CHAPTER 5
Katie awokethe next morning with a mix of anticipation and apprehension, and stared out the window as the carriage rumbled steadily along the winding country roads. Her thoughts drifted like the clouds that passed over the rolling hills.
The landscape of Scotland was breathtakingly beautiful, with sweeping vistas of green valleys dotted with grazing sheep and ancient stone ruins. It was a far cry from the bustling, crowded streets of London, and while the scenery was picturesque, it did little to ease her growing sense of confusion and disappointment.
The journey had been long, Aiden barely acknowledging her presence except for the necessities of their travel. His silence was a stark contrast to the intense kiss they had shared, and it only heightened her sense of isolation. As the days passed, the distance between them seemed to grow, each mile adding to the emotional chasm that now existed between them.
Finally, they arrived at Aiden’s family home, a grand estate that stood proudly against the rugged Scottish landscape. The castle was imposing, built from grey stone that had weathered many years, with turrets and crenellations giving it an air of old-world charm and authority. The gardens surrounding the estate were meticulously kept, with neatly trimmed hedges and colorful flowerbeds that added a touch of elegance to the rugged natural beauty of the surroundings.
As Katie stepped out of the carriage, she felt a pang of loneliness. The grand estate was magnificent, but it seemed to echo with an emptiness that mirrored her feelings. The large wooden doors creaked open, revealing a bustling interior of stone hallways and richly decorated rooms. The warm glow of candlelight and the scent of roasted meat and baked bread filled the air, but it did little to lift her spirits.
As the evening approached, the castle became abuzz with preparations for a feast. Katie could hear the sounds of laughter and the clinking of glasses from the dining hall. The anticipation of meeting Aiden’s family and his council members did little to assuage her anxiety.
When Aiden finally sought her out, it became clear that he had not changed his aloof demeanor. He found her standing by a window, gazing out at the twilight sky.
“Miss Katie,” he said, his tone businesslike and devoid of the warmth she had hoped for. “Tonight is our first night under theterms of our agreement. There’s a feast with me family and the council, and I’ll be introducin’ ye as me betrothed.”
Katie’s heart sank at his mention of the feast. She had hoped that after their previous encounter, Aiden might have shown a bit more affection or consideration. Instead, she felt like a pawn in his game, to be used and then cast aside.
“Introducing me as your betrothed? You mean formally?” she repeated, trying to keep her voice steady. “But I thought we had only agreed on a few nights.”
Aiden’s eyes were cold, his expression unreadable. “Aye, but I need to solidify our arrangement. ‘Tis better if I beat the others to it and present ye as me betrothed afore they can introduce me to someone else.”
Katie’s frustration boiled over, and she took a step closer to him. “And what about me? What about my feelings? You haven’t even bothered to explain why you’re so distant, or why you’re treating me like this.”
Aiden’s face hardened. “I have nay intention of makin’ this more complicated than it needs to be. We have a deal, and tonight is just part of it.”
Katie’s bit her lip in annoyance. “I didn’t ask for this. I didn’t ask to be paraded around like a trophy or a tool to further your plans. These five nights are already getting out of hand.”
Aiden’s gaze softened for a moment, but his resolve remained firm. “’Tis nae about what ye asked for. ‘Tis about what’s necessary. We both have roles to play, and this is yer role for now.”
As he turned to leave, Katie felt a pang of disappointment. She was in a strange land, surrounded by strangers, and the man who had brought her here remained a mystery. The warmth and intensity of their kiss had become overshadowed by the cold reality of her situation.
With a heavy heart, Katie followed Aiden into the dining hall, trying to muster a semblance of composure. The grand feast awaited, and, with it, the daunting prospect of meeting his clanfolk, an audience that would only deepen her sense of displacement.
Katie walked into the grand dining hall, her breath catching at the sight of the feast before her. The hall was a magnificent space with high, arched ceilings, adorned with banners and tapestries depicting the history of the clan. The long oak table was covered with an array of sumptuous dishes that were nearly overwhelming in their variety.
There were platters of roast venison in a rich gravy, hearty pies filled with game and potatoes, roasted partridges and vegetables, freshly baked bread, and creamy butter. The scents made Katie’s stomach rumble despite her anxiety.
As she was led to her seat beside Aiden, she noticed the lively ambiance in the hall. The sound of bagpipes and drums filled theair, creating a lively and celebratory atmosphere. The musicians were dressed in kilts, their music echoing off the stone walls and adding a vibrant rhythm to the evening.
“Come,” Aiden instructed before she sat down. “I’ll introduce ye.”
Katie was about to respond when a kind woman with long pleated hair and a friendly face approached them.
“Ah! Such a beauty,” she spoke, taking Katie’s hands. “It warms me heart to see ye, me dear. I’m Griselda, former mistress of the castle.”
“Former?” Katie asked, shaking her head. “Please, I would hate to cause you discomfort, My Lady. There is much I’d like to learn from you if it pleases you.”
“Oh, nothing would please me more, me dearest.” Griselda nodded, pulling her into a hug. “But there is a new Lady of MacNiall Castle.”
“Nae yet, Maither,” Aiden sighed, embracing her firmly.
“Yer braithers are here somewhere,” Griselda spoke, pulling away from her son’s embrace.
“Aye, they never miss a feast.” Aiden smirked, making Katie blush. His smile caught her off guard every time.
“I’ll seek them out,” Griselda insisted, leaving them to sit at their elevated table at the front of the hall.
