and put the dress on for supper. She had wanted Aliss to join her in the great hall, but she declined admitting she was not feeling up to the task.
After making certain her sister was all right, only tired and continuing to recover nicely from her wound, she had rushed to her bedchamber to ready herself.
She felt like a princess descending the stairs, the green dress fitting her body perfectly, curving in at her waist, falling nicely over her hips down to her feet. And the wool was so soft and warm against her skin.
Her hair had to match in elegance, so she had returned to Aliss to see what could be done. Her mother had taken charge and had swept her hair up on her head, secured with two combs. She pulled several strands loose to fall around her face and neck and claimed it a work of art when she was done.
Aliss had agreed, telling her sister she had never seen her looking so beautiful. She then teased her about the faint blush that tinged her cheeks and the brilliant sparkle in her green eyes, and what of her lips so ripe with the color of a blossoming pink rose. She was more than beautiful Aliss had insisted; she was gorgeous.
She felt gorgeous and could not wait to see Tarr’s reaction.
She entered the great hall, which was filling with men and women who came to share the evening meal. Blackshaw and Hellewyk clan alike mingled and appeared comfortable with each other.
Tarr stood near the dais talking with Raynor. He had yet to spot her and that was all right for she enjoyed the sight of him. Tall, broad, and strong like the claymore he wielded with such ease and might. His stance was one of pride and he wore his plaid in the same manner. His auburn hair hung down his back and he wore a braid down the side that had been plaited with a strip of his plaid.
He was a fine man with extra fine features, and he belonged to her.
Raynor saw her before Tarr and his surprised expression had Tarr turning.
She kept walking toward him, smiling. His blank look remained and she wondered if he was blind or if her appearance did not appeal to him. Then he shook his head as if clearing it, and she realized for that brief moment he had not known her.
His admiring smile grew slow and steady until it spread across his face, and his dark eyes? They looked as if they wanted to devour her.
She giggled beneath her breath and hurried to him turning round to show off her dress. “You like my new dress? A gift from mother.”
He grabbed her around the waist with his arm. “You look stunning.” His other remark was a whisper meant for her ears alone. “You tempt my soul, woman.”
She kissed his cheek, empowered by what a simple dress could do, and made a mental note to speak to her mother about stitching other dresses.
“I second his opinion,” Raynor said. “I always knew my sisters would grow to be beautiful, but I never imagined such depth of beauty.”
Fiona went to her brother and kissed his cheek. “Thank you for the compliment.”
“It is the truth,” he insisted.
Fiona joined the two men in talk and drink, enjoying a goblet of wine. She felt safe, secure, and happy here with her family. She only wished Aliss could join them, but she was not alone, mother had refused to leave her daughter’s side, and keeping good company with Aliss: they were busy and content planning her wedding.
Odo entered the hall suddenly, his expression worrisome. He walked directly to Tarr, paying no one else attention.
“What is this I hear you wed my niece in three days’ time? You should wait upon my return.”
“Where do you go?” Tarr asked.
“To seek Giann as we agreed.”
“We agreed to discuss the matter further before any action was taken.”
“I cannot sit around and wait when my nieces’ lives are in danger. Giann will speak with me.”
“But will she tell you the truth?” Tarr asked. “It seems that Giann knows much but says little, and I wonder over her chosen silence.”
Odo fisted his hand at his side. “I will find out once and for all, I promise you.”
“I believe it is I who needs to speak with Giann.”
“The Wolf clan will not let you cross their borders.”
“They will let you?” Tarr asked doubtfully.
“Blackshaw is no friend to the Wolf clan,” Raynor said.