wife’s shoulder to comfort her.

“You should have told me!” Violet said, and Oliver shook his head.

He already knew that she would be like that. “Telling you would have made you worry for no reason.”

“Well, at least if I knew, I would not have given you so much grief when you tried to marry me off. I can only imagine how much anxiety I gave you while I tried so many tricks to escape the marriage. I put you through so much, I am sorry, Brother.”

To that, Oliver said nothing. He could not comfort her and tell her it was nothing as that would be a lie, but he did accept her apology for the way she had acted. Bryan comforted his wife again, pulling her into a sideways hug. He changed the subject then.

“I am glad that ye nay longer have problems me friend. I already knew that ye were actin’ more dastardly than ye actually were, but I could never have guessed why. I am glad that everyone can see your true self now,” Bryan said.

Oliver chuckled at that. “Indeed, everyone can see my true self, the viscountcy is safe and thriving, and I have become one of the most eligible bachelors in London once again. Now that our family is restored to its glory, however, I cannot look at those nobles the same anymore. So it has become useless to me how they see me,” he said, causing Bryan to nod in a manner that said he understood where he was coming from.

“Either way, that is enough about me, I am more curious about you two. When I saw you last, Violet seemed as though she would rather throw herself off a cliff than be with you, and you were certain that you could never love someone new. So how did you two become like this? I can see the love even when I close my eyes,” Oliver quipped, lightening the mood in the hopes that Violet would stop crying.

Sensing his intent, Bryan changed the topic and narrated the story of their love, allowing Violet to pull herself together.

When the story moved to Isaac, however, Oliver’s jaw dropped. He had not been aware that Isaac had any kind of relationship with Violet. Even more shocking was what he had done. He was indignant, but his fury was swiftly cooled as he heard how Isaac was dealt with. By the end of the story, Violet was back to her normal self and the food was finished.

“Do you want to come meet Aaron?” she asked as she got up from her seat. Her eyes, which were slightly red from crying, were now shining with joy at the mention of her son.

“Yes, please,” Oliver said, going after her to meet his nephew.

It was a different kind of joy he felt, holding the small child in his arms for the first time and he felt tears running down his face before he even remembered to stop them as the lively baby grabbed unto his finger like he never wanted to let go.

“He is beautiful,” Oliver said, and it was not just him… it was everything. Everything had turned out beautiful, and Oliver knew that it would stay that way.

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Iain paced through the corridors outside of their chambers as he tried not to listen to the cries of his wife as she pushed through the process of giving birth. He was willing it to be a son, as much as he had tried to conceal that throughout the pregnancy. Iain was still set on the baby being a boy so that they would have a proper heir to the clan.

“She’s going to be all right, lad,” Bruce reassured him as he waited in the corridor with him. Bruce was leaning against the wall and trying his best to appear calm in an attempt to stop Iain from pacing so much.

“Ye dinnae ken that,” Iain quickly fired back, “I have heard many stories about this going wrong, I dinnae what I’ll do if…”

“It will all be fine,” Bruce nodded to him.

“What if it’s nae a boy?” Iain winced as he asked the question. He felt as though the stakes were so much higher than just simply what gender the baby would be. May was crying out and screaming as though she were being stabbed in the other room, and Iain felt ashamed of himself for wondering whether he would have an heir or not.

“It will be all right, lad,” Bruce tried again, “I’m sure that this will nae be the only child that the two of ye will have.”

Iain would have blushed at the comment, but there were too many thoughts whirling around in his mind for him to properly process what was being said to him.

“I should be in there,” he muttered.

“It’s nae the tradition of the clan,” Bruce warned him.

“I dinnae care, that’s my wife, that will be my child. I should be able to see how things are coming along.”

Bruce pursed his lips together and shrugged. It was clear that he had given up on trying to give the young laird any kind of advice.

Just as Iain was about to knock on the door and demand to be able to come into the room, May’s screams died down rather quickly. Iain looked to his guardian in a moment of panic as his mind started reeling to think of what could have happened to her in there. But before Iain could ask any questions, the door was opening and the healer stood in the doorway.

“Ye have a son, my laird,” he announced, causing both Iain and Bruce to exhale heavily.

However, Iain was too aware of the people that were now around him to be able to properly show the relief that he felt.

