Page 30 of The Bells of Triumph (Highlands’ Lost Valley #3)

A NEW DAWN

It was over. After fourteen years and countless lives lost, battles and failed plans, families destroyed, and new ones built, the war was finally over. Campbell was defeated. His lifeless body laid on the ground where Seamus had left him. All the men who had tried to defend him laid beside him. What was left of his army surrendered almost as soon as Flora and Seamus rode back into the courtyard.

“Put yer swords down if ye wish to live,” Seamus ordered, having passed through the gates.

His voice reverberated through the stones of the courtyard. Flora had never felt so proud as she watched every man present stop to watch him. One sword clamored to the ground before another and another, until a wave of weapons clashing filled her ears.

“Take them to the dungeon for now. We will decide what to do with them later,” Seamus told Finn.

Moving to do as he asked, Finn gathered a few soldiers to help him round up the prisoners.

“Errik, Liam, help Iona and Brid bring the wounded to the Great Hall. We will treat them there. Make sure that we treat all the men, nae just ours.”

They nodded in tandem, doing as he asked, even if Liam had a sour expression. For the next few hours, they were all consumed with the aftermath of the battle. Seamus helped carry men into the Great Hall, while Flora worked alongside the healers, bringing fresh water and bandages. It was a sight he had seen before, but this time it felt different. There was no shame or feeling of failure. Seamus wasn't wrestling with trying to figure out how to lead an army or hunt down Campbell. Instead, there was a strange kind of peace. The light shining in through the windows that filled the Great Hall was soft and warm. When clouds gathered and let down their water, there wasn't a sense of doom or sadness accompanied. Rather, Seamus felt as though the clouds were washing away the signs of battle. The pools of blood were rinsed away until Drummond Castle was clean once more.

“Seamus,” Flora said, placing a gentle hand on his shoulder.

It was the first time either of them had slowed down from the moment that they had re-entered the Drummond Castle courtyard.

“What is it, my love?” he asked, his tiredness starting to show.

“Yer hands,” she told him, drawing his attention down. “They are still covered in blood. Ye should wash them.”

He studied them for a moment longer. The brightness of the red hadn't faded as it dried. The cracks and calluses in his hands were highlighted, as if his life story was one coated in blood.

“Allow me,” she offered.

Reaching behind her, Flora picked up a bowl of clean water and a fresh rag. Dipping it in the coolness, she brought the wet rag to his right hand and began wiping away the blood. It became a watery pink before coming away completely clean. The water in the bowl turned red, growing darker and darker with every pass. He watched it swirl, even as Flora took his left hand and repeated the process. He couldn't help but feel as though she had done this for him before, in too many different ways to count.

“There, that is better. Now ye will nae scare yer people when they come to shake yer hand and welcome ye as their Laird.”

His eyes went wide at her words. He hadn't allowed himself to think through what life would be like after Campbell. He hadn't allowed himself to dream, knowing it would have been that much harder had they failed. But now that Campbell was gone, now that the Murray Clan was his own again, the reality of being Laird started to settle in.

“Dinnae look so frightened,” Flora chided. “Ye have already been the best Laird this clan has seen in all of its history. And I ken ye will continue to be.”

“Only with ye by my side.”

“Always.”

He leaned in to press a kiss to her lips but was promptly stopped by a less than pleased voice.

“Have ye lost all sense?”

“Or perhaps have ye never had any?”

“That has to be it. I dinnae ken a single man who could be so foolhardy and reckless as to pull something like approaching an enemy without even a knife.”

Liam and Connor looked at each other, their expression as if they had solved an impossible problem. When they turned to look at Seamus, their anger and frustration was more than evident. He hoped that Flora would defend him, but her expression was a mirror of the other men.

“I could nae see another way,” he told them all. “Campbell had too many guards. We never would have gotten close enough without agreeing to his terms. And if we had continued down the path of merely taking on his army, it would have been Drummond Castle all over again. Campbell would have found some way to sneak off and come back later. I could nae risk that.”

“So instead, ye risk yer life,” Liam finished for him, crossing his arms over his chest.

“Better mine than yers,” Seamus shrugged. “Besides, I did nae go without a weapon. Campbell insisted that I drop my sword, but he forgot about Flora.”

“That was one impressive shot,” Connor complimented.

“It was nothing compared to the one she made in the forest when we first met. I kent that she would make it.”

Flora flushed at their words, but Seamus could only smile at her with pride.

“Now what?” Brid asked, wiping her hands off on her apron.

Iona came up beside her, wiping the sweat off her brow. As soon as she noticed Seamus, she ran to him and threw her arms around his shoulders.

