Arianna nodded, tears spilling despite her effort to be brave. “I will, Mother,” she said softly. “I swear it, every chance I get.”
Hugh stepped forward next, his expression tight with restraint. “I should’ve done more,” he said quietly.
Arianna shook her head at once. “Nay, Hugh,” she replied, gripping his hands. “This wasnae yer burden alone, and I’ll be all right.”
Marcus followed, pulling her into a fierce embrace. “If ye’re mistreated, ye write us first,” he said roughly. “We’ll come.”
From the edge of the courtyard, Arianna saw Ian standing apart, watching with a stillness that made him seem carved from stone. Hugh straightened his jaw, set as he crossed the space between them. Arianna’s breath caught as she watched her brother stop before her husband.
“I expect me sister to be treated with respect,” Hugh said, his voice low but firm.
Ian’s eye flicked briefly toward Arianna before settling back on Hugh. “She will have the best care as Lady McGuire,” he replied coolly. “If ye simply look around ye, ye’ll see riches are nae scarce here.”
Hugh leaned closer, undeterred. “There are things more important than riches,” he said quietly.
Ian did not answer. His silence was heavy, unreadable, and after a long moment, Hugh stepped back. Arianna’s heart twisted as she heard the exchange end without peace or promise. Ian turned slightly away, as though the matter were finished, and the distance between them felt wider than the courtyard itself.
Her mother returned to her then, tears openly falling now. “Ye are me only daughter,” Eilidh whispered, pressing her forehead to Arianna’s. “No matter where ye are, ye carry me heart with ye.”
Arianna broke then, clutching her mother tightly. “I daenae want to leave ye,” she sobbed. “But I’ll make ye proud. I promise.”
Eilidh kissed her hair again and again, as though memorizing the feel of her. “Be strong,” she said. “But daenae forget ye’re allowed to be soft too.” Arianna nodded, wiping her cheeks, committing every word to memory. When at last her mother stepped away, it felt like something inside her tore loose.
She watched as Hugh helped Eilidh into the carriage, then Marcus climbed in after her. Hugh turned back one last time, lifting a hand in farewell. Arianna raised hers in return, her vision blurring as the carriage lurched forward. The wheels rolled over the stones, carrying her family farther and farther away until the road swallowed them whole.
The courtyard felt suddenly vast and empty. Arianna stood alone, the sounds of the castle fading into a dull hush. A sharp truth settled over her then, heavy and undeniable. She was truly alone now, bound to a place and a man she barely knew.
She turned slowly and looked to Ian. He met her gaze and gave a single, curt nod. Without a word, he turned and walked away, his long strides carrying him back toward the castle door. Arianna remained where she was, drawing a steadying breath, knowingthat whatever awaited her next, she would have to meet it on her own.
An hour later, Arianna sat upon the edge of the great bed, her hair loose down her back, the chamber too quiet now that her family was gone. The fire crackled low, yet it brought her little comfort, and she stared at the carved chest as though it might speak to her. Her hands twisted in her lap, and her chest felt hollow with the absence of familiar voices. She told herself she must grow accustomed to such silences, for they would be many.
A soft knock sounded at the door, gentle as a question. Arianna lifted her head. “Enter.”
Melissa slipped inside, her arms laden with cleansing cloths. Melissa’s expression was kind, but brisk, as though sorrow were a thing that could be outpaced. She closed the door quietly behind her.
“Ye’re nae meant to sit alone too long, me lady,” Melissa said, setting the clothes upon a chair. “It lets the sadness grow teeth.”
Arianna managed a small smile and said, “It already has, I fear.”
Melissa clicked her tongue and shook her head.
“I’m here to get ye ready,” Melissa said, clapping her hands once. “The Laird’s takin’ ye out this afternoon.”
Arianna blinked in surprise and asked, “Out? Where exactly is he takin’ me?” Her voice held more wariness than curiosity. Then she remembered they were scheduled for one of their outings the day after the wedding. In her sorrow, she had forgotten.
“To the village,” Melissa replied easily. “Ye’ll be gettin’ a new wardrobe.”
Arianna straightened at once and said, “That willnae be necessary, I’ve plenty of gowns already.” She glanced toward her trunk as proof.
Melissa laughed outright. “Plenty for a lass, aye, but nay for a McGuire lady,” she said. “It’s custom.”
Arianna frowned and asked, “Custom for what, exactly?” Her tone sharpened despite herself.
“The Laird must provide ye a full new wardrobe within the week,” Melissa explained. “If he doesnae, he forfeits his claim.”
Arianna stared at her, incredulous, and said, “That’s silly.” The word left her mouth before she could soften it.
“So, I said the first time I heard it,” Melissa replied, unbothered. “But it’s the law of the clan.”
