Page 78 of Fire in his Highland Heart

“Will ye share each other’s burdens, allowing each of yer souls tae grow in this union?”

“Aye,” they answered.

“Will ye honor each other, an’ never give cause tae break that honor?”

“Aye,” they both agreed.

“And finally, will ye love each other, without condition or reservation?”

“Aye,” they said once more.

“Wonderful,” James pronounced, and took the blue cord off his shoulder. “Turn tae the side an’ face each other. Hold one another’s hands.”

Arguen and Blake did as commanded. She grinned and squeezed his hand. He squeezed back rhythmically, as if to wordlessly say I love you.

“As I tie this knot, so yer lives are now bound,” explained James. “With its fashioning, I tie desires, dreams, happiness, faithfulness, an’ goodness wished in this great hall tae yer lives, as long as ye both live,” he continued, wrapping the cord intricately around their clasped hands. “May the cord draw yer hands together in love, not tae be used in anger. May the vows ye have given each other never grow bitter in yer mouths. May it be granted that what is done before God Almighty is not undone by man. Now, let us pray.”

Arguen knew she should close her eyes during prayer, but she could not stop looking at Blake. He could not close his eyes, either, and instead, continued to smile at her, beaming.

James began reading from the marriage section of the Book of Common Prayer. “Eternal God, creator and preserver of all mankind, giver of all spiritual grace, the author of everlasting life: send thy blessing upon these thy servants, this man and this woman, whom we bless in thy name, that as Isaac and Rebecca lived faithfully together, so these persons may surely perform and keep the vow and covenant betwixt them made, whereof this knot tied, is a token and pledge, and may ever remain in perfect love and peace together, and live according unto thy laws, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.”

The “amen” could be heard from various places through the hall as each person said it quietly. James unraveled the knot carefully, which took a few minutes as he stumbled, but both Blake and Arguen assured him it was fine. When he finally got the knot undone, he set it on the table behind him and began speaking again.

“Now. Since ye both have pledged yerselves tae one another, ye may seal yer vows with a kiss!” James said excitedly.

Blake wasted no time in doing so. He cupped Arguen’s face with his hands, and kissed her sweetly and passionately. She returned the kiss with fervor and put her hands on his shoulders. Clapping broke out among the few witnesses, and good wishes erupted around them, but Arguen barely paid attention, as she was relishing this moment of pure love and joy.

When they broke apart, they both blushed and smiled at each other.

“Ladies, gentleman, and all fine folk here,” James shouted, “I present tae ye Laird and Lady Mawr of Ernmore Castle!”

The cheers erupted again, so loud for such a small gathering. Arguen and Blake graciously accepted all the compliments and well-wishes. The feast began shortly after, and everyone in the castle and village was invited.

It was odd to Arguen to have so many complete strangers approach her and wish her well. Some of these people had despised her in the past, but now they seemed eager to know her. She wondered if that changed because of her title now. She really was technically the Lady of a castle. In her wildest dreams, she would have never thought of it.

The feasting and dances lasted well into the night. She knew Bruckstone had not had a reason to celebrate in quite a while, but she did find herself growing tired soon.

Blake noticed her yawn at his side and gently kissed her temple. “Shall I take ye tae bed now, my lady?” he asked.

She nodded. “Aye, though I cannae promise I’ll be much fun. I am quite tired after all, an’ I think the wee babe may be sayin’ the same,” she said, instinctively resting her hand on her stomach.

They announced their leave, as was only proper, and went upstairs to the chamber in which Blake was staying. As he closed the door behind them, Arguen immediately kicked off her shoes, and crawled into bed, still fully clothed.

“Och, husband,” she said, smiling and reaching out to him.

“Aye, wife?” he asked, kicking off his boots and unbuttoning his doublet, throwing them aside.

“Come kiss me. I am tired,” she said.

He grinned and obliged, snuggling close to her over the quilt. “Oh, Mistress Mawr,” he said, kissing her face. “Lady Mawr. Arguen,” he kissed her face and neck, “my love.”

“I love ye so deeply,” Arguen said, running a hand through his dark locks.

“An’ I love ye the same. I cannae wait tae spend the rest of my days wi’ ye.”

For the rest of the night, they lay there together, whispering sweet nothings, kissing and cosseting, until they eventually fell asleep. They were together now, and nothing could change that. Their bond was unbreakable, and heaven help anyone who tried to undo it.

Epilogue