"More wine, me laird!" A clan elder shouted from three tables down, his weathered face flushed with drink and celebration. Heraised his cup high, sloshing dark red liquid over the rim. "Tae the bride! The bonniest lady Keppoch's ever seen!"
A roar of approval shook the rafters. Warriors banged their cups against the long tables, making the platters of roasted meat and bread jump. Torches lined the stone walls, their flames dancing wildly in the drafts, casting shifting shadows across faces bright with genuine joy.
Tòrr tightened his grip on Liliane's hand beneath the table. She turned to him, her eyes catching the firelight—sapphire blue in her deep blue gown, the color he'd requested because he knew it would make her shine exactly like this.
"They're all drunk," she murmured, though her lips curved with amusement.
"Aye. As they should be." He brought her hand to his lips, kissing her knuckles without caring who saw. "It's nae every day their laird marries fer love."
Pink bloomed across her cheeks. "Ye cannae say things like that in front of everyone."
"Why nae? It's true." He traced his thumb across her wedding ring—simple silver, but hers. "Ye're mine now,mo chridhe. Before God and the clan. Let them all ken it."
A warrior at the nearest table caught the gesture and elbowed his companion. "Look at that! The laird's besotted!"
"Tae Tòrr and Liliane!" The hall thundered as one, cups raised high. "Tae the laird and his lady!"
They drank, and immediately the musicians struck up a lively tune. Young warriors pushed back benches, clearing space in the center of the hall.
Tòrr leaned closer to Liliane, his lips brushing her ear. "Are ye happy?"
She turned her head, and their faces were so close he could count the flecks of gold in her eyes. "I didnae think I could be. After everythin' that happened, after the auction and the fear and—" Her voice caught. "But aye. I'm happy. More than I ever thought possible."
"Good." He kissed her temple, soft and lingering. "That's all I want. Yer happiness."
"Liliane!" Nessa's voice cut through the din, bright and breathless.
They both turned to see her sister weaving through the crowd, flowers woven into her hair and her cheeks flushed from dancing. Catherine, Sofia, and Alyson trailed behind her, all of them laughing at something.
Nessa threw herself at Liliane, wrapping her arms around her sister's shoulders. "Did ye see? Catherine taught me the reel! I didnae trip once!"
"I saw." Liliane pulled back, cupping Nessa's face with both hands. "Ye were perfect. Beautiful."
"Sofia says I can learn the sword dance next." Nessa's eyes were bright, alive in a way Tòrr had never seen yet.
Tòrr caught Catherine's eye over Nessa's head. His sister smiled at him—genuine, warm—and mouthed, "She's a natural."
"Can I sit with ye?" Nessa was already pulling out a chair beside Liliane. "Just fer a bit? Me feet hurt."
"Sit, rest." Liliane moved over, making room.
Nessa looked between them with an expression far too solemn for a child at a celebration.
"What is it?" Liliane asked, immediately alert.
"I just..." Nessa's fingers twisted in her skirt. "I wanted tae say thank ye. Both of ye. Fer comin' fer me. Fer riskin' yer life fer me." Her voice cracked. "Faither always treated me like a tool. But ye came."
Liliane's eyes filled with tears. "Oh, Nessa—ye're me sister." Liliane's voice turned fierce. "Did ye truly think I'd leave ye there? That I wouldnae move heaven and earth tae get ye out?"
"And ye're family now," Tòrr added quietly. "That means somethin' here. That means we protect our own, no matter the cost."
Nessa launched herself at them both, arms wrapping around their shoulders in an awkward three-way embrace. "I love ye. Both of ye. I'm so glad ye found each other."
When she finally pulled back, she was smiling despite the tears tracking down her face. Catherine appeared at her elbow, gentle hands guiding her up.
"Come on, lass. Let’s dance some more and let the newlyweds have some peace." Catherine winked at Tòrr.
Nessa laughed and let herself be led back to their table, already chattering about the next dance.
