"I,Kenneth Elloway, take thee, Sophie Allen, to be me lawful wedded wife," he intoned, his eyes locked with hers. "I vow to protect ye, to honor ye, and to stand by yer side through all the days of our life together."
As Sophie repeated the words,her voice trembling slightly, Kenneth felt a surge of protectiveness wash over him. He wanted to gather her in his arms, to assure her that everything would be alright. But he held himself in check, reminding himself of the reasons for this union.
The officiant stepped forward,a length of tartan in hand – the colors of Clan MacAdams woven into its fabric. "And now," heintoned, "we shall bind these two souls together in the ancient tradition of handfasting."
Kenneth's heartraced as he extended his right hand, palm up. Sophie placed her left hand atop his, her touch sending a jolt of energy through his body. The officiant began to wind the tartan around their joined hands, his words ringing out clear and strong.
"With this cloth,we bind Kenneth and Sophie in the bonds of marriage. As the fabric intertwines, so too shall yer lives be forever entwined."
As the softwool wrapped around their hands, Kenneth felt a profound connection to Sophie. The weight of tradition, the symbolism of their clans uniting, and the undeniable pull he felt towards her all combined in this moment.
"Maythis union be blessed with strength," the officiant continued, "to weather any storm."
Kenneth's eyeslocked with Sophie's, and he saw a mix of emotions there – nervousness, yes, but also a flicker of something that made his breath catch. Hope? Desire?
"Mayit be filled with joy, to lift yer spirits in times of darkness."
Sophie's fingerstwitched against his palm, and Kenneth instinctively tightened his grip, offering silent reassurance.
"And mayit be bound by love, growing stronger with each passing day."
As the finalloop of tartan was placed, Kenneth felt as though more than just their hands had been bound. Something deeper, more profound, had shifted between them. The reasons for their union – duty, protection, political alliance – seemed to fade into the background, replaced by a connection he couldn't quite name but felt to his very core.
"What has been bound on earth,"the officiant proclaimed, "let nay man tear asunder."
When the officiantpronounced them man and wife, Kenneth hesitated for a moment before leaning in to seal their union with a kiss. He had intended it to be brief, a mere formality. But as his lips met Sophie's, soft and warm and yielding, he felt a jolt of desire course through him.
The kiss deepened for a heartbeat,two, before Kenneth wrenched himself away, his breathing ragged. He saw the same hunger reflected in Sophie's eyes, her lips parted and cheeks flushed. For a moment, he was tempted to pull her close again, to claim her mouth in a kiss that would leave no doubt as to the passion between them.
But then realitycrashed back in, and Kenneth remembered where they were, who they were. He straightened, offering Sophie his arm as they turned to face the cheering crowd. As they made their way down the aisle, flower petals raining downupon them, Kenneth tried to ignore the lingering taste of Sophie on his lips, the way his body hummed with awareness of her.
The walkfrom the ceremony site to the great hall where the feast awaited seemed both interminable and far too short. Kenneth was acutely aware of Sophie's hand on his arm, of the sidelong glances she cast his way when she thought he wasn't looking. He wanted to say something, to break the tension that crackled between them, but words failed him.
As they approachedthe great hall, the sounds of music and laughter grew louder. Kenneth felt Sophie's hand tighten on his arm, and he glanced down at her, concern furrowing his brow.
"Are ye alright?"he asked quietly.
Sophie looked up at him,a small smile playing at her lips despite the nervousness in her eyes. "Aye, just... overwhelmed, I suppose. It's all happening so fast."
Kenneth felt a pang of guilt.He had thrust this marriage upon her, given her no choice in the matter. And yet here she was, facing it all with a grace and courage that humbled him.
"Ye've done well today, Sophie,"he said softly, surprising himself with the gentleness in his voice. "Ye've made me proud to call ye me wife."
Sophie's eyeswidened at his word and the two shared a look.
"Ready to face the wolves?"he asked, a hint of humor coloring his tone.
Sophie's answeringlaugh was bright and genuine. "As long as ye're by me side, me laird, I'm ready for anything."
As they steppedinto the hall, they were greeted by a roar of approval from the assembled guests. Kenneth allowed himself a moment of weakness, pulling Sophie closer, his arm tightening around her waist in a gesture that was both protective and possessive.
The great hallwas a riot of color and sound. Banners bearing the MacAdams clan crest hung from the rafters, interspersed with garlands of heather and wildflowers. Long tables groaned under the weight of the wedding feast - roasted meats, freshly baked bread, wheels of cheese, and casks of ale and wine.
Kenneth ledSophie to the high table, where they took their seats at the center. As the newlyweds settled in, Lachlan stood, raising his goblet high.
"To the Laird and his Lady!"he called out, his voice carrying over the din. "May their union bring strength to our clan and joy to their hearts!"
The hall erupted in cheers,the clanking of goblets nearly deafening. Kenneth raised his own cup, his eyes meeting Sophie's. For a moment, he allowed himself to imagine a future where this was more than just a political alliance - a future where he could love Sophie openly, without reservation.
