Unable to bear the intensity of Aiden’s stare any longer, Katie turned and hurried toward the castle. Her steps were quick and purposeful, driven by a need to escape the emotions that had settled in her heart. The sound of the sword fight faded into the background as she moved swiftly through the castle, her mind a whirlwind of conflicting thoughts and feelings.
She reached her room and, with trembling hands, fumbled with the key to lock the door behind her. Once safely inside, she leaned against the door and tried to steady her breathing. Unlike the chaos in the courtyard, the room was quiet and still, and its silence was nearly deafening.
Katie sat down on the edge of her bed and stared down at the stone floor. She was concerned about the course of her future and was anxious about the choices that had been made on her behalf. She desperately needed to find a resolution to the turmoilthat surrounded her. More than anything, she wanted to be near Aiden again, to learn about him and come to understand his thoughts, moods and demeanors and find some semblance of peace between them.
Katie rose from the bed and straightened to her full height, determined to fix her relationship with Aiden. She paced her room as she nibbled on her fingernail and sorted through a myriad of workable approaches.
No, I will not allow this to go on any longer. Something must change, and it must begin with me. I must become more approachable and less caustic. A beautiful bee is drawn to pollen, not a thorn.
Suddenly, a heavy knock startled her.
“A moment!” Katie called out, moving to the door as she tried to steel herself. “Who is it?”
“’Tis Griselda, me dear! Just checkin’ in to see if ye’ll be joinin’ me for supper,” Griselda called through the door. “As ye ken, yer weddin’ is tomorrow eve, so yer attendance wouldnae be expected or required should ye desire to keep yer traditions.”
“Ah, come in.” Katie smiled, unlocking the door and pulling it open so she could enter. “I should thank you. That stream is beautiful, and you were right—it is a perfect spot to read and relax.”
“Ye’re welcome, Katie dear.” Griselda smiled. “So, would ye like to join us downstairs for dinner?”
“Now?” Katie asked, her throat tightening with anxiety.
She didn’t want to have another confrontation with Aiden, but she knew she would see him tomorrow, and many more times in the months and years that followed. She was dismayed by the idea of having to attend another feast before that time.
“Nay, nay, dear. Cook willnae have the roast ready until sunset, but it will be a great feast—I chose the menu meself.” Griselda nodded proudly. “Will ye join us for a single hour at the start of the feast, afore ye get some rest for tomorrow’s ceremony?”
A long, uncomfortable pause followed Griselda’s invitation. Katie did not know how to respond without offending her hostess.
“Katie, ye’ve been in here for a while,” Griselda said, her voice filled with concern, having sensed Katie’s dilemma. “Is everythin’ alright with ye?”
Katie’s gaze fell to the floor as she fidgeted with the trim on her dress. “I just… I don’t want to upset Aiden any more than I already have. I’d rather keep the peace with him until the wedding.”
Griselda’s eyebrows shot up in surprise. “I dinnae ken one reason Aiden would have to be upset with ye. Is there somethin’ between the two of ye that I dinnae ken of?”
Katie took a deep breath, her voice trembling slightly. “He refuses me so often. His rejection and anger are so intense and hurtful to me. We are complete opposites in so many ways, and I do not have any idea how to mend the fence between us.”
Griselda’s face softened with understanding. She walked over and pulled Katie to sit beside her on the bed. “Katie, me dear, ye must understand that Aiden is a man of strong principles and deep emotions. His anger and distance arenae necessarily signs of his indifference toward you. In fact, they may be his way of dealin’ with the complexities of his feelings.”
Katie looked at Griselda and nodded her head as she mulled over the insight she’d offered. “But how can I be sure? He is usually so distant and detached, and each time I try to get close to him, he pulls further away from me.”
Griselda took Katie’s hands in her own and gave them a reassuring squeeze. “Aiden may struggle with expressin’ his emotions, but that doesnae mean he doesnae care. He has always been proud and principled, and that can make it difficult for him to let down his guard.”
Katie shook her head, her doubts still clouding her thoughts. “I’m afraid he’ll never truly care for me, and I’ll be trapped in a cold marriage where I’m doing nothing more than fulfilling a duty.”
Griselda pulled Katie into a comforting embrace. “I’ve seen it in the way he looks at ye even when he tries to hide it. He is strugglin’ with his inner conflicts, but that doesnae mean he lacks the capacity to love.”
Katie clung to Griselda, finding comfort in her revelations. “I don’t know, Griselda. I wish I could believe that. I yearn for a future where things look different.”
Griselda pulled back slightly, looking into Katie’s eyes with a determined expression. “I understand yer fears, and ‘tis natural to feel this way. But ye need to remember that a marriage isnae only about the present moment. ‘Tis about buildin’ a life together, overcomin’ challenges, and findin’ ways to grow closer. Ye and Aiden have the potential to create somethin’ of beauty, even if it doesnae seem clear right now.”
Katie nodded slowly, feeling more reassured. “What should I do?”
Griselda smiled warmly. “Ye need to embrace yer role as the new lady of the castle. ‘Tis important to connect with the local clan leaders, lairds and their wives. They will become yer support system. Yer presence at social events will also help establish yer place here.”
Katie sighed, a mix of resignation and determination in her eyes. “You’re right. I suppose I should dress in my finest and make a genuine effort to fit in.”
Griselda’s face brightened with approval. “That’s the spirit! And remember, ye’re nae alone in this. I’ll be by yer side all night, helpin’ ye navigate the many introductions and witty conversations.”
Katie managed another hopeful smile as her spirits lifted. “Thank you, Griselda. I’m grateful for your support.”
