Page 44 of The Anguish of the Scottish Lairds (Clans of Mull #3)

Eva

Eva came in from the outdoors with Meg, laughing. They entered together and her mother called out to them, “Sit in front of the fire with me, you two.”

She and Meg joined her mother as asked.

“And what were you two doing?”

“Axe throwing. It’s fun,” Meg said. “And Eva is so good at it.”

“You are becoming fast friends, and it pleases me. I always wished for another daughter, Meg. You have filled that need and made my son happy besides.”

“I do love Lennox.”

“I’ll have to attempt to find a wife for Taskill soon. But I don’t know if he’ll ever settle down.”

“They all love Taskill, Mama.”

Then Eva thought for a moment. “Except Alycia. She never liked him.”

“She liked you well enough,” her mother said. “So sad she turned greedy.”

“Actually, she said she hated me. Because I was so spoiled. I felt like she was my only friend for so long, and she was a phony.”

“She betrayed you, Eva. That’s the word.”

Eva thought about how hurt she’d been over Alycia, but her mother was correct. And now she had other friends—Meg, Dyna, Eli, and Tamsin.

The door opened and Sloan stepped inside. Eva bolted out of her seat and ran to his side, giving him a quick kiss. “Sorry, Mama.”

“Young love is always a joy to watch, Eva.”

Meg said, “Excuse me, but I think I’ll find Lennox. I believe he’s in the lists.” Then she disappeared.

Sloan moved toward the hearth. “Greetings to you, my lady. You look lovely.”

“My thanks, Sloan. You have my daughter smiling wider than I’ve ever seen her.”

“Mama, may we go up to the parapets? Do you mind? You know I love to look over the sound from there.”

“Go, have fun. It’s my favorite spot too.”

Eva took Sloan’s hand and tugged him up the staircase behind her. “What are you doing here? I just left you not long ago,” she whispered.

Sloan nuzzled her neck from behind. “I missed you. And I wished to see how you were.” He opened the heavy door for her and Sloan sat on one of the stools already there, tugging her onto his lap. After giving her a quick kiss, he whispered, “Are you sore?”

“Nay, not at all. Just happy that we handfasted.”

“Did you tell your mother?”

“Nay, but I will. Did you tell Lennox?”

“Nay, but I might on the way out. I told him that I expected we would handfast soon. That you were not ready for a big wedding but that we wished to live together as husband and wife. He gave me his blessings.”

“You did? You already asked him?”

“Lass, you are my betrothed, and I wished to do things right. We handfasted, so we are husband and wife. Now, when can I convince you to move to my castle?”

“How about on the morrow?”

“Truly? That soon? That would please me.”

“Aye. Come back on the morrow and we’ll chat with Mama. I’ll talk with her first. But is your chamber ready for me? I think you might need another chest and a chair, Sloan. Your bed is big enough, but I do have some gowns.”

“Och, nay. I have to go.” He stood and kissed her. “Sorry, but I forgot to remove the bloody sheet. I don’t want the maids to see it. I must hurry.”

He opened the door but then stopped to lean down, giving her a big kiss. “I love you, Eva.”

“I love you too. Did I please you, Sloan?”

“More than you could ever guess. Did I please you, Lady Rankin?”

She giggled. “More than I would have guessed.”

Sloan said, “I’m going home to get our chamber arranged, love. I’ll see you on the morrow.”

He opened the door to head down the stairs, spoke to someone, then Eva asked, “Who is it, Sloan?”

He whirled around, conversing with someone coming up the stairs. “I’m taking my leave. You have a visitor.”

“Who?”

“Lia. She wishes to speak with you.”

“Of course. Send the lass up.” Eva had to admit that she was shocked to think the wee lass was here to visit with her. She’d had a powerful effect on so many, but not directly on Eva. “Greetings, Lia.”

“It’s so lovely to see you happy, Eva. But you are, are you not?” Lia asked, moving over to a stool to sit down. “It surely is a lovely place to center your thoughts.”

“I am happy, Lia, and this place is beautiful.”

“And it’s in your own home. How fortunate you are to have such beauty from the parapets.”

“It is.” Eva peered out over the landscape, thinking on Lia’s words and how true they were.

“You are in love. So do you finally accept that you are deserving of Sloan and his love, Lady Eva?”

“What? I’m not sure what you are asking.” But in her heart, she did know, a sudden realization blossoming like the petals of the finest flower in her garden.

Lia said, “Sometimes, people are unkind to others in many ways, and people take that cruelty to heart and think they invited it or that they are deserving of the evil. But you never were, Eva. Of Alycia’s or D’s or any of it. I wish for you to know that.”

Tears misted Eva’s gaze, but she couldn’t speak, memories flooding her mind.

“Dante thought he could quash your strength, but I’m telling you never to allow a stranger to ruin your self-worth. You let him control you for a short time, and he didn’t have that right. I’m so glad you began to believe in yourself, that you deserve the good things in life.”

“Lia, who are you?” Eva couldn’t stop the tears this time and let them flood her cheeks. It was so odd speaking with a child who spoke like a wizened healer or priest. “Are you some kind of angel?”

“In a sense, aye. I come to help people for two reasons. One is to help right the evil in the world when it spins out of control. I help some people believe they have the strength to overpower evil. You did a fine job of it with Sloan’s help.”

“And the other reason?”

“To help people find their purpose. We need certain things to happen, and if they don’t, we come to move things in the right direction. We send you inklings and feelings, but for some people, it’s difficult to interpret through their pain.”

“But why?”

“It’s a simple premise, actually. Once you find your purpose, and you follow the path meant for you, all will be well in your world.”

“What’s my purpose?”

Lia giggled. “I think you know. It is to love Sloan and to be loved, because the two of you have many to bring into the world who will need your love and guidance. Many.”

“My thanks to you, Lia. Will you stay?” The lass was so comforting that Eva wished she’d never leave.

“Nay, but you have another visitor.”

“Who?”

Lia stood on the stool and held up her hand until a golden-winged bird flew down and perched on her fingers. “He’s here for you, Eva.” Lia brought her hand over and the bird jumped onto Eva’s fingers, chirping.

“Da?”