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 Imust 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.”
