Griselda stood and offered her hand to Katie. “Come on, then. Let’s get ye ready. ‘Tis goin’ to be a beautiful evenin’, and we’ll make sure ‘tis one to remember.”
Katie took Griselda’s hand and stood up, feeling a renewed sense of purpose. “I guess it’s time to face the music, as people say.”
Griselda chuckled softly. “Indeed. And remember, ye’re goin’ to do wonderfully. Just be yerself, and everythin’ will fall into place.”
As they walked together toward Katie’s dressing room, Katie felt a spark of optimism brighten her mood. She still had doubts and fears, but Griselda’s encouragement gave her the strength to face the challenges ahead.
With a final glance at her reflection in the mirror, Katie adjusted her dress, took a deep breath, and readied herself to step into her new role with increased confidence.
Here goes nothing.
CHAPTER 12
The Great Hallwas alive with a symphony of scents, sounds, and colors as Katie descended the stairs beside Griselda half an hour later. The air was thick with the rich aromas of sage and rosemary that mingled with the heady scent of roasted hog and wild game.
The hall was lavishly adorned with tapestries that hung on the walls and depicted scenes of ancient battles and feasts. Flickering candlelight cast a warm, golden glow over the room and highlighted the intricate carvings on the oak beams and the glistening silverware set for the evening’s feast.
Katie wore a stunning gown of deep emerald green that complemented her complexion and accentuated her delicate features. The fabric was sumptuous, flowing gracefully with each step she took. It was adorned with intricate silver embroidery, the design sparkling subtly as it caught the light.
Griselda had loaned her a set of exquisite jewels—a silver necklace with a large emerald pendant and matching earrings that glimmered with every movement. The ensemble was completed by Katie’s soft pinned-up curls, with a few strands of hair delicately framing her face.
Griselda’s praise was constant as they descended the stairs. “Katie, ye look absolutely radiant tonight. The gown suits ye perfectly, and those jewels simply look stunnin’ on ye.”
Katie managed a grateful smile, feeling both flattered and nervous. “Thank you, Griselda. I appreciate your help and support with all of this.”
As they reached the bottom of the stairs, Katie’s heart raced. The hall was filled with the hum of conversation and the clinking of cutlery. Guests were mingling, their laughter and chatter creating a lively backdrop to the evening’s festivities. Katie and Griselda made their way to the high table where Aiden was already seated, his posture straight and commanding. He looked every bit the nobleman, his dark attire impeccable and his demeanor one of cool detachment.
Katie approached the high table and curtsied to Aiden before she took a seat beside him, and Griselda occupied the seat to her right.
Aiden gasped and froze in utter admiration as Katie glided toward him in all of her regal splendor. Her rich, dark curlswere pinned to her head, and a few delicate strands framed her beautiful face, which glowed from the light cast by the exquisite jewels draped around her throat.
His heart hummed with happiness at the sight of her, but his expression remained stoic. He couldn’t afford to compromise his role as Laird before his esteemed guests, but he drank her in with his eyes and longed to run his hands over her lithe figure. An arrow of longing lodged itself firmly in his heart as another found its way to his already aching groin.
He watched as his mother leaned toward Katie and inquired, “Are ye still comfortable, dear? Remember, there are seven courses, but they will be served quickly. Try to enjoy yerself this evenin’.”
He watched Kaite as she nodded and replied, “I am comfortable, thank you. Seven courses sound like quite an affair.”
Griselda chuckled, her eyes twinkling with amusement. “Aye, ‘tis a grand affair. And I assure ye, the food will be as delightful as the company.”
Aiden tore his attention away from Katie as the first course was served—an array of Scottish appetizers including smoked salmon, oatcakes with cheese, and delicate venison pâté. As he filled his plate, his tenuous concentration was disrupted as his mother rose and took Katie’s hand to introduce her to their guests.
Aiden involuntarily lowered his fork, and his eyes followed Katie as she floated gracefully toward each guest and was introduced by Griselda.
Dear God, she is a siren callin’ out to me, summonin’ me with her charms and her captivatin’ beauty, and I am defenseless to her power over me.
He continued to observe her as she conversed with Laird MacGregor, a stout man with a bushy beard and twinkling blue eyes.
Laird MacGregor was the grandmaster of the local hunt and had a fine reputation for his knowledge of the land.
He gave Katie a warm smile and a hearty handshake. “Lady Katie, ‘tis a pleasure to finally meet ye. I’ve heard much about ye, and I am delighted to see ye here.”
Aiden watched as she returned the Laird’s smile. “Thank you, Laird MacGregor. It is a pleasure to meet you as well.”
As the evening progressed, Aiden watched as Katie was introduced to various other notable figures, including the local traders who supplied the castle with goods and the council whose support was crucial to Aiden’s rule.
Each one of his guests had their unique charm and stories, from Lady Margaret, a lively woman with a sharp wit and a penchantfor storytelling, to Sir Ewan, a quiet but observant man whose keen eyes missed nothing.
Despite his silent but undeniable attraction to Katie, Aiden’s composure remained intact. His gaze infrequently drifted from the plate before him. He occasionally spoke with his guests, but his interactions were formal and brief. His unflappable demeanor belied the whirlwind of emotions underneath his cool exterior.
