Was there a part that bored or that you didn't really like in the book?

Even a character, a scene, or anything. You could say no if nothing bothered you.

Which was the part you liked most in the book?

Even a character, a scene, or anything that you enjoyed.

You prefer the first major romantic turning point to be… *

• A heated argument that ends in an unexpected kiss.
• A forced act of trust that changes their view of each other.
• A dangerous moment that pushes one to reveal their deepest trauma.

When it comes to the antagonist, you prefer… *

• The villain bribing people from the MMC’s keep to work with him.
• The villain being the traitor himself, living in the MMC’s keep.

Anything else you'd like to share?

Submit

Two Months Later…

In the weeks that followed since the fall of Moy Castle and Cluny House, peace had indeed spread across the land. It spread far and wide. Isolde could feel the happiness in the air as the darkness of their oppression finally ebbed. People were happy. She was happy.

More than that, Isolde had started to feel as if she truly belonged.

Wherever she walked, either through the castle or the villages that surrounded Achnacarry, she was greeted warmly and with kind words. Gone were the dark and suspicious glances, the whispered words, and silent accusations. Gone was the association with her father. And in their place was a genuine and welcoming warmth from everyone she met or spoke with.

In the weeks that followed the fall of her father and Dougal MacPherson, people in and around Achnacarry had come to accept her and embrace her as one of their own. They had claimed her as part of the clan. Better than that though, was that Struan’s siblings and his closest friends all saw her as part of their family. They made her feel as if she was one of them. It was a feeling she’d never had before, and it made her soul sing with joy.

That day though, as she stalked the halls of the castle, her mind spun and a dark thread of worry wrapped itself around her heart, pulling tight.

The castle was buzzing with activity all around her. The household staff rushed about on their various errands, getting ready for the season’s most important day of the year. The harvest festival was approaching, and this year seemed to promise it would be one of the biggest ever. It would be the first year their harvest festival was held without the shadow of her father looming over it all.

A sliver of shadow, however, enveloped her heart and Isolde knew she had to speak with Struan about it before the festival. She would tell him the news, but she had no idea how he was going to react.

For all and whatever came of it, it would change nothing if she told him immediately or held onto it for the next month. It had to be done.

“Excuse me,” Isolde said as she grabbed a chambermaid who was rushing by.

“Aye. What can I dae fer ye, Lady Isolde?”

“I’m lookin’ fer the laird,” she said. “Have ye seen him?”

“Oh. Aye. I just saw him over near the sparrin’ yard.”

“Wonderful. Thank ye.”

“Of course.”

Her stomach tied in knots, Isolde made her way out to the sparring yard. She stood in the shadow of the arched doorway, watching Struan finish his morning’s exercises.

Shirtless, his torso shone with sweat, making him glisten beneath the sun. His muscles rippled and flexed as he moved through his forms with the practiced ease of a skilled warrior. Isolde secretly hoped he would never have to use those skills again.

As he finished, he grabbed a cloth from the table and wiped himself down, then took a drink of water. It was then that he noticed her standing there. He smiled wide and walked over to her.

“And what are ye daein’ lurkin’ in the shadows like that then, eh?” he asked and turned in a circle with his arms out. “Cannae get enough of seein’ this, eh?”

Despite the anxiety that gripped her, Isolde laughed. It soon faded though, and she lowered her gaze, wringing her hands together at her waist. As if sensing the shift in her mood, Struan took her by the hand and squeezed them gently.

“What’s wrong, me love?” he asked. “Are ye all right?”

“Aye. I’m just…”

Her voice trailed off and Struan cocked his head, an expression of concern on his face. “What is it?” he asked. “What’s the matter?”

Isolde swallowed the lump in her throat and tried to stand firm. “I… I have some news…”

***

The household staff cleared the table after a meal in the family dining hall. Though the food was no doubt wonderful, Isolde had been so consumed by worry that she had barely tasted a thing. Her gaze drifted to the portrait of Rhona, and she imagined her eyes were narrow and accusing. She took a quick drink of wine to wash down the lump that rose in her throat.

“Are ye all right, love?” Mairi asked.

