Chapter 20
CHAPTER TWENTY
Arran kept his word, and by first light, everyone was roused from their sleep. Horses were saddled, and a team was hitched to the two wagons that carried Lilias, her family, and the servants. Helena chose to ride with Lilias, but Skye insisted on riding with Arran.
“The clan expects Lilias to return as their new Lady,” Skye explained to Arran as they rode ahead of the group. “I’m certain Magnus and Colin have told them that the wedding didnae happen, but seeing her and Maither together, united, will help yer case.”
Arran nodded in agreement, but then he asked, “How many of Blackwell’s clansmen will be distressed to hear of his passing? I cannae believe why anyone would want to live under his rule.”
Skye thought it over. “I think that most will be glad he’s gone.
But there are some that he paid well to protect him and his secrets.
They willnae take kindly to losing their main source of income.
And then there are some who will want to choose their next leader.
Ye and I have been married a very short time.
They daenae ken ye, Arran. And for that, they willnae trust ye. ”
Skye appreciated the respect her husband clearly had for her. It was unusual for a husband and wife to discuss political matters so thoroughly together, but Arran had long since learned that Skye knew more than she let on. He listened to her, and she was grateful.
Over three hours had passed when they finally approached the gates of Castle MacKeith, and everyone grew quiet. A crowd had gathered. Word of the canceled wedding and the fight between the two Lairds had clearly spread rapidly.
The people of Clan MacKeith looked apprehensive, and they waited in tense anticipation. The horses and wagons entered the courtyard, and Arran scanned the area for Magnus and Colin.
Skye felt as worried as everyone else. She was relieved when she saw them exit the keep and join Arran. He dismounted, and she quickly did the same.
“Do they ken what happened at the kirk?” Arran asked as he approached Magnus.
Magnus nodded. “I told them everything, me Laird. I didnae leave out the most wee of happenings.”
“Good,” Arran uttered. “There will be nae secrets.”
Skye smiled with pride as he purposefully climbed up the stairs and paused at the top. If not for the sound of horses pawing and rattling their bits, the courtyard would have been deathly silent.
She followed him and stood by his side.
Arran’s steady voice carried over the crowd and beyond.
“People of Clan MacKeith, I stand here before ye as the victor in a fight I didnae want. Laird MacKeith was accused of violence against his wife and refused to surrender himself to the council to answer for the crimes he’d committed.
He threatened to kill me wife. He fought bravely, but I was victorious—Laird MacKeith is nay more. ”
Everyone started talking at once. Skye tried to read the faces of the clan members near her—some clearly showed relief and gratitude, while others looked guarded and unsure.
“Yer council enforcer has given a detailed account of what happened. And Lady MacKeith, her daughter Skye, and Mary, a loyal servant here at Castle MacKeith, can attest to what he said.”
Many were told that Helena was alive, but whispers rippled through the crowd when Arran mentioned her name. Skye was happy to see so many in the crowd smile when Helena joined her and Arran at the top of the steps. Shouts of “That’s her!” and “She is alive!” rang out in the air.
Magnus stepped forward, his voice strong and steady.
“People of Clan MacKeith, it is true that yer Laird has fallen, but I must emphasize that the decision of who shall lead ye next doesnae rest with one man alone. The local council members have been summoned and will convene post haste. This decision will be made in accordance with our traditions and laws. In the meantime, I am available to mediate any disputes and answer any questions.”
“The council has reached a decision,” the council leader announced, his voice carrying the weight of authority.
The council had deliberated for hours, leaving the people waiting in tense anticipation outside.
Skye bit her nails, her body as stiff as a board as she awaited their decision.
When they finally exited the castle and stood at the top of the steps, she held her breath in case she missed an important detail.
“We have considered the words of Laird MacArthur and the support he has garnered. It is clear that he is committed to the well-being of both clans and has the strength to lead us through these times of change. Our recommendation is that Laird MacArthur governs both clans.”
Skye’s shoulders dropped as her tensions eased. She breathed a sigh of relief and had to bite back a yelp of joy.
The crowd did not protest or grumble, but there was no celebration either. They were unsure, and she did not want her relief to come across as gloating.