“Ye gave us quite the scare, Cousin,” she told him. “I am glad that ye are all right.”

Seamus looked at her, seeing his mother in her features more and more, especially now that the memory was fresh.

“It is up to us now, ye ken,” he told her.

“What do ye mean?” she asked, stepping back to wind up at Finn's side.

“Campbell has killed both of our fathers, our families. He has left us clans that are in ruins, with people who need strong leaders to help rebuild their lives. We are all that remains of our families' legacies. We must do them justice.”

“I did nae think of that. With my father and grandfather gone, there truly is nae one else.”

“Aye, but yer clan could nae be in better hands,” Finn assured her.

“We have great people around us, people we can trust. They will stand by us, as they have today,” Seamus said, addressing the group. “Ye all will guide us and do what we cannae for our people. Today's victory would nae have happened without ye all. Likewise, the rebuilding of our clans will also nae happen without ye.”

He pulled Flora into his side, fitting her beside him snuggly, right where she belonged.

“Next,” he continued, “we focus on our people, and we help them heal from all this hurt. And then we see to it that they prosper.”

Flora studied herself in the mirror, admiring the intricate braiding work Iona had done with her hair.

“It is hard to believe that it has already been a month since we reclaimed the clans,” Iona told her, tucking the last few rose buds in her dark brown hair forming a type of crown out of it all, with the white and pink flowers shining like gems.

“Aye. Most days feel like they are weeks long. We have been so busy with the clan that I am surprised today is even happening. Brid has worked tirelessly to pull this all off.”

“Ye deserve it. After all that ye and Seamus have done for the clan, the least we can do is give ye the wedding ye want.”

Flora blushed, feeling grateful and so loved that she could hardly put words to it.

“Ye ken, it is funny. I am more nervous now than I was the day that Seamus and I handfasted. Perhaps it is all the people. That day, it was just the two of us.”

“And today, the entire clan has turned out to watch the two of ye get married,” Brid told her jokingly.

“Can ye blame them? Their Laird is declaring his Lady. This is an event they will remember for the rest of their lives.”

“Thanks,” Flora said sarcastically. “That makes me feel so much better.”

Iona and Brid laughed between themselves as they did the finishing touches on Flora's look.

“It will be a wonderful day. Just wait and see.”

Not long after, both girls left Flora to find their seats in the Great Hall. The servants had been busy transforming it into a wonderland, complete with flowers running down every table and greenery tied to the beams overhead. With the candles lit and the sunset in the window behind the dais, Flora was convinced that she had never seen anything more beautiful.

“I dinnae think that I have ever seen anything more bonny.”

Flora nearly jumped out of her light blue dress at Errik's words and the way they mirrored her thoughts. He and Liam stepped into her room, both dressed in their Murray tartans with leather belts, swords hanging at their sides, and boots stopping just below their knees. They looked every bit the highland warriors.

“Iona and Brid did a wonderful job,” she complimented.

“Nay, lass. Their work might be well done, but it is yer beauty, nae theirs. Seamus will nae ken what to do with himself.”

She blushed and reached to smooth her skirts, trying to divert their attention.

“Are ye ready to walk down?” Liam asked, offering her his arm.

Taking it, she nodded. Errik reached for the bundle of wildflowers sitting on the dresser and handed them to her, completing her look, before he took her other arm. Together, the three of them walked through Murray Castle towards the Great Hall.

Paintings and tapestries were rehung all over the place. Fresh candles awaited the flame in every sconce and holder they passed. The sound of bagpipes started, silencing the crowd and echoed through every room in the castle, singing the song of sweet freedom and love.

“I only wish yer parents were here to see this. I just ken that they would be so proud of ye.”

Errik's words brought tears to her eyes that she quickly blinked away.

“Even though they cannae be, having ye two beside me is the next best thing.”

Liam leaned in to press a kiss to her cheek. A new song started and the oversized doors to the Great Hall wrenched open, revealing her to the clan.

It was just as Brid and Iona had said; every member of the clan had turned up for the wedding. Along with the majority of the MacKenzie Clan being there, it meant that there wasn't a single seat left in the Hall. Several men were lined along the back wall, having crowded in, refusing to miss out on such an event. Her eyes scanned the room, incredibly nervous at the number of eyes staring back at her. There were more people than she had ever seen. She hardly knew what to do with herself.

