Chapter 5 #2
Moira felt a pang in her heart again. Was that all he cared about? It was certainly a noble attitude and one that should be commended, especially from a Calbraith, but was that all she meant to him? Was he interested in getting to know her? Did he care about her at all?
The world became a blur as she was spun around in the arms of her husband. Her world now was filled with laughter, gleeful smiles, and him. The rest of the hall melted away, as did the rest of the clan. The music lifted them up. Every instinct in her body told her that she needed to be with him.
It was as though she was possessed with some ethereal force. Nothing like it had ever happened to her before and it was quite overwhelming, although not entirely unwelcome. The surge of emotion and energy made her feel warm. Her skin glowed and soon enough, her face was aching from smiling so much.
She was out of breath when she returned to her table. Niall took a huge swig of ale and then slammed the mug down in triumph. It was then that Marcas came to their table. Moira’s heart ached, as she knew that this was going to be goodbye.
“It’s time I get on my way. I want tae get home before it’s tae late,” Marcas said.
“Ye can always stay another night,” Niall offered.
“Thank ye, but I want tae get home tae Kirsten and the wee ones,” Marcas then turned to Moira. “Ye looked beautiful taeday. I’m glad ye are happy, Moira. I hope that ye can always keep smiling.”
“I’ll dae everything in my power tae make sure she does. Dinnae worry Marcas, yer wee sister is in good hands,” Niall said as Moira blushed. He placed his hand on hers and squeezed. Moira swooned and looked down at how his larger hand encompassed hers, as though it was swallowing hers up.
She felt a knot in her stomach and a lump in her throat, but they weren’t the kind borne from fear. On the contrary; her body was excited for what came next.
Marcas departed, and while Moira was filled with sorrow, she tried to be pragmatic about the situation and accept that this was the way things had to be.
There was no point in wasting her time moping about the life she had lost because she could not return to the Monroe clan.
She was a Calbraith now, and this was her home.
The celebration continued. The musicians didn’t seem to tire at all.
Everyone was in good spirits and the Calbraith home wasn’t at all what she expected.
After all she had heard about them over the years, she thought it would be a tomb of horrors, but instead, they were just ordinary people like the ones in her clan.
The hours dwindled and people began to leave the feast. Isobel was laughing, telling a story that had captured the attention of a number of men. Given how a few women were sitting nearby, scowling, it was obvious that the men had been drawn to her.
Jamie had barely moved from the table of food, watching everything like a hawk. Moira didn’t think she had seen him dance or speak to anyone else the entire night.
“This haes been a wonderful evening, but I think it’s time we retired,” Niall said.
He rose and offered his hand. She took it, her heart thumping.
She swallowed her nerves and smiled shyly as they walked out of the feasting hall and through the cold, empty hallways of the castle.
It was almost time for their wedding night.
Moira had heard about the union between a man and a woman.
The kitchen maids always gossiped freely and didn’t seem to care much who overheard what they had to say.
Some said it was the most wonderful thing in the world, while others said that it hurt.
Some loved it, while others said it was just simply a way to produce children. Moira wasn’t quite sure what to expect.
All she knew is that when she looked at Niall, she was overwhelmed with a feeling to be close to him. This overpowering feeling wasn’t something she could deny or push aside, though she wasn’t sure she wanted to. It felt natural, so she embraced it.
They arrived at Niall’s chambers. It was far more decorative than what she had been given for her first night in the castle.
There were candles burning to offer light, while a wreath hung over the bed just as in the other room.
There were other flowers here too, offering a light scent.
A fur rug was on the floor in front of the fireplace, and the bed was wide.
Armor hung on the wall, as did an ax. There was also a jug of ale.
Niall poured himself a mug and offered the jug to Moira, who declined. He shrugged and came towards her, toasting to a future that they could share together. As the candlelight illuminated his features, Moira was quite certain that he had been plucked from a dream she had once.
He stroked her cheek with the back of his fingers; tingles rushed through her like a tidal wave. He stood tall, yet not out of reach.
“Well, we are married now. I’m happy that my wife is such a lovely lass.”
“And I’m happy that my husband is such a cheerful man, and handsome tae,” Moira replied, unable to hide the trembling anticipation that came with her words.
Niall smiled and took her hand, bringing it to his lips.
He placed a soft kiss and then gazed deeply into her eyes.
The air seemed to shimmer, and inside there was a deep ache.
Moira knew that something was going to happen, and even so, she was wholly unprepared for the fire that erupted within her soul.