“Good day, me Laird, me ladies, sir” she said, curtseying slightly. “I am Melissa, and I am to serve as yer maid while ye are in Castle McGuire.”
Arianna inclined her head politely. “Thank ye,” she said, her voice steady though tight with nerves.
Melissa’s lips curved in a small, knowing smile. “I will see ye all to yer rooms,” she said, glancing at Marcus and Hugh. “Ye must be weary after such a journey, and ye’ll need rest and food afore the wedding on the morrow.” Arianna nodded, shoulders straightening, though her eyes darted around the courtyard once more.
They passed through the great doors and into the interior of the castle, the hallways high and narrow, walls lined with tapestries of battles long past. Candlelight flickered along carved beams, illuminating the worn stone floors beneath their feet. Arianna’s breath caught at the echoes of their boots and the low murmur of voices from unseen servants.
“This place… it is magnificent,” she murmured under her breath, half to herself.
Melissa led Marcus and Hugh first, pausing at two separate rooms. “Here,” she said, opening the first door, “is yer chamber, me Laird. Comfortable enough, and ye’ll find fresh linens, some refreshment, and a fire to warm ye.”
Marcus gave a curt nod, while Hugh muttered a quiet “Thank ye,” before entering. Melissa closed each door gently behind them.
“Yer ladyship,” Melissa said, turning back to Arianna, “ye and yer mother shall be shown next to a pair of adjoining rooms. Ye can rest, and I’ll see ye prepared for the weddin’ on the morrow.”
Arianna swallowed, nerves tightening, but inclined her head. “I am grateful, Melissa,” she said quietly.
“Thank ye for making sure me room is near me daughter’s,” Eilidh said.
“Of course, I ken how important it is for a mother to be with her daughter on her weddin,” Melissa smiled.
Melissa opened the door to Arianna’s room and stepped inside, gesturing for her to enter.
“This will be yer chamber,” she said. The room was airy and spacious, with a large four-poster bed draped in pale linens, heavy curtains at the tall windows, and a small writing desk tucked in the corner. A fireplace stood cold but ready, and a chest of drawers sat neatly against one wall, polished and welcoming.
Arianna stepped inside, taking in the quiet comfort. “It is… lovely,” she murmured, voice soft, half in awe.
Melissa nodded approvingly. “Ye’ll find all ye need here, me lady,” she said. “A place to rest, to dress, and to gather yer thoughts afore the big day.”
Arianna wandered over to the desk, running her fingers along the smooth wood. “And… me trunks?” she asked.
Melissa smiled patiently. “Aye, me lady, the servants will have them comin' up any moment. Ye will want for nothin' here, I promise.”
Melissa guided her to the adjoining door. “And yer mother shall be close by, me lady, so ye’ll have comfort of her presence. We will see ye both settled before the morn.”
Arianna nodded once, giving a small, resolute sigh. “Very well,” she said, “thank ye, Melissa.”
“And the trunks?” Eilidh asked.
Melissa inclined her head. “Here are yer trunks now.” Melissa nodded at the servants approaching the threshold, holding four trunks. They set them down gently.
“The Laird has offered his personal solar for the McDonald clan to dine together this evenin’.” Melissa paused, letting the words settle. “Ye shall be called when it is ready, so ye can rest until then.”
Arianna’s mother, Eilidh, straightened, smoothing her hands over her skirts. “That is very thoughtful of him,” she said, her voice tight but measured. “It is best we keep to ourselves this night, separate from the clan, until the weddin' unites us fully.”
Arianna nodded quietly, sensing the careful diplomacy in her mother’s words.
Melissa inclined her head, pleased at the understanding. “Aye, me lady, it is meant to give ye time to recover from yer journey, and to prepare for the morrow.”
Arianna felt nerves and anticipation move through her. Her mother lingered a moment, squeezing her hand.
“We’ll face this together,” Eilidh whispered.
Arianna nodded, letting the warmth of her mother’s presence settle around her like a shield, knowing that after the wedding, she would not see her for a long time.
CHAPTER THREE
Arianna unpacked her trunk, hands deftly folding fine linens and silk gowns, while her mother set aside delicate lace gloves and embroidered handkerchiefs. Every item unpacked was a reminder that the morrow would bind her to a life she had not chosen. Her heart hammered against her ribs, a rapid drum of anticipation and fear.