His feet weren’t properly working, and he felt Bruce’s hand on his back as he pushed him gently into the room. Iain followed the healer inside and finally saw his wife for the first time.

“May,” he breathed out, and smiled at the small bundle of cloth that she was holding to her breast.

“He’s beautiful, Iain,” May managed to say before her voice cracked and gave way to the heady emotion of the room. Iain himself felt as though he had been struck by something that he had never felt before, it was a way of thinking that he just couldn’t even put into words.

He knelt down at her bedside and looked over at the baby, who was now sleeping against her bare skin. The room was incredibly hot and stuffy, and a thin layer of sweat was clinging to May’s skin as she stroked the tiny cheeks of the baby in her arms.

“I cannae believe that he’s ours,” Iain said eventually.

“Aye, but he has yer face already. I can see ye in him,” May said.

Iain wasn’t completely convinced by her remark, but at the moment, he wasn’t completely interested in whether or not the child would grow up to look like him a lot.

“What should we call him?” May asked as Iain thought about this for a while.

This had been a question that had existed in his mind for a while. He thought about the names of great kings or lairds of their land who had done well for the Scottish people.

“What about Robert?” Iain asked, as he thought back to the man from centuries ago who had freed the Scots from the English.

“Aye, I feel as though he would suit being a Robert,” May agreed without any kind of protest to the name. “Robert Alistair MacIver,” May said his full name.

“I think it sounds great,” Iain nodded to her with a small smile.

“I love ye so much,” May said. “Both of ye,” she then glanced down at the sleeping child. “Would ye like to hold him?”

Iain’s eyes widened as he thought about this. He didn’t think that he had ever held a child before in his own two hands, and he was suddenly terrified of getting it wrong. The last thing that he wanted to do was to drop or harm the baby in any way.

“Are ye sure?”

“Aye, I will show ye what to do.”

Gingerly, Iain held his arms out and cringed slightly as May lifted up Robert to be placed into his waiting hands.

“Is this all right?” Iain questioned through gritted teeth as he made sure that Robert was supported in every way that he could.

“Aye, just put yer hand slightly lower… there ye go,” May said while sitting back and clearly admiring the view of the two of them.

Iain looked down at the small, sleeping child in his arms. He just couldn’t quite comprehend how such a small human had been made by the two of them, that the child in his arms was to grow up and be a part of their family was just so exciting.

“Ye must be exhausted,” Iain remarked as he looked back at May. However, she was already closing her eyes and dosing off to rest.

“Congratulations, my laird,” the healer said from behind him, “Yer boy is looking very healthy indeed.”

“And how is May?” Iain asked as he turned to look up at the old healer. He was being incredibly careful with how he handled Robert.

“She will be all right. As ye can see, I’m sure that she is very tired from all of that effort. I would advise to just let her rest for the next day or so, but she will be fine.”

Iain forgot that they were going to have to announce the birth to the court and the people in the nearby town.

It was going to be an announcement that was heard right through the hills and to even the smallest of villages. Iain swallowed thickly at all of the attention that this one child would gather, he was still incredibly stressed when thinking about the dangerous world that Robert was entering into. He had made many enemies during his life, and the idea of any of them coming for his child was too much to bear.

*

May awoke in the healer’s chambers the next day feeling slightly better than she had the day before, but she was still exhausted. Her body felt as though it was going to need a long time to properly readjust to what had happened to it and what she had pushed out into the world.

But she felt at ease in knowing that it was over and that there was no longer the threat of danger from the prisoners that had once been in the castle. Athol Cummings’ men had been transferred to the dungeons in Bruce’s keep. May didn’t like to give it much thought, but she did feel relieved to know that the evil was gone from the place.

They had been moved during the final stages of her pregnancy; May had become hysterical at the thought of the men breaking free while she was going into labor and had to have Iain do something about it. She felt indebted to Bruce for taking on the challenge of moving so many prisoners, it wasn’t an easy task by any means.

The king’s advisors had written back to herself and Iain, stating that they were to remain in one of the clan’s dungeons until there was a better time to begin the many trials of Athol’s men.

