Page 35 of It Began With A Kiss
She made her way up the aisle of the chapel. Friendly faces shone with happiness and Iona beamed that the clan also approved of her choice to take Aiden as her husband. Her gaze traveled to her lady in waiting, the only person in the room whose scowl silently displayed her displeasure. But Iona would not allow Deirdre to ruin this day. She would deal with the woman at another time. This day belonged to her and Aiden.
Her eyes traveled to her handsome knight, who looked very impatient to make her his wife. His tunic matched her gown right down to the golden threads of embroidery at the neck and cuffs. Whereas Iona’s gown displayed golden flowers, Aiden’s appeared in an intricate pattern and Iona would be certain to praise the women who had made his matching attire.
She took the arm Aiden offered her and as the priest began Mass they sat next to Gregor with Aiden’s men sitting behind them. The sermon spoke of uniting the clan and letting past hostilities no longer remain in their hearts. But when the priest addressed the blossoming love between Aiden and Iona, she smiled, knowing his words were true. She had loved Aiden almost at first sight, despite him being the enemy to their land. If she could overlook such a beginning, then she prayed their people would too.
The priest asked Iona and Aiden to stand before the clan whilst he bound their lives together for all eternity. A ribbon of green and gold was wound around their clasped hands and the priest at last declared them husband and wife. The clan cheered even whilst the priest frowned that such an uproar was occurring in his chapel. Aiden placed a chaste kiss upon her lips, and they made their way to the altar to sign their marriage documents.
The chapel began to empty as people returned to the great hall to feast and once Iona and Aiden were alone, he grasped her to him in a fierce hug.
“I have never been happier than I am right now, my wife,” Aiden whispered in her ear. “I can barely wait until I can make you completely mine.”
She gave a laugh and slapped him playfully. “Shhhh! Elsewise, the priest shall scold ye for defiling his chapel with yer thoughts.”
“You are my wife now. Surely anything I might say about bedding you is allowed.”
“Not in the chapel, Aiden,” she teased, “but later!”
“I suppose if I must wait then I will, but know at the first opportunity I will whisk you away to our chamber,” Aiden warned, with a roguish grin.
“I look forward tae the moment when we are alone, husband. But first, let us eat and show the clan that all the past is now where it belongs,” Iona replied, pulling on his arm so they could make their way to the keep.
Once inside, another loud cheer went up and, before long, wine was being poured and several toasts on their marriage were being made by many of those in attendance. If Iona had any doubt that Aiden would be accepted, then such thoughts no longer existed. He was her husband and she, his wife. The conquering enemy was now the hero of the clan, especially after killing Broden and returning Gregor back into the fold.
A trencher was put before them, and Aiden selected the choicest of meats for Iona to pick from. They laughed, they drank, and when they had eaten their fill, the tables were cleared so the dancing could begin. With a motion of his hand to the minstrels, Aiden took her hand and led her to the middle of the hall where they began the patterns of a dance. Soon, other couples joined them, and the merriment continued while members of the clan began to ask to dance with their laird or his lady.
It had been some time that Dunborough Castle had seen such entertainment. Yet one look at Aiden, and Iona was more than ready to make her way to their bedchamber. She excused herself, gathered several ladies and they made their way up the turret steps. Deidre stood outside the laird’s door.
Iona could tell from the woman’s expression that she had much on her mind. “Go enjoy the festivities, Dierdre. I have enough help tae ready myself tae receive my husband,” Iona said, whilst her hand took hold of the latch.
“But, my lady,” Deirdre began.
Iona peered over her shoulder. “We shall talk on the morrow. Good eve tae ye, Deirdre,” she said, dismissing the woman who frowned and at last took her leave.
“Damn uppity and a pain in our arse,” one woman swore before her eyes widened. “Me apologies, milady.”
Iona patted the woman’s hand. “No need and I certainly understand yer concerns. But I shall worry over my lady in waiting another day. Help me from this gown, please.”
With the women’s help, Iona was changed from her wedding attire to a soft linen. A dark blue robe was just being placed on her shoulders and Iona was in the process of tying the matching sash when the bedchamber door opened whilst her husband filled the space.
Stepping inside, he held the door open in a silent request for the women to leave. They giggled as they filed past him. Shutting the door, he slid the bolt into place. His attention returned to her whilst his eyes smoldered—she assumed in anticipation of their coupling.
Making her way to a small table by the fire set between two comfortable chairs, she took up the pitcher of wine and poured the beverage into a chalice. She raised the cup to her lips and took a sip of the heady wine before holding it out to her husband. “Wine?” she asked, in a soft whisper.
He came to her like an animal stalking its prey. Those crazy hypnotic violet eyes never left hers as he took the cup from her hand, placing the chalice back on the table. He began untying the sash at her waist. “I have other ideas in mind than drinking, my love,” he said in a husky tone, pushing the robe from her shoulders. “I have waited long enough to finally make you mine.
“Our wait is at last over,” Iona said as she wound her arms around his neck. “Ye belong tae me now and for all time.”
He crushed his lips to hers and she heard his moan before he lifted her in his strong arms and carried her to their bed. Clothes were torn from their bodies landing in a heap on the floor. The coverlet was whipped from the bed and Iona scooted across the mattress to make room for her husband. He sat on the edge whilst taking off a boot, tossing it to land next to their clothes with a heavy thud.
Iona knelt and molded herself to his back whilst he worked on the second boot. “How I want ye, my dearest love,” she whispered in his ear before giving the lobe a gentle nibble. She heard his laughter rumble deep in his chest.
“My lady wishes to play,” he said. He swiftly turned capturing her in his arms and then laying her down beneath him.
She began running her fingers through his red hair, the color so much like her own only shorter. “Aye. All night if ye so wish it, my laird.”
His face grew serious as his hand caressed her hair then her cheek. “What a treasure you are, my lovely wife. I never thought I would find you.”
“I am happy we found each other, husband. Now make me yours in all ways possible,” she commanded, reaching up around his neck. She put the slightest pressure at the base, and he bent forward so their lips could once again meet.