Halfway down the aisle, she found familiar faces looking back at her. Eloise sat with her uncle and aunt, each of them giving her wide smiles. It was quite the change from the normally downturned look Eloise had worn since the battle at the Lost Valley. Losing her betrothed had hurt Eloise so much that she had stayed tucked away with Flora's aunt and cousin. Watching her slowly come back into the world was a balm for Flora. Seeing her here was even more special. The pride in her uncle's grin brought tears to Flora's eyes. He had once only seen her as a disappointment, a burden. And now he looked at her as though she were the best thing to have ever happened to him. Behind his deep brown eyes, there was something that looked almost like her father. The grief and sorrow that accompanied that thought had her nearly tripping over herself. She so wished that her parents could have been here, and could have seen what she became. Flora nearly stopped walking all together.

“One foot in front of the other,” Liam whispered. “Look ahead of ye. Keep yer eyes on where ye are going and everything will be just fine.”

She did as she was told and focused her attention on the dais standing squarely in front of her, taking up the center of the room. Atop it, Seamus was standing, waiting for her. His hair had been braided out of his face as well, tied off at the nape of his neck, leaving only a rogue strand out that draped across the top of his forehead. Freshly shaved, his jaw stood out, strong and determined. The rest of his demeanor matched. Draped in the Murray tartan, he wore a dark blue shirt underneath, tying in nicely with her pale blue dress. His boots shone from the polish one of the stable boys had insisted on giving them. His sword gleamed in the light, the hilt shining out from the leather sheath that housed the rest of the blade. And then there was his crown. Tucked firmly on the top of his head, a simple gold ring carved with filigree signified him as their leader. The sight of it all together was nearly enough to make her knees buckle.

Yet, all of that faded away once their eyes met. Locked in on each other, Flora felt like she had finally found the thing she had spent her whole life searching for—home. His bright blue eyes spoke of love and delight without him needing to say a word. Though, he did manage to whisper in her ear once Errik and Liam had finished their job of escorting her to the dais.

“Ye are captivating. Breathtaking. For a moment, I could have sworn that ye were an angel. I am still nae convinced that is nae the truth.”

She flashed him a broad smile, pleased at his reaction.

“Ye are nae so bad yerself,” she flirted.

Before they could say anything else, the priest began the ceremony. Speaking of lifelong commitments and the trials they may face, he urged them to remain true to each other. Flora doubted they would have any problems with that, considering all they had just gone through together. When it came time to say the vows, Seamus went first, his voice ringing out loud and clear for the entire room, the entire clan to hear. He wanted to make it known that he was claiming her to everyone and was not shy in doing so.

“From this day forward, ye will be my wife. I will guard ye with everything within me, including my body if necessary. I will love ye with every piece of my soul. And I will claim ye as my own until my dying breath.”

She repeated his pledge, the sanctity of the words weighing just as heavily on her shoulders now as they had the first time they had been spoken.

The ring came next, and when Seamus reached in his pocket to pull hers out, she couldn't help but open her mouth in shock at the size of the gem he presented. It was an icy blue oval that took up the length of her finger. The stone was rough and unpolished, but was the exact same shade as Seamus' eyes. It was the most stunning thing she had ever seen. She couldn't believe it was hers, even after he slipped onto her hand.

“It was my mother's. She would have wanted ye to have it,” he explained in a whisper.

She smiled softly, knowing just how much it meant to him, meant to both of them, for her to wear something that would remind them of his mother and all she had sacrificed to save them.

When the priest announced them as husband and wife, the entire room let out a great cheer, so loud that Flora couldn't hear for several minutes. That didn't stop the smile on her face, nor did it stop Seamus from sweeping her up and kissing her fully, getting another round of cheers from the room.

She could feel just how pink her face was when he pulled away. Brid and Connor were the first to congratulate them, with Connor pressing a chaste kiss on her cheek and Brid hugging Seamus tightly. The couple switched, with the girls embracing each other while Connor and Seamus shook hands before slapping each other on the back. Finn and Iona were next.

“I am grateful to be able to call ye family,” Iona whispered in her ear during their hug.

The sight of Finn and Seamus sharing a brotherly hug nearly brought tears to Flora's eyes. She never thought it would happen, but it had.

Errik and Liam were next, shaking Seamus' hand while giving him none too thinly veiled threats before they turned and spun Flora is a giant hug each.

Her family was next in line.

“I only wish that yer parents could be here to see ye, Flora,” her uncle whispered in her ear as he wrapped her up in a tight hug.

He went on to murmur some threats to Seamus about Flora's happiness that Flora and her aunt could only laugh at. She got an equally big hug from all of her cousin, along with a handful of compliments that all made her blush from the attention.

“Do ye think this could be me one day?” Eloise asked, her eyes full of tears as she took in Flora's gown and flowers.

“I ken that it will be,” Flora promised. “Ye are young. Life is just beginning for all of us. Yer time will come, trust me. Happiness is on the horizon.”

