Page 62 of The Burden of a Scottish Chieftain
Thane stood up, took the last sip of his ale, then said, “Magni, we’re headed to Drimnin. Lia said so.”
Magni burst into tears as he chased out the door ahead of Thane, but then he ran back to hug Logan before taking his leave. “I love you, Grandda. We’re going for Lia.”
Chapter Thirty-Five
Meg
Lennox was sound asleep. She studied him while he slept, a light snore coming from his parted lips, his arm resting across her waist.
She liked sleeping in his arms. He was warmer than any blanket or fur.
Sneaking out the best she could, she managed to get away without waking him, making her way to the knoll where she could look out over the sound, listening to the hoots of an owl while she thought of all that had happened.
She’d lost her value as a bride, and she didn’t care one bit. She’d also handfasted with a man she loved. That was a bit more intimidating, not because it was Lennox, but because he was the chieftain of his clan. What would her duties be as the chieftain’s wife?
At this point, she was too afraid to ask.
Lennox stirred and called out to her. “Everything all right, sweet Meg?”
“I’m fine,” she said as he came up next to her and wrapped his arm around her waist, pulling her closer. “It’s a wee bit chilly, aye?”
She leaned into him, resting her head on his shoulder, and said, “I had no idea.”
“You found your pleasure after your pain. I’m sorry it hurt.” He kissed her, a soft kiss that was simple but oh so sweet.
She laughed. “That pain was nothing. It was worth it for what came after. May I ask you a couple of questions?”
“Aye.”
“So, this is how babies are made? Every time?”
“Aye and nay. It doesn’t make a baby every time, just when it’s the right time for the female. The cycle of your courses.”
“This is why people marry? This part of a couple’s relationship?”
“Aye. You are inquisitive. I like that about you. Shows an intelligent mind.”
“How often do married couples do it?”
He shrugged. “I can’t answer that. I’ve not been married, and most couples don’t speak on it. I would guess several times a fortnight? What do you think?”
“More than that would suit me.”
He kissed her cheek with a chuckle. “You know what the rule of the land is. Doing that made you mine.”
She turned to look at him, perplexed. “Why do men get the power to make all the decisions?”
“I can’t answer that. But we did talk about this. You recall that we handfasted, aye?”
“I do. I’m just curious about practices. I have few memories of my parents together, so I’m confused about how a marriage works. About what happens every day for you and for your wife. Or do you make decisions for both of us?”
“Since we handfasted, I consider us husband and wife for a year and a day. Of course, I would be willing to discuss anything with you. Allow you to make decisions about some things, and other things for me.”
“You would allow me to question some of your decisions?”
“Of course. Any decision that would affect you or our family would be up for discussion, although because I am chieftain and you are mistress of the castle, it would be wise to keep those discussions private.” He kissed her forehead. “I am pleased that we handfasted. You are mine for a year and a day.”
“Part of me likes the sound of that and part of me doesn’t.”