“Aye,” she said, her voice quaking. “I’m fine.”

“Are ye sure? Ye look a little pale.”

“I’m all right,” she replied, her smile shaking as much as her voice.

Mairi reached over and took her hand, giving it a squeeze with an expression of concern painted upon her face. Once the household staff left the hall, closing the door behind them, Struan got to his feet and banged on the table to draw everybody’s attention to him.

“Everybody, I need yer attention for a minute,” he intoned, his voice low and serious.

“What’s goin’ on?” Finlay asked uncertainly.

“We’ve gotten news that we’re goin’ tae be invaded,” he said.

“Invaded?” Mairi asked nervously.

“What? Invaded?” Finlay asked. “By who? What’s happenin’?”

“Aye. We’re goin’ tae need an army,” Struan said solemnly.

Despite her nerves over what his siblings would say, the corners of Isolde’s mouth twitched with a grin. He was really playing this out dramatically and she was having trouble keeping herself from laughing. Struan cut a glance at her and tipped her a wink.

“Struan, if we’re goin’ tae be invaded, we shouldnae be sittin’ here enjoyin’ a meal like naethin’s goin’ on,” Finlay said. “We need tae make preparations.”

“Aye,” he said.

“When can we expect it tae come?” Mairi asked.

Struan reached out and took Isolde’s hand. With a wide grin on his face, he put a hand on her belly and laughed, unable to control himself any longer.

“Probably in about seven months,” he announced.

The room was silent for a long, strained moment. But then Mairi and Finlay both let out a long breath followed by laughter of their own. Mairi dashed around the table and pulled Isolde into a tight embrace then kissed her on the cheek.

“Ye’re goin’ tae have a bairn?” she cried. “’Tis the most wonderful news I’ve heard!”

“Aye. Congratulations!” Finlay cheered as he clapped Struan on the back.

Isolde turned and let Struan pull her into a warm embrace. She laughed and slapped his arm playfully as she shook her head.

“Invaded,” she said. “Ye’re a bleedin’ donkey.”

“Aye. I am. But it made ye laugh.”

“Aye. That it did,” she replied.

“’Tis all I wanted. I’ll never get tired of hearin’ ye laugh.”

“Bein’ married tae me braither, I’m sure ye’ll have a lot tae laugh at fer the rest of yer bleedin’ life,” Finlay said as he punched Struan on the arm, then turned and pulled Isolde into a warm embrace of his own.

“Congratulations, Isolde,” he said. “’Tis truly wonderful news. And ye’re sure?”

She nodded. “Aye. I’m sure. I saw Agatha yesterday and she confirmed it.”

Finlay gave her a sour look. “Agatha… the new healer makes me skin crawl.”

“Makes yer skin crawl?” Isolde asked with a laugh. “Why? Because she’s young and bonny?”

“I’m fairly sure she’s tryin’ tae bewitch me.”

“With her beauty and charm?” she asked with a wink. “Ye ken, one day ye’re goin’ tae want tae find a woman of yer own.”

Finlay laughed and shook his head. “The more time ye spend with me braither, the more ye’re startin’ tae sound like him.”

Isolde laughed and hugged him again. He squeezed her tight and stared down at her, a light of pride shining in his eyes.

“I’m truly glad for ye two,” he said. “I cannae wait tae meet me nephew.”

“Or yer niece,” Mairi corrected.

“Aye. I’m anxious tae meet me niece or me nephew.”

Struan pulled her to him, standing behind her with his arms wrapped around her waist. “’Tis goin’ tae be a lad. He’s goin’ tae be big and strong and smart.”

“Oh, so naethin’ like ye then,” Finlay teased.

“We need more wine. And treats!” Mairi cried out. “This calls fer a celebration.”

Struan hugged Isolde tight and she leaned into him, contentment and joy washing over her like a powerful river. It was hard for her to believe that through the madness of her life, the harsh cruelty of her father, and everything she had endured, she had found a family. One she loved, that accepted her without hesitation or reservation.

Isolde bit her bottom lip and smiled. She had no idea what she had done to deserve such good fortune, but she was thankful for it. And she would never let it go.

The End

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