Eloise nodded, though her emotions had risen to her throat, stopping any further words. She gave Flora a hug and a sad smile to Seamus before she turned and left the room. Seamus and Flora exchanged knowing looks. Flora made a note to keep an eye out for any young man who might interest Eloise one day. She desperately wanted to see her sister-like friend find love again soon.

On and on the line went, with every man, woman, and child in the room stepping up to the dais to offer their congratulations. Seamus talked with them all good naturedly, often asking specific questions about their houses or farms or children. Flora was merely trying her best to keep up.

Finally, everyone had been greeted and the dinner began. She took her spot next to Seamus, who had not so much as let go of her hand from the moment she had offered it before the ceremony had started. She didn't mind. She wanted to cling to him just as much.

It was a merry night, laughing and sharing stories over platters of meats and cheeses and fresh fruit that had been gathered and offered by the clan. Children chased each other through the tables, while couples took up dancing on the floor in front of the makeshift band. It was a night of peace and prosperity and the promise of tomorrow.

“They look awfully cozy,” Seamus whispered in her ear, his eyes on the dance floor.

She turned to see Finn twirling a giggling Iona around the floor, their eyes never straying from each other.

“Ye ken, I had the sneaking suspicion that when she suggested making him her captain, it was nae for mere altruistic reasons,” Flora confessed. “I am thrilled that they have found happiness with each other, I cannae deny it.”

“Are ye sure? I would hate to think ye…jealous.”

He poked her in the side, getting a laugh out of her.

“I am never going to live that down, am I?”

“What? That ye were jealous of my cousin?” She nodded bashfully. “Nay,” he laughed. “Nay, ye will nae.”

She couldn't help but laugh with him.

“I have one last surprise for ye,” he admitted, leaning in close.

Her eyes widened in response.

“What are ye talking about? The ring was surprise enough, Seamus. I dinnae think I could handle anything more.”

Without giving an answer, Seamus stood, drawing the attention of the room. The music stopped, as did the dancing and talking, until every eye was back on them.

“I want to thank ye all for coming,” he started. “I cannae tell ye what it means to me to have a clan like this behind me. Ye are all such a joy to share this special day with. It makes me proud to be able to marry the woman I love in front of the people I love.”

Several men threw up their glasses in a toast, calling out “here, here” as Seamus addressed the room. Flora was still sitting in her chair, looking up at her husband, waiting to see where things were going.

“We have all overcome so much to be here today. The joining of these two clans in genuine unity with nay secrets, nay bad blood between us is something I could have only dreamed about. And none of it would have been possible without the woman that I have the distinct honor of calling my wife.”

He reached out and took her hand, gently nudging her to stand. She did so, though she still didn't understand what was happening.

“Many of ye dinnae ken the story of how Flora and I met, if ye will indulge me the moment to tell ye,” the room murmured their agreement, so he continued. “I had thwarted Campbell's rule and then promptly escaped this castle in an effort to stay alive. Campbell had been so furious with me that I kent if he or any of his guards managed to catch me, I would have been killed and nae quickly. I somehow managed to have great luck as I made my way to the MacKenzie border. But that luck did nae last, as a group of Campbell's guards spotted me and made a game out of hunting me down.”

She swallowed hard, remembering that day vividly.

“The men had cornered me and it was an unfair fight. I was silently preparing to die when an arrow came out of nowhere, giving me the escape I needed. Flora saved me that day and every day since. She had believed in me and stood by me when nay one else did. When I tried to convince her I was a traitor, she refused to believe it and came after me. She had encouraged me and fought for me, pushing me to be a better leader, a better man. We have shared our dreams and nightmares together, yet even having seen my scars, Flora still looks at me with love.”

The whole room sighed at the sweetness of his speech. Flora, too, was getting swept away by it all. But Seamus wasn't finished.

“I am nae the only one here to benefit from all that Flora is. She has trained nearly all the warriors. She has wiped many a brow and worked alongside us, oftentimes harder than anyone, to get this clan back to its full glory. That is why, and I hope ye all will support me in this, from this day forward, Flora will nae only be kent as my wife, but as Lady Murray, joint ruler of this clan.”

She blinked in surprise, but the rest of the room seemed to have no problem understanding just what he was saying. He motioned to someone in the center of the room and a small crown, the feminine version of his own, appeared. Seamus took it, and ever so gently, placed it on her head. All she could do was look at him with love and devotion.

“I told ye,” he whispered, “I dinnae want to do this with anyone else by my side.”

“And I told ye, Seamus Murray, that is where I will always be.”

Thank you so much for reading my book!