Page 15 of It Began With A Kiss
She forced herself to step back and immediately felt the loss of the warmth of his body. “Are ye expecting anything from me for these gifts?” She waved her hand toward the bed.
Another smile crept across his features. “Nay. They are freely given to do with what you may, Iona. I would never ask anything from you that you were not ready to give.”
“Then I thank ye for the gifts, my laird.”
“Aiden…” he said, before turning toward the door. “I would ask that you call me by my given name as long as we are alone. Would you indulge me in this?”
She thought about his request. She supposed it was the least she could do. “Very well, Aiden. I thank ye for the gifts. ’Twas very thoughtful of ye.”
“You are very welcome.” He stood in the portal staring at her before continuing, “Will you do me the honor of joining me for the evening meal? I understand the cook has gone to extra lengths with whatever he has planned this eve. I assume ’tis for your benefit.”
Iona nodded. “Since cook has gone tae such added efforts, how can I possibly deny such a request. I shall see ye shortly for the evening meal.”
“I look forward to supping with you, my lady. Until then,” he said with a nod.
Iona watched as Aiden disappeared down the passage before she shut her bedchamber door and put the bolt into place. Leaning back against the solid wood, she raised her hand to her forehead wondering if she had a fever. Aiden had certainly lit a fire in her and Iona was not certain she wished for the flame to be extinguished. She must be mad, but then again, mayhap she should just enjoy being carefree for once in her life instead of being consumed by motherhood and the weight of all her responsibilities as wife to the laird.
The thought of Ewan, now dead in the cold earth, filled her with doubt. She reassured herself that he would certainly wish for her to go on with her life. That said, he may not have approved of Aiden as her choice. True, he was the invading enemy, and she should hate him, but somehow her heart softened whenever he was near. ’Twas as though the ice that encased her heart cracked each time she saw him. He was chipping away at the barrier and did not even know it. Or mayhap he did, given the attention he had given her this day.
When had she started to care for him? Mayhap ’twas the very night he took over the castle. She could forgive him for tying her up as long as she could forgive herself and the guilt she still felt for the betrayal of possibly falling for her enemy.Enemy… was he truly her enemy? Broden was for sure, the cowardly cur. That he was loose somewhere was Iona’s biggest concern. Until the wretch was found, she would need to be on her guard. She had no doubt her brother-in-law was up to no good and he would only be too pleased to capture her or her son. Aye… Gregor could be used as leverage against her. They all needed to be cautious where Broden was concerned.
She pulled off her gown and used the water left in a basin to clean away the dust that had accumulated on her skin. Once she was clean, she toweled herself dry and went to the wooden chest at the foot of her bed. She pulled out a light green gown with embroidered flowers at the hem, sleeves, and neckline. ’Twas one of her best garments and she pondered whether Aiden would notice her efforts.
Her eyes went to the bed and the treasures that had been left there for her perusal. Green gemstones gleamed in the torchlight, and she smiled at how perfectly the jewelry matched what she planned to wear. A knock on her door caused her to pause. She called out, only to hear her maid on the other side. She slid the bolt and stood behind the door whilst allowing the girl to enter.
Before long, Iona was ready. Her hair had been pulled up with green ribbons whilst loose waves flowed down to her waist. She twirled around, marveling at how beautiful she felt. When had she ever felt this way? Ewan had never been one to give flowery comments, although he had been attentive to her needs. Tonight, she dressed for herself and whatever life had in store for her.
Leaving her bedchamber, she made her way down the passageway to the turret. The round stairs took her to the lower floors and soon she reached the bottom. Voices reached her ears, and she knew the great hall was filled with knights, ladies and some of the clan. She took a deep breath before making her entrance into the room. This was it… the moment that would change her life for either better or worse. She was about to show her choice for her future. All who saw her would know she had cast her fate with one who could still be considered their enemy.
Each step caused her heart to race, but she was determined to put up a united front so that the new laird and the clan could find a common accord. She would be the bridge between them. Conversations began to dim when she made her way through the hall to stand before the raised dais.
One of the serving maids, Thora, was filling Aiden’s chalice. Once she finished, she whispered in his ear. Iona couldn’t hear what she said, but she could imagine it, considering the woman’s bodice was all but open for all to see her overflowing breasts. Iona attempted not to scowl or allow the tiny bit of jealousy in her heart to show. Nay, she would not give the lass the satisfaction of exposing such a wicked emotion to cross her face. Instead, Iona smiled and dropped down into a deep curtsey.
“Lady Iona, you honor us with your presence this eve. I would be humbly grateful for you to sup with me and my personal guardsmen,” Aiden said, loud enough for all to hear.
“My Laird Aiden,” Iona replied as she stood. “I would be honored tae dine with ye and yer men.”
Aiden had risen from his chair whilst he spoke. He now held out his hand for her. Iona made her way around the dais, up the steps, and took his hand, which he raised to his lips. “Pour Lady Iona wine,” he ordered the woman who had thought to capture his attention.
“Aye, my laird,” Thora said, filling another chalice. The woman frowned at Iona before heading back into the kitchen.
Iona took her seat next to Aiden and he moved a trencher between them to share. He waved his hand and soon the hall was filled with the aroma of all sorts of meats and other dishes to satisfy those who were there to break their fast.
Aiden reached out to place the choicest of meats on her side of the trencher. He then took his cup and raised it in a toast to the lady at his side. “To new beginnings.”
Iona took her chalice and raised it to Aiden’s. “Tae new beginnings,” she repeated as they clinked their cups together. They each took a sip. He continued to stare upon Iona, and she blushed once more.
“Let us sup,” Aiden said and took his fork and began to eat.
Iona nibbled at the food. She was so nervous. she was afraid to eat but the wine seemed to calm her nerves. And then Aiden spoke quietly so as not to be overheard by the other diners. His words sounded as if he had heard her innermost thoughts.
“If you do not eat and only drink this eve, you will regret it come the morn, my lady. Trust me when I say that drinking away your troubles will not solve anything. What is bothering you this night, Iona?”
She set her chalice down and took another bite of venison to appease him. She turned to look at the man she barely knew. “I fear I am not myself of late,” she began, setting down her fork. “Ye have taken over my home and my emotions have been torn asunder. Does this make sense tae ye?” she asked with wide eyes.
Aiden turned in his chair to fully look upon her. He took her hands, and his thumb ran over the back. “Of course, I understand. I must needs admit I have felt an instant connection with you, Iona. Whether this is right or wrong in the eyes of our people, only time will tell. But know this… I have promised you and your son my protection. I will keep that vow to my last dying breath whether you and I form a relationship or not.”
“Our people…” she murmured looking out into the hall. “Ye consider the clan and the villagers yer people?”