She smiled and turned to her right to see that baby Robert was sleeping soundly in the small cot that had been assembled for him. On her other side was her husband, who was sleeping in a chair. His neck was in a position that looked as if it was going to be incredibly stiff when he woke up.

She lay there for what felt like hours but must have really only been an hour or two. The morning light was seeping through the nearby window, giving the impression that the clan was in for another warm day during the harvest season.

“Good morning,” Iain finally grumbled, as he winced when he woke up. May smiled lightly up at him, but she could tell that he was trying to mask the pain that he felt due to the position that he had slept in.

“Good morning,” she said back to him.

“How is he?” Iain asked as he gestured with his hand over to Robert.

“He’s sleeping still. I didn’t hear him in the night, did he cry at all?”

“Aye,” Iain said with a slight grunt. It was clear that his night of sleep hadn’t been the best, but May was thankful that he had at least taken on that burden and let her sleep. She felt as though she had rested, despite the lack of energy she felt in her body.

“He wasnae too bad,” Iain tried to brush it off.

“How’s yer neck?”

“It’s going to be stiff for a while,” Iain said. “But that’s nothing compared to what ye have been through,” he remarked while trying to deflect the attention away from him.

“I’m nae sure if I’m going to be able to get up much today,” May admitted, as she thought about all of the normal meetings and appearances she was supposed to go to if it was just a normal day.

“Aye, I figured that. I’m going to go and talk with the councilmen, but it will be fine. Everyone will ken the kind of toll that this puts on yer body, nobody will expect ye to be doing anything in relation to the clan for the next few days.”

It was the reassurance that May had been craving without even realizing it. She breathed out a sigh of relief at the idea of being able to properly rest and not have to worry about the clan responsibilities.

“Thank ye,” she eventually breathed out. “I received news that my cousin will also be joining us later in the week,” May added, remembering the news that had come to her just before she went into labor.

“Aye, that will be nice to have a bit more family in the castle for a while,” Iain nodded.

Before Iain could say another word, the sound of Robert stirring in his cot caused them both to look over at him. May was still finding it difficult to come to terms with the fact that this child was the product of the two of them. This was a force of nature that she had never experienced so closely before, and May found it completely beautiful. She thought of when her parents had had her and how her father had spoken about that day.

He’d said that her mother had been so overwhelmed that she had wept even after the birth was over. She was just so pleased to have a child that she could call her own. Her father had always reinforced to her that it was never a disappointment that she had been a girl and was born first.

“Good morning, my little laird,” May whispered, as she managed to sit up and scoop Robert out of his cot. She couldn’t take her eyes off of the swaddled baby as she held him close to her. May wanted to shield him from the world outside of the castle walls, but she knew already that she wouldn’t be able to protect him from danger forever.

“I think that he actually looks a lot like ye,” Iain remarked from her side as he rubbed his neck.

“Do ye think?” May frowned as she tried to see it but failed. She was certain that the way Robert’s eyes were positioned and already the shape of his small nose were so similar to Iain’s features. “I just dinnae want him to be affected by this world,” May sighed as she turned to look at her husband.

“I ken, but he will have to go out into the world one day, be brave, and stand up for himself.”

“Is there nay way that we could protect that from ever happening?” May asked. She was desperate to guarantee the safety of her boy, even though she knew that it wasn’t likely to happen.

“I’m afraid nae. Robert will grow up to be a laird himself; he will fight in battles, he will make enemies and mistakes. There will be times when I’m sure he won’t be in the right, but we are just going to have to be there for him whenever he needs us.”

May admired how easily Iain could accept that truth, but she was different. She wanted to smother him in love and show him that she would never let the world harm him.

“We’ll do what we can,” she finally conceded. “But I will hold onto my small boy for as long as I can.”

Iain chuckled at her comment and shook his head.

“I ken that I will nae be able to get in the way of a mother’s will once it has been set, but just promise me that ye will nae let yer affection hinder him one day?”

“I promise,” May nodded. She didn’t want to shield him so that he was incapable of looking after himself, she wanted to just make sure that he was safe.

“Ye are treating him like I treat ye,” Iain remarked, with a slight smirk working its way across his lips.

“How do ye mean?”

“Well, ye are treating him as though he’s made of glass and could break at any moment. The same way that I do with ye,” Iain explained.

