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Chapter

Twenty-Two

H e’d not seen her since last eve’s meal.

Yesterday had been quite a day, from the confrontation in Tannochbrae’s solar chamber to a visit with a merchant having just returned from the very area where MacKinlay’s cattle had been grazing.

After learning the man knew naught, as expected, Niall spent the afternoon training as Avelina and Tannochbrae’s seamstress worked on a gown the chieftain insisted on commissioning.

The man had taken to this wedding nearly as much as he and Avelina.

The idea of two neighbors being allies instead of enemies was one he clearly relished.

In the chieftain’s mind, ‘twould make their region as formidable as any, and while that might be true, he regretted to inform the man this union was unlikely to bring swift changes to their clans’ relations.

As evidenced by Avelina’s brother’s reaction.

Or even his own brother, who continued to worry for the reception Avelina would receive upon returning to Castle Duncraig.

Finally, at the evening meal, he’d had an opportunity to see her. They sat, as requested by their host, together on either side of the host, a place of honor, surely. But they’d not had the opportunity for a private discussion.

Niall was further dismayed to learn Avelina would not be sleeping alone that eve. As per custom, she would be attended by a maid to ensure the precise thing he’d been looking forward to all day, being inside Avelina once again.

It was not to be, however, and he’d made do with a quick stolen kiss in the corridor and promise of more on the morrow. On his wedding day.

He stood now beside his brother in the Tannochbrae chapel, waiting for sounds of the piper who would announce Avelina’s arrival.

“You are truly getting married today,” Kieran said beside him. “I’d not believe it were I not standing here beside you.”

“I know you do not agree, but I cannae explain it, Kieran. ‘Tis the right decision.”

“I dinnae agree or disagree. ‘Tis your decision, Brother, and I stand by you as you make it.”

Niall put his hand on his brother’s shoulder. Kieran placed his own over Niall’s.

“You are the best brother a man could have,” he said sincerely.

“As are you, Niall. I would say this,” he added, dropping his hand. “I’ve not seen you smile so often as you have since meeting Lady Avelina.”

He listened but still heard no pipers. There were few in the chapel with them since most stood outside waiting for the bride to arrive. But he could not see her until she entered the building, so Niall and Kieran stood, alone, together.

“I told her of the healer,” he said, the words coming to him at the very moment he said them.

As expected, his brother seemed surprised. Niall never spoke of it with good reason.

“And still, she is marrying you,” Kieran teased. His brother had always thought Niall berated himself too often about it.

“‘Twas cruel,” he said, remembering.

“You were a boy,” Kieran said. “And now a man about to become a husband.”

A husband.

The sound, distinct but distant, was one that filled Niall with both joy and sorrow.

Joy for he knew this decision to be the right one.

Sorrow for not being wed with his parents and relatives in attendance.

His mother would be especially disappointed, but neither could he traipse about the countryside having taken Avelina’s virginity and not rectify the fact.

Besides, he would not be apart from her for even one more night.

“She’s coming,” his brother stated what they both knew well. The pipers’ joyful melody became louder and louder, the crowd that gathered—one who knew neither he nor the bride—began to cheer. Here in the Highlands, a wedding was cause for celebration no matter the couple.

Niall waited for what seemed like a full day until, finally, the chapel began to fill. When the door finally fully cleared, he stared at it.

And then she appeared. Alone, as her brother had refused to attend their wedding.

A simple, deep blue gown, ironic as blue symbolized purity, and he knew better than anyone in attendance what had occurred between him and Avelina two nights ago.

He’d thought of little else since, but now was not the time to lust after his wife.

They had to make it through the ceremony and wedding feast first.

With her hair piled atop her head, Niall had never in his life seen anything more beautiful than his intended walking toward him.

When she reached up to the altar, Niall took her hand and pulled Lina to his side.

Perhaps too close since the priest, now before them, gave him a look that said as much, but Niall did not care.

He listened to the words the priest spoke, remembered how to use his tongue as they exchanged wedding bands and vows, and somehow, Niall managed to get to the part where he could kiss his bride.

He kissed her, indeed. So long that the priest cleared his throat, those in attendance cheered, and Avelina actually pulled away, likely embarrassed by the extension of the kiss.

But he cared only to keep his new bride as close to him as possible, never releasing her elbow at his side even when surrounded by well-wishers outside the chapel.

“We are married,” she whispered to him. “Well and truly wed.”

“Indeed, we are,” he said, kissing her on the cheek, enduring jests for his displays of affection because of it. “And if I will be tormented for a quick kiss on the cheek,” he said to her, “then I will do so for more than a peck.”

Taking his wife’s face in his hands, Niall kissed her thoroughly, prompting more cheers.

“I’d not have taken you for a man of affection in front of so many.” Avelina waved her arm to indicate the crowd.

He leaned toward her ear. “I’d not have taken you to be a screamer in bed, my lady wife, but here we are.”

Her mouth opened wide in surprise. “I did not scream,” she said only for his ears.

“But you will,” he promised.

Lina’s mouth still open, Niall laid the pad of his finger on her lips to close it, winking at her. If this exchange were any indication, he would enjoy being a husband to Lina.

“You are no gentleman, husband,” she said, as if testing the word.

“Nor did I claim to be,” he said, their conversation cut off by the chieftain himself. He’d apparently just emerged from the chapel.

“I am sorry your brother did not join us,” the chief said to Avelina.

“As am I,” she said, clearly meaning the words.

They both looked at Niall, but he had nothing to add. He was only sorry for it inasmuch as it pained Lina. For himself, Niall was glad to be free of the MacKinlay’s presence.

“But now,” Tannochbrae said, turning to the crowd. “We celebrate the union of two clans, neighbors and allies of Tannochbrae, with a feast. All,” he shouted to the gathered crowd. “Are welcome.”

More cheers greeted his words after Niall finally remembered his manners. “I failed to tell you how beautiful you look today, lady wife.”

Her smile was Niall’s reward, and the only one he needed.

“And I’ve a surprise under this gown for you, my esteemed husband. But you must wait for this eve to see it.”

They looked at one another. “A surprise?”

“Indeed.”

“I think I will not wait for it,” he said, surprising her in return by scooping Lina into his arms as he’d done two nights before when carrying her to bed. This time, though he might not be able to whisk the woman into Tannochbrae’s keep and into her bedchamber, he had other plans.

“To the hall,” he said, the crowd clearly enjoying their display.

And though they followed, he had no intention of taking Lina directly to the hall. He’d see his wife’s surprise, one he’d discover now, and Niall knew precisely where to do it.