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Despite the short notice, it appeared as though the entire McCollum clan had arrived to be in attendance, and even a few Duncans, which had surprised Florence quite a bit. She was happy that members of her mother’s clan had shown up to support the marriage, though. Perhaps it was a step toward healing the rift that had formed between them all.
Regardless of that, though, Florence found herself sitting at the head table at the wedding feast with her mother and the man she knew for certain was her father. Her mother had confirmed it, but even if she had not, it was rather obvious that they were kin.
She looked over at her mother and father and they appeared so happy and in love, it made her heart melt. For the first time since she had lost her da and brothers, Florence felt as though she could grasp hold of a new, happy life that would help her overcome her pain without forgetting her family.
They were all so lost in their joy of the moment, that they did not immediately notice the man storming through the crowd of revelers toward their table. Florence spotted him before her mother or father, and the look of fury and hate on his face made her stomach drop. Her hand instinctively reached for her sword, but she was not wearing it. She cursed inwardly, for the approaching man had a sword at his side despite the fact that her mother had not wished for any weapons to be present during the wedding. He did not appear to be a mere soldier, however, or a regular clansman. He wore a fine tunic and breeches, with a tartan wrapped around his chest. Florence did not recognize his colors either.
“Who are ye?” William demanded to know when he noticed the man as well.
Coming to a stop directly in front of them, the man snarled, “I am here tae exact my revenge on this harlot,” he pointed to Elspeth. “Word has reached me o’ her confession that she murdered Roberth Ruthven in cold blood. I demand justice on his behalf.”
The entire great hall fell silent at the man’s booming words. Nervous, Florence’s gaze bounced between the man and her mother, who was glaring at him with a regal coolness.
“Roberth Ruthven sealed his own fate when he murdered ma father,” she hissed. “Who are ye tae threaten me on the day o’ my wedding?”
The man raised his chin and snapped, “Hamish Ruthven. Roberth was me brother, and ye seduced him and cut him down just like the serpent in Eden. His death was no’ justified.”
“Ye willnae come in tae ma home and threaten me wife,” William boomed, shoving to his feet. “Yer brother murdered the late Laird Duncan, and she was right tae extract her revenge. Nae one can say otherwise.”
Shouts of agreement went up throughout the hall. Hamish’s expression turned dark and his eyes flashed with menace.
“So ye will deny me my justice?” Hamish spat.
“There is nae justice for ye tae claim,” William declared.
That obviously did not please Hamish, but he did not argue the point further in that moment.
Instead, he looked over to Elspeth and growled, “Mark my words, woman…I will have ma revenge. Yer husband cannae protect ye from me forever.”
“It is fortunate, then, that am perfectly capable of protecting meself,” Elspeth snapped back.
Florence could not help but grin at her mother’s strong words and unshakeable demeanor. It was satisfying to watch the interloper turn on his heel and march back out of the hall. His departure was met with cheers and huzzahs from the rest of the clan and the celebration started back up, almost as if nothing had happened. When her parents did not seem concerned by the threat, Florence allowed herself to relax and enjoy herself. She did not give Hamish Ruthven another thought.
Besides, who would dare lay a hand on the new bride to the Laird of the mighty McCollum clan?
EPILOGUE
Florence
T
hey came for her when everyone’s guard was down. It happened so quickly. Her mother had only meant to go for a quick ride through the forest. She had wanted a bit of exercise and fresh air after days locked away, enjoying time with her new husband. No one had thought anything of it. Hamish Ruthven’s threats had long been forgotten.
But then her escort had returned with a bloody head and a horrifying story of an ambush. The man had been knocked from his horse and lost consciousness. When he had woken up again, Elspeth was gone.
Taken by the Ruthvens.
Florence’s father was in a fury, practically on the verge of declaring outright war with the Ruthvens.
For her part, Florence was simply terrified. She had lost so much already…too many people she loved…she could not lose her mother as well.
Her father assured her they would get Elspeth back, but Florence feared they would not be able to do so in time. Ruthven was determined to make her mother pay, and would likely hang her as soon as he had the chance to do so.
They might not make it in time.
Her father might not be able to get to her mother before Ruthven took his revenge.
Florence had barely survived losing her da and brothers. If she lost her mother too…