“I think I finally understand why ye do treat me like that though,” May remarked as she looked back down at Robert. “I could never imagine something happening to him, it would ruin me. I think it would ruin us both, Iain.”

“Aye, ye are right. But I dinnae how many more times I’m going to be able to tell ye this May; ye are going to be a great mother, and I can confidently say that with all of my heart.”

May smiled at him and leaned forward to press a chaste kiss to his lips.

“Thank ye for reassuring me,” she muttered against his lips after slightly pulling away.

“I only said it because I really do mean it,” Iain nodded to her, with a smile playing on his lips.

May pressed a kiss to Iain’s cheek, catching him off guard as he wasn’t expecting it. He turned to her with wide eyes, but a playful smile was on his lips. It was moments like that which May adored; Iain was looking at her with the kind of admiration that one might bestow upon their idol, not their wife. He had a way of making her feel so special, even when she didn’t feel it herself. May couldn’t help the way that her heart leaped and melted at the same time when she looked at him, and for the longest time, she couldn’t quite define what that sensation was. Yet it had just come to her during that moment in the great hall; it was utter happiness.

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The summer day was extraordinarily beautiful. They had decided to pack lunch and explore the meadow.

“It’s too hard!” Mary complained, her blonde curls coming loose from their braids. “I’ll never be able to learn it.”

“Now, now,” Evanna said, tucking her daughter’s hair behind her ears. “Ye just need to follow my instructions.” She picked another daisy from the pile they had collected. “Just thread the stem in like a needle. Look at Sarah.”

Sarah was on her fourth daisy chain. In the past seven years, she had blossomed into a beautiful and accomplished young woman.

“Take it slow,” she suggested. “And dinnae squeeze the stem too much. It needs to have some structure to it to slide inside.”

Mary tried again, sticking her tongue out as she concentrated. Evanna’s smile was full of affection for her only daughter. The youngest of her three children, Mary wanted to play with her brothers, but they considered themselves much too old for her babyish games.

A few yards away, Aleck was busy teaching the boys how to wrestle. Callum, their eldest, was the spitting image of Aleck. At six he acted like a young Laird, serious and earnest in doing his part well. Evanna was reminded of Aleck at the same age. It delighted her every time she saw her eldest son and how life gave you a second chance to relive your childhood with your children.

“Watch what I can do, Da!” Raymond, five, did a headstand. His little arms were only able to support him for a few seconds. He tumbled to the ground on his bottom “Did ye see, Da? Did ye?”

“I sure did.” Aleck helped him up and ruffled his sandy-brown head. “Is there any food in those baskets, Evanna? I’m a little hungry.”

“Nae,” she called back, a mischievous smile lifting twitching her lips. “We forgot to pack any food. It’s full of flowers.”

“That’s alright,” Aleck said. “I’ll just eat one of the children.”

“Oh no!” Raymond squealed with horrified delight and ran. Aleck ran after him, glowering like a hungry animal. Mary clapped in delight. Callum pretended he was too old for such silly games, but he ran as well, and laughed when he tripped on a rock and was captured by Aleck who promptly tickled him.

“Stop! Da!” Callum laughed.

“Oh wait!” Evanna called. “I think we have a few slices of cheese and bread.”

“Yer mother’s saved ye,” Aleck said, giving Callum a hand. He brushed off Callum’s clothes and walked with his sons towards the women, a deep pride in his straight back.

They were both proud of the family they had made. Laird MacLeod had delighted in every child, but ever since his death after Mary was born, Evanna hadn’t managed to conceive. It had been a source of worry for her. She wanted a large brood of children, and she knew Aleck wanted that too. But every month her time would come, and she would be hopeful for good news, but it never came.

Aleck told her that she needn’t get disheartened. They had three wonderful children, and he did not want to be greedy, but Evanna craved another child.

And just like that four years had passed without any good news.

As soon as Aleck sat down, Mary planted herself in her father’s lap. She was her father’s favorite. It was to be expected, not only was she the only daughter, she was the spitting image of her mother. Much better dressed than Evanna had been at that age, to be sure.

