They will banish yer fears.” Mairi gave Anna a wink. “Taking a deep breath and a long drink helps also.”
Anna considered Mairi’s words as she drank. Perhaps a bit more wine to settle herself would be advisable. Not too much though. She didn’t want her wits addled when it came time to say her vows. She had time to drink another cup before the ladies finished buffing, fluffing and adjusting every part of her. With a bright smile, Nessa took her hand and led her to stand before the reflection disc mounted on the wall. Staring back at her was a woman Anna had never seen before.
Small white blossoms, interlaced with gold ribbon contrasted with her dark tresses. Her creamy complexion held a hint of pink, likely due to the wine. Her deep green eyes glowed, wide with anticipation, and the full pink lips of her mouth formed a graceful bow. The green velvet gown with gold trim highlighted her features, drawing the eye to a modest décolleté. Taller than the younger woman standing next to her, the dark-haired beauty in the mirror bore an air of nobility and grace. Anna continued to stare at this stranger, mesmerized by her reflection.
“I am—beautiful,” she said in disbelief.
“Ye have ever been, my dear. We only added a bit of polish,” Mairi replied.
“Do you think Duncan will be pleased? He has never seen me like this.” Uncertainty crept into Anna’s voice.
“I predict my son willnae be able to tear his eyes from ye.”
“What’s more, I dare say every man who sees ye will experience the same.” Nessa added, a pert grin on her face.
Anna did not care about the rest. She only wished to please Duncan.
A knock on the door signaled it was time to leave for the kirk. Anna floated down the stairs, her feet scarcely touching the stone. As she reached the bottom step, her grandfather waited, a tremulous smile on his face.
“Forgive an old fool. Watching ye walk down the stairs reminds me of the day I gave away my Rossalyn in marriage to yer da.”
Anna accepted his arm with a smile on her face, gripping him firmly. “I think Mother and Father would be happy today, don’t you?”
“Aye, they would indeed. Verra happy. ’Tis a good man ye marry. I can go to my maker knowing ye will be loved and well cared for. Before I depart, howbeit, I would like to hold some great-grandbairns.”
Anna laughed at his request. “I will speak to my husband. We shall see what can be done.”
As they exited the hall, Anna gasped, astonished by the crowd of people gathered in the bailey. They stood on either side of a flower-decorated path leading to the kirk, its doors open wide. From where she stood, the small chapel appeared packed with people. Glancing through the doors, her eyes sought only one. She found him standing at the door with the priest. When she met his gaze, every care dropped away, and she hardly noticed her grandfather place her hand in Duncan’s.
As they bowed before the priest, Anna tried to concentrate on the words said, repeating her vows in a clear and confident voice. Entering the kirk, they bowed at the altar according to the priest’s direction. When they rose, she faced the man who held her heart. He placed a simple gold band, with a knot etched into the metal, on her finger.
Pulling her into an embrace, Duncan lowered his head. Without hesitation, Anna met him, offering her lips for his possession. The kiss was tender, but too short for her liking. She reminded herself this would be but one of thousands of kisses they would share from henceforth.
Duncan tucked her hand against his chest and turned her to face the cheering crowd before them.
“Are ye ready for the festivities, love?”
Heat flared in her cheeks. “Tonight?” she hissed, her gaze darting to the side to see if anyone else heard him.
He threw back his head with a hearty laugh. “Och, that, too. But I referred to the feasting and games and exhibitions.” He tilted his head at her. “Will ye compete?”
Pleased he considered her wishes, Anna turned sultry eyes on him. “Aye, milord. Let the games begin.”
DD’s Note to the Reader
The inspiration of Anna was born of two things, my 35 years of love of martial arts and fascination with the Crusades. She is actually a composite of two women I used to train with. With the exception of her archery, the other skills are