“I have spoken at length with Laird McGowan,” Lord Willby went on. “And we have decided that we have become too good of friends not to make it official. It is my great pleasure to announce that we have entered into an alliance!” Again with the applause, and Gavin got to his feet once more, standing beside Lord Willby.
Kyle could barely hear anything that was being said. He only continued to look at Laila from across the room, captured by her aura, captured by her eyes. There was a crackling energy that simmered in their shared gaze, and it electrified his entire being.
“Now it is well known,” Gavin said, standing beside Lord Willby. “That the best way tae cement an alliance if through marriage. The honorable Lord Willby and I, alas, are not a good match.” This elicited another round of laughter, and Gavin continued. “But we are lucky tae have some family to spare!”
“It is my honor to offer my daughter Laila Willby to your brother Kyle McGowan,” Lord Willby said formally, turning to Gavin and raising up his cup. Kyle barely heard the words, and the ones he did hear, he didn’t process, for he was far too entranced. Laila, however, had heard them, and her face lit up with surprise and delight. For a moment, Kyle was concerned to see the rapid change in her face, worrying that something might have happened.
“And it is me honor tae accept such a generous proposal,” Gavin answered. The two men raised their cups together and then turned outward to the crowd. “Tae Laila and Kyle!” Gavin shouted, and the assembly lost itself to celebration in a turbulent uproar.
Laila ran to him, throwing her arms around him, and only then did Kyle begin to understand what had happened. Over her shoulder, he spied Gavin, watching the pair of them warmly, and he gave Kyle a friendly wink.
“We’re getting married,” Lyle murmured into Laila’s ear.
“So, it would seem,” she answered, pulling back to look him in the eyes with her great warm smile. Then they came together for a passionate kiss in front of everybody, and the castle cheered them on, the whole scene quickly devolving into an absurd feast of epic and exuberant proportions.
