Page 17 of It Began With A Kiss
She muffled her reply and took her leave. Aiden was grateful he did not need to deal further with the situation. He had no desire to dally with another. Not when he was devoted to the idea that he and Iona could come to terms. Aye… he had feelings for her, that much was certain. He had waited all his life for a woman to interest him and he would not be foolish enough to let a serving maid come between him and the woman he could come to love.
Love… He could not think of the last time he had considered such an emotion. ’Twas not that he had not succumbed to a woman or two to take care of his basic needs, but he had never allowed love to enter his heart. He never had the time. Not when he was doing everything in his power to make a name for himself or earn the favor of a king who may even now have forgotten about him.
King Henry was going to war, that much was certain. Would he truly remember his promise to give Aiden a title if he took over Dunborough? Most likely not, so what choice did Aiden have than to look to King William for his favor? He was not certain the Scottish king would think kindly of Aiden, considering he overtook this land.
He was undoubtedly in the middle of a conundrum. Aiden should be concentrating on earning the respect of the people he would now govern and not the swaying hips of a lovely woman. Yet how could he not think of the beauty who danced along to the tunes of a favorite Scottish song? Iona was perfection and yet she did not think of herself in such a way. That much Aiden was certainly aware of. He had seen for himself that she put the people and her son first. Could she possibly let Aiden into her heart? Only time would tell. He watched from his place at the dais whilst one clansman after another took Finlay’s place.
Colin took the seat next to Aiden. “She is lovely,” he said.
“Aye, she is,” he replied as he watched the lady following the patterns of the dance with an unknown clansman.
“I am surprised ye allowed her tae dance with another. I thought ye would all but claim her for yerself this eve.”
“If I am to win the people over, she must be allowed to make her own decisions. To be seen dancing with others besides myself is for the common good, even though I would prefer to keep her in my arms.” Aiden ran his fingers over the back of his neck and then picked up his cup again. “There may not be enough wine in the cellars if I must needs only watch her the rest of the night.”
Colin’s mirth was evident given the loud chuckle that left his mouth. “’Twill indeed be a long night. Mayhap she will favor ye with another dance before ’tis over.”
“Perchance… if I am that lucky,” Aiden grumbled, before Colin slapped him hard on the back. The force would have felled any other man.
“Mayhap she will favor me with the next dance.”
“You will have to ask her yourself.”
Without a by your leave, the music finished, and Colin left Aiden to go inquire if the lady would indeed favor him with a dance. He watched Iona laugh before she gave a curtsey and was again led to the floor. This time the tune was a slow one and Aiden grimaced as he watched his friend handle the lady.
Finlay returned to the table and took Colin’s place. “Ye best ask her for the next dance or the whole damn clan will be in line for the lady’s favor.”
“She can make her own choices as to who she dances with,” Aiden muttered in dismay.
“I seem tae remember another instance with a certain Captain of the Guard for the Devil’s Dragon. Riorden de Deveraux was in the same predicament with his lady, if I recall. Do not be a fool and let yer lady slip through yer hands. Ask her for the next dance. I am certain she would rather be with ye than any other.”
Aiden looked at his friend. “Do you really think so?”
“Aye, I do.”
Aiden took another sip of his wine and then stood. Making his way to the minstrels, he leaned over to request another slow song when they finished. The man with the lute nodded and turned to the others as the music came to an end. Aiden crossed the floor and held out his hand to Iona.
“Would you do me the honor, Iona,” he asked with a smile.
“Of course, my laird. I thought ye would never ask.” She placed her hand in his. His wave toward the minstrels had them taking up their instruments again.
He was happy to have the lady back in his arms. A slow tune allowed them the opportunity to have a conversation instead of passing snippets as they came together in the dance and parted again. “I am happy you accepted my request.”
“Ye asked for another slow song, it appears. I am thankful for the change of pace.”
“I could not have Colin be the only one to hold you close,” he replied, pulling her a bit nearer. She did not complain or step away from him, which he took as a promising sign.
“I would have saved all of my dances just for ye if ye had but asked.” Her hand reached up to touch the edges of his hair and she blushed and placed her hand back down upon his shoulder.
“Mayhap you would favor me with a walk outside for a bit.” His offer was heartfelt, and he prayed she would feel comfortable enough to be alone with him.
Her smile crept across her face. “I would like that very much, Aiden.”
Inwardly, he sighed in relief, and he continued to relish having Iona in his arms whilst they continued their dance together. ’Twas short lived, however, and when the music finished, he took her hand, placing it on his arm whilst he led her from the floor and back toward the dais. Her wine was still there, and she took a sip before looking upon him.
“I will need tae fetch my cloak since I am certain ’twill be chilly outside,” she stated as she placed her cup back down.
“Then I will need to grab mine as well. Perchance a walk on the battlement walls is in order then, since we will already be climbing the turret stairs,” he suggested.