She made her way through the crowd to her husband. They were safe now. Their life was secure.
Candles flickered, casting a warm, golden glow over the room. The scent of lavender and rosemary filled the air, and a soft breeze blew through the curtains. After the good news, they had traveled back to Castle MacArthur and were finally settling into their new life.
Arran took Skye’s hand, leading her up to his mother’s special window.
It offered a breathtaking view of the full moon and star-filled sky.
They both stood there, taking in the scents and the quiet after leaving the noise-filled Great Hall.
A comfortable seat, just right for two, a rug, a candelabra and case of books make the tiny space warm and inviting.
“When did ye have a chance to do all of this, Arran?” Skye asked, waving her hand around the room. It was beautiful, and she could feel that it was just for her.
“I snuck away for a few minutes while ye were with yer maither this afternoon. I’m glad to hear ye barely noticed,” Arran admitted. “I wanted it to be like that night on the roof.”
Skye remembered that night fondly. The picnic he had put together for her. The fun they’d had.
She crossed the room to the small table where a bowl of raspberries sat and popped one in her mouth. He joined her.
“Is yer real hair color this red?” he asked, holding up a berry.
“Not quite that color, but it’s definitely red. It has started to grow out some. Ye can see its true color a bit at the roots.”
“I cannae wait to see it red down to the ends,” he said, popping the berry in his mouth and twirling a strand of her hair around his finger. “Does it remind ye of our night on the roof?”
“Aye. I cannae believe that was almost a month ago now. I just question, with all that’s happening, how ye had time to even consider romance, husband.”
He tilted his head to the side. His lips parted a little in consideration and then curled into a smile.
“This… ye… are all I’ve thought about since we made our way home, Skye. I’ve wanted to have ye to meself for days now. I’ve waited a long time.”
Skye lowered her chin and looked up at him through her eyelashes. She knew he had been desperate to touch her again. And she was just as eager to feel him.
“Ye mean to… here? Now?”
Arran answered by pulling her into his arms and lowering his mouth to hers.
His kiss began tender, but soon his lips pressed hard against hers, and any thoughts of clans and councils flew out her head. Her mind filled with the peace and excitement that he often stirred inside her.
He grabbed her by the waist and lifted her into his arms, wrapping her legs around his back and cupping her buttocks in his hands.
As they kissed, Skye allowed her hands to rove over his strong, chiseled body.
His back was lean and firm, and his muscles rippled beneath her fingers.
She trailed her fingers up his neck and wound them into the back of his hair.
She tugged once, remembering that night in her bedchamber.
How she had gripped his hair and pressed his face into her sex as he worked his magic on her, making her body sing with pleasure.
Warm wetness pooled in her core, heralding her desire.
He slowly began to walk her over to the chaise that sat opposite the window. He pushed her down gently and began to undress her slowly, watching each piece of clothing fall away intently, as if savoring every part of her. The desire in his eyes stirred hers.
Now that she was naked from head to toe, Skye set about removing his clothes, pulling his shirt over his head, revealing his strong chest and ridged abdomen. Then her fingers worked deftly to unbuckle his belt and unfasten his kilt.
His body shook when his manhood was revealed. He took his boots and socks off, and finally, they were both bare.
Skye feasted her eyes on his broad muscular chest and ran her hands and up his neck, feeling the throbbing veins as she pulled him in for another kiss. Then she trailed her lips down his neck, nibbling and sucking gently.
But Arran was hungry. He pulled away, and his lips traced a path across her collarbones, down to her breasts, and finally they closed around her nipple and sucked gently. She gasped and arched into him, digging her fingers into his shoulders. He took his time, savoring the taste of her.
His hand ventured lower and delved into her folds.
Expertly, his fingers stroked her sex until the small nub of her desire hardened.
He circled the tip of his finger over it again and again, causing her to arch her back and moan loudly.
At the same time, he continued sucking on her nipples and kneading her breasts, until a cry tore out of her lips.
Her release surprised her with its intensity, washing over her entire being and leaving her in a state of total euphoria. As she lay there, spent, he kissed her lips, her cheeks, and her breasts.
Skye had barely caught her breath when his mouth moved lower down her belly and then between her legs.
“Arran, what… What are ye doing?” she gasped.
