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A ilis stood at the edge of her father’s grand courtyard. She greeted incoming allied lairds with practiced grace alongside Fiona and Moira. It had been their task to welcome guests since they were old enough, and she enjoyed meeting all the new people.

“Welcome, Laird Robertson.” Ailis extended a hand to the next arrival. She observed the accompanying warriors, noting their strength and weaponry. “We’re so glad you joined us.”

The courtyard filled with voices and clanking armor as suppertime neared. Ailis’s attention shifted to Lachlan leading his family’s delegation. She was so happy he was back!

Ailis’s heart raced as he dismounted and strode toward her. “Good even, Ailis,” Lachlan greeted before drawing her aside from watchful eyes. “There’s talk of war,” he whispered. “Before we battle, I want ye to be me wife. Will ye marry me?”

Her breath caught, joy surged through her at the thought of standing beside Lachlan as his wife, understanding this union meant more than just love. It was also an alliance for uncertain times.

“Seek me father’s blessing,” she reminded him, formal yet trembling with hope. “But know this, Lachlan—I would be honored to be yer bride.”

Her admission hung between them like a fragile promise. As supper’s call echoed through the keep, Ailis awaited the outcome of her father and Lachlan’s meeting.

*

Lachlan entered the great hall with a pounding heart. Laird Duncan McAfee stood by the hearth. Lachlan approached, feeling the weight of his request.

“Duncan,” Lachlan began, inclining his head. “I have a matter to discuss.”

Duncan turned to face him, his eyes searching Lachlan’s. “Speak yer piece.”

“I wish to speak of Ailis,” Lachlan continued. “With yer permission, I ask for her hand in marriage, to further unite our clans.”

Silence fell as Duncan regarded him. Then, he nodded slowly.

“Ye have me blessing. I can see that the two of ye work well together. And though I wanted me daughters to each make a new alliance, it seems to be smart to strengthen our alliance with the McClains at this time. Ye won’t take her away until after the war? ”

With gratitude, Lachlan smiled. “Thank ye. And no. I will not take her away until after the war, and until after Alisdair feels comfortable with his new job as laird.”

*

He rejoined Ailis and announced that they would be wed that evening. Her face bloomed with joy, and she clasped her hands together.

“Then we mustn’t tarry,” she trilled. “An hour after supper, we shall stand before the priest and pledge ourselves to each other.”

As Ailis sat down beside Lachlan for their only meal as a betrothed couple, she realized that neither of them had ever spoken of love to the other.

Certainly, he felt for her if he’d asked her to marry him!

But… was it love? She couldn’t ask him, as she’d never uttered the words either. He should say them first.

As soon as the meal was over, her sisters ushered her away to prepare for the ceremony.

Ailis allowed herself to be guided, envisioning her life ahead with Lachlan.

And though she’d expected to have more time to prepare for her wedding, she knew this was how things were meant to happen. She could feel it deep within her.

Her sisters readied her in silence. They dressed her hair and clothed her in a purple gown that hinted at elegance and strength, its color as deep as the moor’s heather.

Ailis studied her reflection in the mirror that had cost a knight’s ransom, not recognizing herself.

A linchpin of an alliance and beacon of hope, she thought of Lachlan, the man who had claimed her heart in political turmoil.

“Let us not keep him waiting. Tonight, we forge our future.” With purpose, she went to the chapel.

The chapel’s soft candlelight held anticipation as Ailis entered on her father’s arm.

Each step toward the altar melded her future with Lachlan, whose gaze met hers.

There was a slight smile on his face, showing her that he was as happy as she was this was finally happening.

They’d practically courted for a lifetime, but in truth it was only a couple of months.

Father Neil, the new priest who was meant to serve both the Sinclairs and the McAfees nervously began the ceremony, stumbling over words as if they were stones. Laughter rippled through the assembly, a moment of levity shared by Ailis and Lachlan amidst their commitment.

When asked who gave Ailis away, Duncan proclaimed himself proudly, his voice echoing with the future of their clans.

Neil hesitated, squinting at the text. “Do ye, Lachlan, take Ailis to be yer lawfully wedded wife, to protect and to cherish, from this day forward?”

“I do.” Lachlan’s vow echoed through the chamber.

“And do ye, Ailis, take Lachlan to be yer lawfully wedded husband, to honor and to…” Neil trailed off.

“Cherish,” Ailis gently supplied.