They ate the food Mrs. MacTavish had packed and enjoyed the cakes and a few more jaunts in the grass and then it was time to go back. Once home, Evanna busied herself tending to the children. They were bathed, given their suppers, and tucked in bed. This was her most favorite time of the day; the five minutes she got to spend individually with her children, sending them off to sleep with a kiss and a cuddle.

She felt keenly in these moments that she had longed for these moments with her mother as a child. Now she got to live them with her own children.

God had blessed her beyond her expectations. She was married to the man of her dreams, their lands were prosperous, and Aleck had proved time and again that he had been the right choice for Laird. He was fair and just and didn’t mind getting his hands dirty with his people. He had recently started construction on a school for the children where every child so inclined could study. Upon Sarah’s suggestion, he had also converted the old, abandoned shack into an apothecary where people could come with their ailments and find some cure. Glenlivet was advancing under Laird Aleck Bryce.

“Ma?” Mary asked when she tucked her under her sheets. “When I grow up will I have to marry?”

“Of course,” Evanna said. “All of ye will.”

“I willnae,” Raymond said. “I’ll go off with my horse to fight the Fae King. There’ll be dragons and kelpies, and all sorts of adventure.”

“Will there be a fair maiden that needs saving?” she asked.

“I have nae time for fair maidens,” Raymond shook his head.

“Aye,” Aleck said, joining them in their chamber. “Fair maidens have a habit of taking care of themselves,” he teased Evanna.

“Oh, Aleck,” Evanna laughed.

“Did I tell ye of the time yer mother was attacked by brigands, and I tried to save her?”

“Nae!” Callum sat up. “Tell us please.”

“Tried, is the right word.” Evanna pinched Aleck’s cheek.

“Aye. We were riding hard to save her. There were six men, all on horseback, armed with swords!” The children were captivated, their eyes so wide Evanna could see their father reflected in them. “And there she stood, a wheel spoke in her hand, shouting instructions to her party like a general marshalling her troops.

“Wham!” Aleck yelled. The children jumped in their beds. “She struck the spoke against the legs of a horse, sending one of the men toppling. Smack! They were already scarpering by the time we arrived.”

“Aye, but if ye hadnae arrived, they wouldnae have left,” Evanna said, kissing his cheek. “Ye saved me that day, in more ways than one.”

“Ye saved me,” Aleck insisted.

“Ye saved each other,” Callum said, and flopped back in bed. “Now, can we sleep?”

“Yer a right bossy nanny goat,” Evanna laughed. “Bleating us to bed, eh?”

“Baaa!” Raymond imitated a goat.

“Alright now,” Aleck chuckled. “Callum’s right.” He placed a hand on Callum’s head. “It’s time for bed.”

Each child received a kiss from both parents, then they retired to their own chamber. Evanna sat on her vanity and removed the pins. Her hair cascaded down her back. They were not as long as before, but they were thick and lustrous still.

Aleck took his position behind her and began to brush. Evanna smiled up at him through the mirror. A smile that hid secrets. Aleck was quick to spot it.

“What are ye hiding?” he asked, stroking her hair. “Out with it,” he threatened. “Or I’ll take the brush to yer behind.”

Evanna giggled, a pretty blush spreading across her cheeks. They had been married seven years, but she still felt like a new bride when he made love to her.

“If that’s the case I might hold the secret longer. Make ye work for it,” she bit her lip, smiling slyly.

“Ah ye delectable minx,” Aleck pulled her up and held her, his kiss passionate as if they were kissing for the first time. His hands clutched at her derriere and squeezed. She trembled with desire.

Their lovemaking was slow and languid, then slowly became more urgent as their need for each other grew more passionate.  Once they were done Aleck kissed her forehead, his arms lying lazily across her breast.

“Now, I’ve worked for it. Tell me yer secrets ye impertinent miss.”

Evanna ran a finger through the tangled mass of his chest hair. Prolonging the moment as much as she could. Then she couldn’t keep it in any longer. She placed her lips next to his ears and said, “I’m with child.”

Aleck’s arm stiffened around her chest. He clutched her close. “Are ye certain?” he asked.

“Aye. It’s been four months since I bled last.”

“Evanna! Oh, this is wonderful news!” He kissed her forehead, her eyes, her nose, her cheeks, and every inch of her face. “Ye’ve made me the happiest man!”

“Ye say that every time I’m with child.”

