Epilogue #2
"Aye, it daes. Especially when one of our braithers gets intae a proper war. But by the time yer messengers had arrived and we had prepared tae leave, we got a message it was all over!" Archibald was next, his hug gentler. "Heard ye took quite a beatin'."
"I've had worse."
"Liar." But Archibald was smiling. "Where's yer lovely wife? I want tae hear her version of events. Bet it's more accurate than yers."
Elinor had risen to greet them, and was immediately swept into embraces by all four men.
"Elinor," Euan said warmly. "Glad tae see ye in one piece. David was dreadfully vague in his message about the extent of the attack."
"That's because he didn't want you to worry," Elinor replied.
"We came anyway, if a bit late." Lachlann gestured to the hall. "Figured ye could use some backup. And some friendly faces at the celebration."
"We're grateful ye're here." David gestured to the seats being hastily added to the high table. "Join us. Eat. And then ye can tell me what's been happenin' in yer own lands."
The Covenant brothers settled in, immediately being served food and drink. Their presence transformed the atmosphere—their easy camaraderie, their jokes and stories, drew others in.
"So," Calum said after his first drink. "Tell us about Langley. We heard bits and pieces, but I want the full story."
David exchanged a glance with Elinor. "He attacked with about two hundred men. Tried to breach the walls while infiltrators moved inside to take Elinor."
"Ambitious." Archibald's expression was serious. "And dangerous. How many did ye lose?"
"Twelve defenders. Another twenty wounded, but they'll recover." David's jaw tightened. "It could have been worse."
"It could have been much worse," Tristan interjected. "If the laird hadnae figured out the infiltrators were the real threat."
"Malcolm figured it out," David corrected. "And sent one of the guards tae me.”
"Malcolm?" Euan looked impressed.
"The steward who used to be a warrior," Elinor said. "Before he decided administrative work was less likely to get him killed. He actually saved me from several infiltrators before David even knew what was happening."
"Clearly that worked out well," Lachlann said.
They talked through the meal, sharing details of the battle, of the infiltrators, of Langley's death. The Covenant brothers listened intently, asking questions, offering their own insights from similar situations they'd faced.
"The important thing," Euan said finally, "is that ye're both safe and the castle stands. And ye've sent a message tae anyone else who might have similar ideas."
"What message is that?" Elinor asked.
"That David MacDonald protects what's his. And anyone foolish enough tae threaten it will pay dearly." Euan raised his cup. "Tae Keppoch. Tae the MacDonalds. And tae marriages that are worth fightin' fer."
"Hear, hear!" The others raised their cups.
David caught Elinor's eye across the table. She was smiling, relaxed in a way he hadn't seen since before the siege. Surrounded by people who cared about her. Safe in the home they'd defended together.
Worth fighting for, indeed.
The celebration continued late into the night. Musicians played, people danced, stories were shared and embellished with each retelling.
David stayed at the high table, content to watch rather than participate. His shoulder ached, a constant reminder of the battle. But it was a good ache. The ache of survival. Of victory.
"Ye look contemplative," Elinor said, sliding into the seat beside him. She'd been circulating through the hall, talking to clanspeople, but had finally returned to his side.
"Just thinkin'."
"About?"
"About how much has changed. Since that auction." He turned to look at her. "I bought ye tae avoid the Crown’s control. Tae prove I could make me own choices."
"I remember." Her voice was soft.
"But somewhere along the way, it stopped bein' about control or choice. It became about ye. About us." He took her hand. "I never expected tae actually care about the woman I married. Never expected tae fall in love."
"David." Her eyes were bright.
"I'm glad I was at that auction," he continued. "I'm glad Langley was a pompous arse. I'm glad everythin' happened exactly as it did. Because it brought ye here. Tae me. And I cannae imagine me life any other way now."
"You're going to make me cry in front of everyone."
"Then cry. I dinnae care." He lifted her hand to his lips. "Ye're me wife. Me partner. The best thing that ever happened tae me. And I want everyone tae ken it."
She leaned in and kissed him, soft and sweet. Around them, the celebration continued, but in that moment, it was just the two of them.
When they finally broke apart, Elinor rested her forehead against his.
"I love you," she whispered.
"I love ye too, lass. Always will."
"Forever?"
"Ferever."
The celebration went on around them, music and laughter and the warmth of clan and friends, but David barely noticed.
He had everything he needed right there. His home. His clan. His wife.
His future.
And for the first time in longer than he could remember, David MacDonald felt truly, completely at peace.
But there’s more…