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“This is one of my favorites!” he cried, and grabbed Moira’s hand, dragging her into the middle of the room. There was a cheer as the married couple took to dancing. Niall held her close, wrapping his strong arms around her, holding her tightly as they swayed to the music.

Moira couldn’t help but smile as she felt the comfortable pressure of his hands resting against the small of her back. When she gazed into his eyes she knew that things wouldn’t be that bad at all, and that her life was going to be just fine. With Niall, she felt safe. There was still much to discover about her new husband, but Moira had always enjoyed learning new things; she was certain that this lesson would be most enjoyable.

“Ye look like ye fit right in here,” Niall said in a low voice as they danced.

Moira blushed. “I hope sae. I never thought I would be anywhere like this. I hae never been one tae display myself in front of a crowd.”

“Well, ye need tae change that. Ye are a symbol of the future, Moira. Because of ye, there will be peace between our clans.”

Moira felt a pang in her heart again. Was that all he cared about? It was certainly a noble attitude and one that should be commended, especially from a Calbraith, but was that all she meant to him? Was he interested in getting to know her? Did he care about her at all?

The world became a blur as she was spun around in the arms of her husband. Her world now was filled with laughter, gleeful smiles, and him. The rest of the hall melted away, as did the rest of the clan. The music lifted them up. Every instinct in her body told her that she needed to be with him.

It was as though she was possessed with some ethereal force. Nothing like it had ever happened to her before and it was quite overwhelming, although not entirely unwelcome. The surge of emotion and energy made her feel warm. Her skin glowed and soon enough, her face was aching from smiling so much.

She was out of breath when she returned to her table. Niall took a huge swig of ale and then slammed the mug down in triumph. It was then that Marcas came to their table. Moira’s heart ached, as she knew that this was going to be goodbye.

“It’s time I get on my way. I want tae get home before it’s tae late,” Marcas said.

“Ye can always stay another night,” Niall offered.

“Thank ye, but I want tae get home tae Kirsten and the wee ones,” Marcas then turned to Moira. “Ye looked beautiful taeday. I’m glad ye are happy, Moira. I hope that ye can always keep smiling.”

“I’ll dae everything in my power tae make sure she does. Dinnae worry Marcas, yer wee sister is in good hands,” Niall said as Moira blushed. He placed his hand on hers and squeezed. Moira swooned and looked down at how his larger hand encompassed hers, as though it was swallowing hers up.

She felt a knot in her stomach and a lump in her throat, but they weren’t the kind borne from fear. On the contrary; her body was excited for what came next.

Marcas departed, and while Moira was filled with sorrow, she tried to be pragmatic about the situation and accept that this was the way things had to be. There was no point in wasting her time moping about the life she had lost because she could not return to the Monroe clan. She was a Calbraith now, and this was her home.

The celebration continued. The musicians didn’t seem to tire at all. Everyone was in good spirits and the Calbraith home wasn’t at all what she expected. After all she had heard about them over the years, she thought it would be a tomb of horrors, but instead, they were just ordinary people like the ones in her clan.

The hours dwindled and people began to leave the feast. Isobel was laughing, telling a story that had captured the attention of a number of men. Given how a few women were sitting nearby, scowling, it was obvious that the men had been drawn to her.

Jamie had barely moved from the table of food, watching everything like a hawk. Moira didn’t think she had seen him dance or speak to anyone else the entire night.

“This haes been a wonderful evening, but I think it’s time we retired,” Niall said. He rose and offered his hand. She took it, her heart thumping. She swallowed her nerves and smiled shyly as they walked out of the feasting hall and through the cold, empty hallways of the castle. It was almost time for their wedding night.

Moira had heard about the union between a man and a woman. The kitchen maids always gossiped freely and didn’t seem to care much who overheard what they had to say. Some said it was the most wonderful thing in the world, while others said that it hurt. Some loved it, while others said it was just simply a way to produce children. Moira wasn’t quite sure what to expect.

All she knew is that when she looked at Niall, she was overwhelmed with a feeling to be close to him. This overpowering feeling wasn’t something she could deny or push aside, though she wasn’t sure she wanted to. It felt natural, so she embraced it.

They arrived at Niall’s chambers. It was far more decorative than what she had been given for her first night in the castle. There were candles burning to offer light, while a wreath hung over the bed just as in the other room. There were other flowers here too, offering a light scent. A fur rug was on the floor in front of the fireplace, and the bed was wide. Armor hung on the wall, as did an ax. There was also a jug of ale.

Niall poured himself a mug and offered the jug to Moira, who declined. He shrugged and came towards her, toasting to a future that they could share together. As the candlelight illuminated his features, Moira was quite certain that he had been plucked from a dream she had once.

He stroked her cheek with the back of his fingers; tingles rushed through her like a tidal wave. He stood tall, yet not out of reach.

“Well, we are married now. I’m happy that my wife is such a lovely lass.”

“And I’m happy that my husband is such a cheerful man, and handsome tae,” Moira replied, unable to hide the trembling anticipation that came with her words. Niall smiled and took her hand, bringing it to his lips. He placed a soft kiss and then gazed deeply into her eyes. The air seemed to shimmer, and inside there was a deep ache. Moira knew that something was going to happen, and even so, she was wholly unprepared for the fire that erupted within her soul.

Niall tilted her chin up and they kissed. It was such a simple gesture and yet it set her entire world aflame. A soft moan escaped her lips as she curled her toes in response to the sensations that were coursing through her. Suddenly she knew she was not a girl any longer. The kiss sparked something deep and primal within her, something she hadn’t even realized she was missing from her life, and something that she was now never going to let go of.

She kissed Niall back, feeling the tenderness of his lips and the burning heat that prickled on his skin. When they broke apart, his eyes were swimming with desire. He exhaled slowly, and he was still so close that she could feel the warmth on her own lips. She leaned in to kiss him again, but as she did, she was taken by surprise.

He wrapped his arms around her and whisked her around, practically throwing her on the bed. She fell onto a thick blanket and Niall fell upon her too, this time atop her. She cradled his head and welcomed his weight upon her. They kissed deeply, closing their eyes as their hands explored each other.

Moira felt as though her body was going to explode with heat. She loved the feeling of him so close to her, and yet they were still separated by these troublesome clothes.