“That’s because it’s true,” he laughed. “Yer a miraculous fount of good fortune and happiness for me, Evanna. I cannae thank God enough for ye.”

“I feel much the same for ye.”

“Do ye, exactly?” he asked.

Evanna felt the hard bulge of his desire pressing into her thigh. The news had excited him again. Evanna laughed.

“Aye,” she said, kissing the tip of his nose. “Exactly the same.”

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Adelleine read the letter in her hands a few times, though she didn’t know why. Perhaps it was sentimentality, she thought, or perhaps her pregnancy was making her forget what she was reading, what she was doing, even what she was saying sometimes.

“What does it say?” Fin asked.

The two of them were the first to wake up that day, and they were having breakfast together as they waited for everyone else to join them. It was then that one of the servants had brought Adelleine the letter, and she had opened it to find out that it was from none other than her aunt.

At Fin’s question, she began to read it aloud, a small smile appearing on her lips.

Dear Adelleine,

I cannot expect you to forgive me for what I did. I can only apologise for what I have done and ask for your forgiveness, and hope that you shall offer it to me. You must believe me, though, when I say that I did not know about the baron’s cruelty, or I would have never pushed you to marry him. I care about you as though you are my own, and the only reason why I wanted you to marry the baron was because we needed the money. It is not a good enough excuse, but none could ever be enough. If you choose to forgive me, then I ask you to please reply to my letter. I wish to hear  from you, to know that you are well.

 Yours,

Aunt Victoria

 P.S. Tell Fin to write me more often. I miss him dearly, and if he does not come to visit, then he can at least write to me.

“And tell him to stop being such an annoying little fool,” Adelleine added once she finished reading the letter, just because she liked to tease Fin after a childhood of being teased by him.

“It does not say that,” Fin said, but the way that he snatched the letter from her hand and read it on his own told Adelleine that he had at least some doubts.

“You should go and visit her, Fin,” she told him, “She must miss you very much . . . she always talked about you when I lived with her.”

“And what about you?” Fin asked, quickly turning the subject back to her, as though he didn’t wish to discuss visiting his mother, “What will you do?”

“Well, I can’t go visit her, can I?” Adelleine asked, as she pointed at her ever-growing belly. She was too pregnant to travel, especially such a long distance, and she wouldn’t be able to travel for a while after giving birth. “Perhaps I can tell her to visit.”

“You want her to come here?” Fin asked, “Adelleine, I love my mother just as much as any person loves their mother, but she is not the kind of woman that you want around for too long, especially not when you’re pregnant.”

“Fin, it’s alright,” Adelleine assured him, “I’m sure that now that I’m married to Magnus, she’ll be much more pleasant to be around.”

“She’ll ask you for money,” Fin warned her.

“I’m sure I can spare some money for her,” Adelleine said, “She took care of me when I had no one else. I don’t blame her for what she did. She had so many children to raise, it’s not as though she spent that money on dresses and hats. She did what she had to do.”

“So, you’ve forgiven her?”

“There’s nothing to forgive,” Adelleine said with a small shrug, “I understand her. I can’t imagine what I would do if we didn’t have the means to raise Fergus and this little one. And she raised us all well.”

There was a pause between them as Fin considered her words. In the end, he tossed the letter on the table with a sigh, reaching up to run his hand through his hair.

“I suppose you’re right,” he said, “And she is my mother . . . perhaps I’ll visit her soon. But first, we must write her some letters.”

“You can go right ahead and do that,” Adelleine said, “I can’t possibly walk to the study these days . . . I wobble like a cow.”

“Now, now . . . a lady cow, at worst,” Fin said, much to Adelleine’s chagrin, as he stood and gave her a pat on the shoulder, “I’ll bring you a pen and some paper, alright? You won’t even have to move.”

“Fine, fine,” Adelleine said, “I’ve heard enough of you. Now go.”

Adelleine spent the next several minutes enjoying her breakfast alone, something that she had come to appreciate ever since she had gotten pregnant, as she could be as unladylike as she wanted. She didn’t have to worry about people watching her as she ate, and she didn’t need to worry about mean-spirited comments, which were the norm in castles, it seemed to her.

