The Seer - Hildie McQueen Page 0,40

“I did. Everyone wanted to know why I also remained in the dark about what happened. Most began to think yer father had gone mad with grief. I considered it as well. If not for yer door constantly being guarded, I would have barged in.”

Fiona looked about the room. “How were ye kept fed? Yer father was the only one who entered, and he never carried anything.”

So she’d been watching.

“A secret passageway. My father had me put here in case there was a need for quick access to the outdoors or kitchens.”

“Oh.” Her dejected expression brought worry that she was on the brink of changing her mind.

“Fi? We shall marry next week. I have recuperated enough. Ye will be my wife and I swear to ye never to keep a secret from ye again.”

Her eyes narrowed. “If ye ever do, I promise to leave ye immediately. I won’t give a hell about any repercussions. Believe me, I will not hesitate to return to my home.” She put her hands up to keep him from touching her. “And I won’t care if there are bairns or not.”

Guiles’ lips twitched. “Ye will take my bairns from me?”

“They will probably be an unruly bunch, so no I will not. As further punishment, they will remain with ye.” Fiona fought to keep from smiling and turned away to face the hearth. “I wish you to understand how horrible this was for me. Don’t ever keep me in the dark again. I suffered so.”

He came up behind her and wrapped his arms around her, nuzzling her neck. “I give ye my vow to never do it again, unless yer life depends on it.” His hands slid up from her waist to cup her breasts. “I cannot wait to have yer lushness under me. Fully open to take as my own.”

Fiona gasped and her head fell back onto his shoulder. “Neither can I wait to be yers.”

Chapter 14

Guiles and Fiona’s wedding day arrived at last. Dallis was restless throughout the entire event. She tried her best to pretend excitement while helping Fiona get ready and truly she was happy for her friend and brother. Her father had yet to say anything about her own betrothal. Would everything continue as planned?

Each time she’d asked, he waved her away pronouncing to have more important things to consider.

Although his future was not clear, Alasdair continued to work with the guardsmen, training with them every day. In the evenings, she would see him at last meal. Spending time together was difficult.

Since Guiles’ attack, she’d been assigned a full-time escort. It was bothersome to have a hulk of a man following her every move.

Despite the trouble, with her brother’s wedding and all the planning it entailed, the days had passed quickly.

It had been only days four since Guiles’ recovery was announced and Donall’s death.

Emotions were a complicated combination of happiness, sadness and worry, as Donall had been a part of the clan his entire life. He’d grown up with Dallis and Guiles. Realizing the day was a time of joy and celebration, she did her best to push the thoughts from her mind.

The ceremony took place in the Sinclair chapel, which was crowded with members of both Sinclair and Gordon clans.

After the ceremony, there was music and feasting in the courtyard.

It was a lovely day, the weather mild and perfect for such an occasion.

Dallis searched for Alasdair, who’d been absent since the day before. He’d not been at last meal. She’d considered seeking him out the night before but had decided against it. Why did it have to be her who always sought after him? They had no answers to whether they kept her father’s permission and Alasdair seemed resigned to the idea it would not come.

They’d argued. Dallis accusing him that he’d stopped caring or even trying to fight for their relationship. Alasdair point had been that her father had second thoughts about them marrying after finding out he was a seer.

“Guiles seems truly happy, does he not?” Lady Sinclair neared and stood next to Dallis, who’d sought the shade of a tree.

“Yes, Mother, he does. Guiles and Fiona are well suited, and I think already on their way to falling in love with each other.” Her lips curved as she watched the couple slide looks at each other between bites of food.

No longer able to bite her tongue. “Mother, will I be celebrating my marriage in a sennight? Father has remained stubbornly quiet about it.”

Her mother let out a