Skye nodded, but the shock of seeing Grayson Blackwell dead at their feet and the relief that Arran was unhurt suddenly hit her, and her legs gave way.
“Easy there, Skye. Here, come sit.”
He motioned for Colin and Magnus to remove Blackwell’s body from the view of the women and the rest of the guests and then assisted Skye to where her mother sat.
Helena was shocked but almost calm at the same time, as if a weight had been lifted from her shoulders. “Ye did it,” she uttered softly. “Ye really did it.”
Her face lit up at the realization, and tears welled up in her eyes.
Magnus, after removing Blackwell’s body, rejoined the group. “Ye were very brave, Helena. But ye’ll be the death of me if ye ever throw yerself in front of a sword-wielding madman again.”
Helena smiled weakly, her eyes glistening with tears. “I couldnae let him hurt her. Nae after everything we’ve been through.”
They sat to catch their breaths as the setting sun painted the sky in orange and pink hues. But it wasn’t long before the implications of Laird MacKeith’s death sank in.
“What now?” Skye asked the question on everyone’s minds. “Clan MacKeith has nae Laird.”
“Arran is their Laird now. He is Blackwell’s heir,” Colin stated. “Nae e’en Magnus knew it, but I am the council’s man. Too many ill rumors were coming out of Castle MacKeith. An’ I’d been sent to investigate. Little did I know the tangled mess I would find.”
Many in the small crowd agreed, and two of Blackwell’s remaining men stepped forward and pledged their loyalty to Arran. But Magnus held up his hand.
“Ye may be right, Colin. But the matter must be formalized by the council, e’en though the two of us are here to act as witnesses. And there could be challengers for the Lairdship. Blackwell could have male relatives out there.”
“There is much to be decided on. But first, we must inform Clan MacKeith that their Laird is dead.”
Arran had no doubt that some who witnessed the fight were already riding back to Castle MacKeith with news of Blackwell’s death. He was sure that chaos would ensue.
“Magnus, ye and Colin must ride to Castle MacKeith as swiftly as possible. As enforcer, Magnus, ye can keep the order until I arrive. I will camp here with the remaining guests, and we will set out at first light.”
Colin and Magnus obeyed without question.
The servants from Castle MacKeith were not prepared to spend the night at the kirk, but light victuals had been packed for after the ceremony. Mary fetched fresh water from the well, and Helena, Lilias and her children, and the remaining guests filed into the kirk.
Arran looked at Skye and saw her eyes flutter shut as she held a roll in her hand. He walked over to her and scooped her up into his arms.
“Ye are falling asleep as ye eat, woman. Off to bed with ye,” he commanded gently.
“And just where do we plan to sleep?” she asked drowsily.
He carried her back into the kirk and sat her on a bench. Then he spread out his blanket on the floor, and she didn’t need any more urging. She curled up on the blanket and was asleep in seconds.
Arran sat on the bench and watched her sleep. His mind replayed the image of Blackwell’s blade at her neck over and over, and he broke out in a cold sweat.
And he now knew without any doubt that he loved her.
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 ofincome. 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.