Her peace was soon disturbed, but Adelleine didn’t care when she saw it was Magnus and Fergus approaching her. In fact, she would much rather be with them than be alone, she decided, and when Fergus offered her a freshly picked daisy, Adelleine didn’t think she could be any happier.

“I took it from the gardens!” Fergus announced, “I asked Dadaidh if I could pick it for ye, and he said aye, but only one.”

“Thank you, Fergus,” Adelleine said, as she pressed a kiss on the top of his head.

Soon, he would be too tall for her to reach while she was sitting, she noticed, and the realisation brought a tear to her eye, much to Fergus’ and Magnus’ confusion.

“What is it?” Magnus asked, as he rushed to her, placing a hand on her stomach, “Is it the bairn?”

Adelleine shook her head, waving dismissively at him as she tried to get him to stop fussing over her. “No, no . . . everything is fine,” she assured them, “I just . . . he’s growing up so fast, Magnus. Look at him! Before you know it, he’ll be as tall as you.”

“I will?” Fergus asked, suddenly excited at the idea that he would be the size of an adult one day.

“Aye, ye will,” Magnus said, ruffling the boy’s hair with a hand, “And Mamaidh will be so happy that she’ll cry again.”

The look that Adelleine gave Magnus was one that could kill, but he simply smiled at her, giving her a small shrug. Adelleine couldn’t deny that ever since she had become pregnant, she had become much more emotional, but she didn’t consider that a bad thing. She was simply living life to the fullest, she told herself, feeling every single emotion as strongly as humanly possible.

Perhaps a little too strongly at times.

“Well . . . Aunt Victoria wrote,” she informed Magnus, eager to change the subject, “She said that she wished to apologise for everything.”

“Is that so?” Magnus asked, as the maids brought him and Fergus their plates of freshly cooked breakfast, “And what will ye tell her?”

“There is nothing to forgive,” Adelleine told Magnus, just as she had told Fin, “I understand why she did what she did.”

“And yet, she could have caused much more damage,” Magnus reminded her.

“No, Magnus,” Adelleine said, “None of it was her fault. She did was she thought was best for me . . . for everyone. Everything that happened was the baron’s fault. He is the one who couldn’t accept my decision.”

Magnus couldn’t argue with that, it seemed to Adelleine, and so he remained silent, until Fin returned with a pen, some ink, and some paper, just as he had promised, setting it on the table in front of Adelleine.

“I will also tell her that she is welcome to visit,” Adelleine said, as she began to write her letter, but she stopped when she heard Magnus’ fork clatter on his plate.

“Do ye wish for her to visit?” he asked her.

“Yes,” Adelleine said, “Why not?”

Magnus hesitated for a moment. Adelleine watched him glance at Fin, who shook his head at him slightly, so slightly that it was almost imperceptible. Crossing her arms over her chest, Adelleine frowned at the two of them, but Magnus simply smiled at her, reaching across the table and taking her hand in his.

“Of course, she is welcome to visit,” he assured her.

“We’ll just make sure to hide the valuables,” Fin joked, forcing a laugh out of Magnus. Even Adelleine couldn’t help but laugh, though she tried to stop herself from doing so, thinking that it wasn’t proper.

She wouldn’t be surprised if her aunt tried to leave the castle with some silverware, though. Mrs. Blair would be furious if she found her silverware missing.

The rest of their breakfast was spent in a comfortable silence, the three of them making small talk, Adelleine engaging Fergus in conversation every time that the boy seemed to be bored and in need of a stimulus. Just when they were about to continue with their day, though, Isla burst into the room, throwing the doors wide open.

“I’m gettin’ married!” she announced to the room, rushing inside to wrap her arms around Adelleine, a huge, bright smile on her face. Hendry followed soon after, walking into the room with a smile of his own, though nothing could match Isla’s enthusiasm.

“You’re a lucky man, Hendry,” Fin told him, as he shook the man’s hand.

“Aye, and yer dead if ye dinnae get those thoughts about me Isla out of yer head,” Hendry said with a scowl, much to Adelleine’s and Magnus’ amusement.

“Surely, you don’t mean that,” Fin said, glancing back and forth between Adelleine and Magnus, “Surely, he doesn’t mean that, right? Right?”

“I don’t know, Fin,” Adelleine said, “I wouldn’t take anything that Hendry says lightly.”