“Then by the power somewhat vested in me,” Neil declared, laughter following his words, “I now pronounce ye husband and wife.”

Ailis thought perhaps Neil needed a little more practice when it came to performing marriages. She suspected they must be the first couple Father Neil had married, but that didn’t bother her. Nay, she was married to Lachlan, and that was what truly mattered.

Ailis was joyous in the knowledge that they united their people against impending strife.

The celebration that followed was filled with lairds and soldiers who came to support this alliance.

The great hall brimmed with boisterous voices as goblets clinked in celebration.

Amidst the revelry, an undertow of tension reminded everyone of sacrifices made and battles yet to come.

When the last torch flickered, Ailis leaned into Lachlan’s side. They watched firelight play upon their allies’ faces, knowing they had achieved a unity born of love and laughter.

*

The lairds and their top soldiers greeted Ailis as she entered the gathering in the war room. Their somber expressions and heavy air indicated the gravity of the situation.

“Tell us what ye ken,” Laird Campbell demanded, his gaze imploring Ailis to share her knowledge of the dreaded treachery.

Composed, Ailis began her tale. “Lucas Gordon son of Laird Gordon, while deep in his cups, revealed the Stewart’s desire to control and oppress the Highlands.

He and two of his friends were assigned to keep Moira and me away from Lachlan and Brodie McClain while we were at the Gordon’s Highland Games. ”

She recounted her own abduction and Fiona’s capture by the Stewart’s command.

Her eyes burned with defiance as she warned about the dire consequences if he remained unchecked.

“He means to take over all the Highlands, changing our lives completely. I cannot imagine living here under his rule. He must be stopped!”

A heavy silence filled the room before Lachlan spoke. “War comes. We must prepare and stand united against the Stewart’s tyranny.”

Amidst heated discussion, strategy proposals, and pledges for support, Lachlan added, “Let us be swift and cunning. We shall form an army that will be larger and better trained than his.”

As plans took shape and battle lines formed, Lachlan’s thoughts lingered on Ailis, knowing she was now his wife lightened his heart in many ways.

For her and their future, he steeled himself for the trials ahead.

As the meeting adjourned, war echoed in every footstep, duty binding him beyond spoken vows.

*

In the candlelit room, Ailis held her precious mirror, her reflection displaying a mix of anxiety and hope. Fiona and Moira helped her into her nightgown with delicate fingers. The fabric clung to her form as they murmured affectionately about how stunning she was.

“Lachlan will be speechless,” Fiona added softly, emphasizing the importance of the night ahead.

Ailis’s heart fluttered with happiness, but she also sensed the looming threat beyond the castle walls. “How can I be the wife he needs and also worry about the battle ahead?”

“Ye’ll find it’s easier than ye think!” Fiona grasped her sister’s hands. “Just remember to enjoy what he does. Give yerself to it fully, and do not let thoughts of the battle enter yer mind!”

The chamber door opened, revealing Lachlan. His once-charming expression now bore the weight of responsibility. Ailis crossed the room and gently grasped his arms, asking what troubled him as her sisters left the room quietly.

“The lairds have decided McAfee lands are crucial in uniting this alliance,” Lachlan explained. “We’ll train together so that we will all be able to fight together easily.”

“Our people are at the forefront of the resistance,” Ailis realized. He tenderly touched her jaw. “It’s how it was meant to be for whatever reason. We were brought in from the moment Malcolm started trying to get Fiona to marry him.”

Lachlan sighed. “I dinnae like the battle being so close to ye and yer sisters.”

“I dinnae think our feelings matter overly much,” she murmured. “We must do our part to stop the Stewart, and that means gathering soldiers here.”

He sighed. He had no desire to put her or anyone else in danger, but he must do his duty to help stop the Stewart’s plans. “I just hope that the deaths are few and the injuries are easy to deal with.”

“Let it be so,” Ailis declared. “For love, family, and the Highlands we cherish.”

Ailis understood sacrifice. She would stand with him through both their union and war’s trials.

The chamber flickered with candlelight as Ailis moved into Lachlan’s arms. She wanted to forget all about the battle to come, but she could see by his face he was still troubled.

Lachlan stood by the hearth, his tall frame silhouetted against the flames, eyes heavy with unspoken concerns.

“Ye look troubled, me love,” Ailis murmured, smoothing his furrowed brow. Her touch was light but strong in her support. Lachlan’s hand clasped over hers, bringing it to his lips in grateful appreciation.