“Raise yer glasses,” Kenneth continued, smiling broadly. “Tae Laird Halvard and Lady Elsie.”
A low rumble of assent rolled through the hall as everyone stood. Goblets were lifted high, voices joining together in a hearty cheer.
“Tae Laird Halvard! Tae Lady Elsie!”
Kenneth drank, still grinning, the candlelight catching in his dark hair. Selene raised her own glass, her heart swelling with pride and affection.
Halvard remained standing when the cheers subsided. “I thank ye,” he said, his tone warm and sincere. “And I thank all of Clan MacDonald fer yer hospitality. I look forward greatly tae the alliance that will soon unite our clans through the marriage of Laird Kenneth and Lady Selene.”
Selene’s breath caught slightly at the sound of it spoken aloud, affirmed before witnesses.
“I would like tae return the favor,” Halvard continued, lifting his goblet. “And wish me future braither- and sister-in-law good health, happiness, and strength. Many thanks again fer yer welcome.”
He grinned at Kenneth, who returned it in kind, and once more the hall rang with cheers.
“Lady Selene! Laird Kenneth!Slàinte Mhath. Good health tae ye both!”
When they finally took their seats again, Kenneth leaned toward Halvard, lowering his voice. “I thank ye, Halvard. I am glad tae see ye here safely. In the coming days, I look forward tae showing ye our lands, and the people who will soon be yourallies.” His expression sobered slightly. “And there is one matter I must speak with ye about. Nae tonight, but soon. A letter has come from King George. Its contents concern us all.”
Halvard nodded, his face grave. “I suspected as much. This blood feud with Aidan MacLeay casts a long shadow.”
Kenneth inclined his head. “Aye. But we will speak of it on the morrow. Taenight is fer celebration, tae raise a cup of good cheer fer being taegether.”
Selene watched the exchange with a faint tightening in her chest. Even there, amid joy and laughter, the weight of what lay ahead pressed close. Still, she was grateful for that night, that pause before the storm.
Food was brought for Halvard and his men, and when the music struck up again, Elsie was quickly swept onto the floor by her husband, laughter spilling from them both as they danced. Callum, watching them, shook his head with a grin.
“Well,” he said lightly, “it seems I’ve nay partner now.”
The night wore on in a blur of warmth and merriment. Fear and worry were set aside – not banished, but quieted – long enough for laughter to reign. Whisky and wine flowed freely.
One by one, the members of the Council and their ladies slipped away, leaving only the glow of the fires and the soft echo of music behind.
At last, Kenneth took Selene’s hand. “Perhaps it is time we made our departure,” he murmured.
She smiled up at him, her fingers tightening around his. “Yes,” she said softly. “It has been a wonderful celebration.”
She paused, her gaze steady and full. “And I am looking forward – more than I can say – to the day when I shall become the Lady of Clan MacDonald.”
Kenneth’s answering smile was tender and certain, and together they turned away from the hall, carrying with them the promise of all that was still to come.
CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE
Kenneth and Halvard strode together along the ramparts, the stones icy beneath their boots, the wind whipping at their cloaks. They paused, taking in the land spread out before them: the undulating hills, and the patchwork of fields and crofts. Then they turned toward the sea, where the mist shrouding the waters parted to reveal the wee Tulm Island close by, and in the distance, the blue shaded outline of the Isle of Harris. The air was crisp, carrying the tang of salt and pine, and both men inhaled deeply, accustomed to the elements that shaped the lives of Highlanders.
“The king,” Kenneth began, his voice measured, “demands an end tae the hostilities and skirmishes between Clan Macdonald and Clan Macleay.” He drew in a slow breath, aware that the words themselves carried weight beyond mere ink on parchment. “I fear he is asking the impossible of us.”
Halvard’s brow furrowed. “So what if it cannae be achieved?”
Kenneth shook his head. “I cannae say with certainty. All he wrote was that if we dinnae resolve our disputes, he will deem it rebellion.”
“Ah,” Halvard muttered, a grim smile on his lips. “And we all ken what the king doas tae those he considers rebels.”
“Aye,” Kenneth said, his gaze sweeping over the rolling landscape. “There are enough of our people languishing in the Tower of London fer us tae ken well the king’s displeasure at perceived rebellion.”
Halvard nodded solemnly. “So, what are yer plans? How dae ye hope tae bring about the truce the king demands?”
Kenneth’s lips pressed into a thin line. “I have sent scouts tae locate Aidan’s encampment. We have reason tae believe he is already on our lands.”