“Hush,” he breathed, and she found herself leaning over him.
Even now, the intimacy of his touch stunned her, but his tongue worked a spell on her nether region that rendered her speechless. He licked up her slit, and when he found the already swollen and stimulated nub, she threw her head back and let out a cry.
“Arran…” she moaned as the motions of his tongue grew firmer and faster, until he finally slid one finger inside her.
Her body melted under his touch, and she closed her eyes as he worked both pleasure centers. Her moans grew louder and more desperate, until finally her hips bucked off the chaise, her eyes dark with pleasure.
Arran rose up and lay over her. She felt his rock-hard manhood press against her stomach. He brushed her hair from her face and kissed her lips.
“Was that nice?”
“Uh-huh,” was all she could muster, but her smile told him everything he needed to know. She was lost in a torturous limbo of need and passion.
He reached down and slid his fingers inside her again, gently stroking her.
“Arran, take me, please,” she begged, wanting to feel him wholly.
He smiled and guided the tip of his member to her entrance. He rubbed softly at first, coating himself in her wetness, and her walls clenched, yearning for him.
Finally, Arran thrust inside her. The feel of her tight sheath around his swollen member ignited something inside him. His face contorted as he fought for self-control.
Skye could not be still, thrusting her hips up and down, slow at first but then faster and faster. Arran matched each thrust again and again, and finally, with a cry, they climaxed together.
Skye wasn’t able to move, and Arran made no effort to do so. He lay over her, but he was careful to keep his weight off her.
A full minute passed before Skye whispered, “I love ye, Arran.”
She felt him smile against her shoulder, and he finally moved up to lay beside her and look into her eyes.
“I love ye too, Skye,” he replied, his voice equally soft. “For now and always.”
They fell asleep wrapped in each other’s arms.
Skye awoke to Arran’s tender kisses.
“I must get up, me love,” he whispered in her ear. “There’s much business to attend to. But ye stay here as long as ye like.”
He rose from the chaise, and Skye enjoyed the view of his backside as he dressed.
“Take yer time, Arran. I like what I’m seein’ here.”
Arran turned to her, grinning. “Saucy wench. Keep lookin’ at me that way, and I’ll be joinin’ ye back on the chaise.”
Skye’s eyes went wide. “Ye think that’s a threat?” she teased.
Arran laughed. “Aye, wife. Again and again. Let me do me business, and I’ll show ye!”
Skye, still not believing him, picked up a small pillow and hurled it at his head. Arran ducked around the corner as he pulled his tunic over his head.
Skye lay back on the chaise, wondering if this was real. She pinched herself hard and yelped.
I’m awake.
She never thought finding true love was possible. In fact, just a few short weeks ago, she never thought she’d be married and safe. But here she was, married to a laird, feeling safe, and she loved him. She smiled contentedly.
But there was no reason to lie around all day. She did have duties. She was the clan’s healer now. She threw on her dress and walked down to her chamber.
Our chamber.
She pulled out a clean dress but then stopped. It’d been days since she’d last bathed. She grabbed a bar of soap and a drying cloth, and she rushed downstairs, resolving to bathe quickly.
The scent of baked bread invaded her nostrils, and as she exited the keep through the door that led into the gardens she waved to Astrid.
Within minutes, she was wading into the loch, and sighing as the cold water enveloped her body. She sat with her eyes closed and listened to the birds chirping, but then she heard a branch snap.
She turned quickly, hoping she wasn’t going to be discovered by whoever was coming her way, but she saw no one. She listened again and looked around, but no one came down the path. So, she returned to her soak.
She screamed when she felt a hand grab her ankle under the water. She thrashed and kicked with all her might, trying to make it to the shore.
Whatever held her finally broke the surface of the water.
“Arran!” she yelled and splashed him right in the face. “Ye nearly scared me to death!”
The man had the nerve to laugh, and then he pulled her into his arms and planted a soft kiss on her lips.
“Why are ye nae tending to yer business, me Laird?” she asked coyly.
“I decided I needed to instruct ye on a few things, me Lady,” he replied in the same tone.
“And what might that be?”
“I’m here to show ye just how ready I am for another around.”
And he did.