“He’s killed men for less,” Magnus added, and he laughed as he watched Fin squirm and go pale. He patted him on the back, hard enough to make him curl over the table, though Fin didn’t seem to mind. “We’re only jokin’, lad. Hendry has never hurt a fly.”

That was certainly not true, and Adelleine was well aware of it, but she refrained from telling Fin, as the man was already scared enough of Hendry as it were. Instead, she finished writing her letter, handing it back to Fin to seal it and hand it to a messenger along with his own, and then she went about her day, which mostly included listening to Isla talk about her upcoming wedding.

She was more than happy to listen to her, though. Isla was excited for it, and that made Adelleine excited, too, to the point where the two of them spoke about it all day.

By the time Adelleine made it to bed, she was exhausted, as she usually was those days, having to carry the weight of the baby around with her. It didn’t take long for Magnus to join her, and once he was next to her, she scooted up against him, grabbing his hand and making him wrap it around her.

Magnus laid his hand on her stomach, as he always did at nights. Adelleine was happy to indulge him, and the two of them stayed like that for a while, enjoying the moment in silence.

Then, the baby kicked, and Magnus all but jumped out of the bed, mouth hanging wide open.

“I felt a kick!” he shouted, loud enough for the entire castle to hear, “Adelleine, I felt a kick!”

“Yes, I heard you,” Adelleine said, unable to hold back a soft laugh, “Have you never felt the baby kick before?”

“Nay!” Magnus said, “Does it do that a lot?”

“Yes,” Adelleine said, “Some days, it’s all that she does.”

“She?” Magnus asked, raising an inquisitive eyebrow, “How do ye ken that it’s a she?”

“Mother’s intuition,” Adelleine said with a small shrug.

The truth was that she didn’t know, but she hoped. They already had a son, after all. Now, she wanted a daughter.

“Weel, what if it’s a laddie?” Magnus said, “Ye cannae ken until it’s born.”

“I suppose we’ll have to wait and see,” Adelleine said, as Magnus settled down behind her once more, holding her close, “And if this one is a girl, perhaps the next one will be a boy.”

“Yer plannin’ far ahead, I see,” Magnus said, as he rested his chin on Adelleine’s shoulder, pressing a soft kiss on her skin, “How many bairns are ye aimin’ for?”

“Oh, I don’t know . . . a few,” Adelleine said with a shrug. She had grown up in a big family, after all, and she couldn’t imagine having only two or three children. “How many do you think we can have before we go insane?”

“Half,” Magnus said.

Adelleine laughed at that, shaking her head at her husband. “You’re very dramatic,” she said, “Well, we already have two, so you’d better get used to it.”

“Aye, I suppose yer right,” Magnus said, “And what about Fin? Have ye found him a lass yet?”

“Is it my duty to find him a woman?”

“Ye said ye would.”

“I didn’t mean I’d hold a contest for him!” Adelleine said, “I only meant that if someone comes up, then I will make sure to introduce them.”

“Weel . . . I might have just the lass,” Magnus said, and that caught Adelleine’s attention, urging her to turn to look at him, “She’s the daughter of the man who trained me as a warrior when I was a bairn. He’s a verra good commander, and she’s a verra kind lass. Bonnie, too. She’s close to Fin’s age, I believe.”

“How come she’s not married?” Adelleine asked.

“Apparently, she told her faither that she’ll only marry for love, and nothin’ that he says to her can change her mind, I thought that ye could perhaps . . . arrange a meeting.”

“Oh, I see,” Adelleine said, a conspiratorial smile on her lips, “Very well, I’ll invite her to the castle, and I’ll tell Fin to be nice.”

“What would I do without ye?” Magnus asked, mumbling against her lips as he kissed her, “What would I do if ye hadnae come into me life?”

“You’d have Hendry,” Adelleine said, “The two of you were all but married when I met you.”

“Aye, but Hendry doesnae have these,” Magnus said, as his hand grabbed one of Adelleine’s breasts, much to her surprise.

“Magnus!” she chastised him, but she couldn’t stop herself from laughing at his antics.

“Do ye still love me, lass?’

“Of course, I love you,” Adelleine said, “There will never be a time when I won’t love you.”

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