Ailis thought perhaps Neil needed a little more practice when it came to performing marriages. She suspected they must be the first couple Father Neil had married, but that didn’t bother her. Nay, she was married to Lachlan, and that was what truly mattered.
Ailis was joyous in the knowledge that they united their people against impending strife. The celebration that followed was filled with lairds and soldiers who came to support this alliance. The great hall brimmed with boisterous voices as goblets clinked in celebration. Amidst the revelry, an undertow of tension reminded everyone of sacrifices made and battles yet to come.
When the last torch flickered, Ailis leaned into Lachlan’s side. They watched firelight play upon their allies’ faces, knowing they had achieved a unity born of love and laughter.
*
The lairds andtheir top soldiers greeted Ailis as she entered the gathering in the war room. Their somber expressions and heavy air indicated the gravity of the situation.
“Tell us what ye ken,” Laird Campbell demanded, his gaze imploring Ailis to share her knowledge of the dreaded treachery.
Composed, Ailis began her tale. “Lucas Gordon son of Laird Gordon, while deep in his cups, revealed the Stewart’s desire to control and oppress the Highlands. He and two of hisfriends were assigned to keep Moira and me away from Lachlan and Brodie McClain while we were at the Gordon’s Highland Games.”
She recounted her own abduction and Fiona’s capture by the Stewart’s command. Her eyes burned with defiance as she warned about the dire consequences if he remained unchecked. “He means to take over all the Highlands, changing our lives completely. I cannot imagine living here under his rule. He must be stopped!”
A heavy silence filled the room before Lachlan spoke. “War comes. We must prepare and stand united against the Stewart’s tyranny.”
Amidst heated discussion, strategy proposals, and pledges for support, Lachlan added, “Let us be swift and cunning. We shall form an army that will be larger and better trained than his.”
As plans took shape and battle lines formed, Lachlan’s thoughts lingered on Ailis, knowing she was now his wife lightened his heart in many ways. For her and their future, he steeled himself for the trials ahead. As the meeting adjourned, war echoed in every footstep, duty binding him beyond spoken vows.
*
In the candlelitroom, Ailis held her precious mirror, her reflection displaying a mix of anxiety and hope. Fiona and Moira helped her into her nightgown with delicate fingers. The fabric clung to her form as they murmured affectionately about how stunning she was.
“Lachlan will be speechless,” Fiona added softly, emphasizing the importance of the night ahead.
Ailis’s heart fluttered with happiness, but she also sensed the looming threat beyond the castle walls. “How can I be the wife he needs and also worry about the battle ahead?”
“Ye’ll find it’s easier than ye think!” Fiona grasped her sister’s hands. “Just remember to enjoy what he does. Give yerself to it fully, and do not let thoughts of the battle enter yer mind!”
The chamber door opened, revealing Lachlan. His once-charming expression now bore the weight of responsibility. Ailis crossed the room and gently grasped his arms, asking what troubled him as her sisters left the room quietly.
“The lairds have decided McAfee lands are crucial in uniting this alliance,” Lachlan explained. “We’ll train together so that we will all be able to fight together easily.”
“Our people are at the forefront of the resistance,” Ailis realized. He tenderly touched her jaw. “It’s how it was meant to be for whatever reason. We were brought in from the moment Malcolm started trying to get Fiona to marry him.”
Lachlan sighed. “I dinnae like the battle being so close to ye and yer sisters.”
“I dinnae think our feelings matter overly much,” she murmured. “We must do our part to stop the Stewart, and that means gathering soldiers here.”
He sighed. He had no desire to put her or anyone else in danger, but he must do his duty to help stop the Stewart’s plans. “I just hope that the deaths are few and the injuries are easy to deal with.”
“Let it be so,” Ailis declared. “For love, family, and the Highlands we cherish.”
Ailis understood sacrifice. She would stand with him through both their union and war’s trials.
The chamber flickered with candlelight as Ailis moved into Lachlan’s arms. She wanted to forget all about the battle to come, but she could see by his face he was still troubled.
Lachlan stood by the hearth, his tall frame silhouetted against the flames, eyes heavy with unspoken concerns.
“Ye look troubled, me love,” Ailis murmured, smoothing his furrowed brow. Her touch was light but strong in her support. Lachlan’s hand clasped over hers, bringing it to his lips in grateful appreciation.
“Tonight, no troubles shall shadow our union,” he vowed, drawing her close. Their world outside receded as she moved into his arms.
His touch ignited a remarkable spark within her. The warmth of his breath against her neck sent shivers down her spine as he whispered words of endearment into her ear.
She could feel his arousal growing beneath his kilt. Her heart raced faster as he explored every curve of her body through her nightdress. She could feel the bulge against her stomach and knew he wanted more than just this dance.
