Chapter 20 #3
“I’ve lots of practice at that. Now, off ye go to Siobhan. Ye’ll need that new dress.”
Anders surveyed the revelry in the great hall, a gathering so large it spilled out into the bailey.
“Ye and yer mother ken fine how to celebrate a wedding,” he told Ailsa, who sat next to him at the head table dressed in silk the color of heather that bloomed on the hills in the summer.
It made her luminous skin glow, putting him in mind of tales he’d read in her book of fairies and sprites, fae of the kinder and happier variety.
She was so beautiful, it almost hurt to look upon her, but he couldn’t take his gaze from her.
“’Tis a miracle it came together at all. I feared Da would still object, but Mother has always had a way with him.”
“I realized once I was outside the gate that yer da allowed all of this to happen. He could have done much more to prevent it, to harm us, to discover who helped us, but he’s done naught.
If that is due to yer mother, I’m grateful for her support.
And the way she has with him,” he added and grinned at his bride.
“Do ye think to have such a way with me?”
“Aye, of course,” Ailsa told him with an answering grin. Then she sobered. “I hope she and Da can unite in bringing Boden around. Else when it comes time for him to become laird, Sinclair could be at war with everyone.”
“I havena seen him since …”
“Da confined him to his chamber.” She frowned, then an evil grin lit her face. “I wouldha locked him in the dungeon. ’Tis the best place for him.”
“Would yer da punish him that way?”
“He should. Boden should be embarrassed about what he tried to do to ye. And fear what yer da might do to him.”
“Perhaps he’ll grow out of it, aye? He’s short-tempered and impetuous, but age and experience have been known to mitigate both of those traits.
” Anders knew he was giving Boden much more grace than he deserved, especially after he’d threatened to toss Anders over the wall, but he’d said it more for Ailsa’s sake than her brother’s.
“I pray ye are right. Anyway, I dinna want to talk about my family. I want to talk about yers. And yer allies. They supplied most of the food for this feast. ’Twas enough to restock the Sinclair kitchen with fresh meat and fresh-caught fish.
They deserve our thanks, despite the fact that the Sinclair stores were so low because of the siege.
” She quirked her mouth to the side, a gesture Anders found endearing.
“But they have redeemed themselves this day.”
“I’m certain they had that in mind, Love.”
Suddenly, Ailsa straightened. “Ach, they’re starting the lasses’ dance.”
“Go, have fun.” He gave her a quick kiss and a smile, then stood and helped her from her chair. Anders enjoyed watching her join her friends and take part in their celebration of her marriage.
Soon enough, Stellan slid into her seat. “How are ye, Brother?”
“Well enough for both of us, I think,” Anders told him, and lifted a mug of ale, still full. At Stellan’s knowing grin, he boasted, “I ken better than to drink too much.”
“As do I. I wish Mariota could be here for this. She deserves some of the credit, and should have some of the fun, too.”
“She willna fash. Enjoy this a wee longer.”
“I will. But I owe ye and Ailsa the same courtesy ye gave Mariota and me. I will be long gone before ye take yer bride to bed.”
Anders knew what he intended. Stellan would give Anders the same privacy to make Ailsa his wife that he’d granted Stellan and Mariota by his absence—and distance—from Sutherland on their wedding night.
“Thank ye, Brother.”
“Nay thanks needed. Our bond is a blessing and a curse. At times like these, ’tis good to share the happiness, but nay more than that.
Once we are home, since it has strengthened while we were here, we will work on building a barrier we both can use when we need it.
” Stellan turned his head to watch Ailsa and the other lasses dancing hand-in-hand, their circle moving briskly, smiles and laughter on all their faces.
“I am happy for ye, Brother. Ye have found a love that will last yer lifetime.” He turned back to Anders.
“Enjoy it, safeguard it, and teach yer bairns to find the same thing when their time comes.”
“The same to ye,” Anders said and took a sip from his mug, letting his gaze return to his bride, Stellan’s words making him dream of the life ahead of them.
Stellan did the same, lifted his mug in salute, and stood. True to his word, he returned to his five escorts and ate well, but drank little. Before long, Anders walked them outside where they got on their horses. “Give my love to Mariota. Ye’ll be with her tomorrow eve,” Anders told his twin.
“I will,” Stellan vowed, signaled to his men, and taking advantage of what daylight remained, left Sinclair.
With a full heart, Anders watched Stellan ride away until he disappeared into the trees. Their twin connection would weaken with every mile he put between them. Anders turned for the keep and his new bride with an eager smile.