The Betrayal - By Ruth Langan Page 0,45
you through whatever trials are to come.”
Grant threw back his head and laughed. A rich, warm sound that wrapped itself around her heart. “How have I lived so long without your sweet goodness, my lady? You almost make me believe that you can soften even the most hardened of hearts.”
She touched a hand to his. “Believe it, my lord.”
As they returned their attention to the feast, the others at the table found themselves watching these two handsome young people, aware that their relationship was much more than that of two friends. For the love that gleamed in their eyes was impossible to hide.
The challenge boldly tossed by one warrior was now on the minds of all. Had their laird lost his heart to a witch?
Grant stood by the doors of the great hall, bidding his guests good-night. Servants scurried about fetching cloaks and shawls, while Gresham and the stable lads woke grooms who’d fallen asleep after finishing their pints behind the stables.
Those warriors who could still sit a horse were helped into their saddles, while the rest climbed into the backs of wagons and carts for the ride back to the village with their ladies.
Throughout all the commotion, Grant was aware of Kylia standing in front of the fireplace, talking softly to Dougal, Finlay and Lord Giles. The sight of her, so calm and serene amid the chaos, did strange things to his heart.
“I bid you good-night, cousin.” Culver accepted a cloak from a servant and started away.
Grant laid a hand on his sleeve. “How is my aunt?”
“She is calmer of mind now. A servant brought us a meal, and afterward she visited Ranald’s tomb to pray. I believe she regrets her display of emotion, cousin.”
Grant nodded. “Will I see you on the morrow?”
“Aye, for Hazlet has asked me to break the fast with her.”
“You are welcome at my table, Culver.”
“I thank you, cousin.” The man turned away and strode out the door to the courtyard.
Minutes later Grant joined the others by the fire. “Will you stay the night, Giles?”
The older man shook his head. “I have business in the village. But I’ll return on the morrow, for we have much to discuss with the Council before I leave for my home.” He offered his hand to Grant, and then to Dougal and Finlay, before turning to Kylia. “My lady, I am honored to meet you.”
“And I you, Lord Giles.”
He lifted her hand to his lips before taking his leave.
Kylia climbed the stairs between Grant and Dougal, who accompanied her to the door of her chambers, where she was greeted by Ardis.
“Good night, my lady.” Grant bowed formally over her hand before lifting it to his lips.
His brother did the same. “Good night, Kylia. I can’t wait to hear more about your kingdom on the morrow.”
When they were gone, Kylia walked to her sleeping chambers and slipped the shawl from her shoulders.
“You must be weary, Ardis.”
“Nay, my lady. Whenever there is a feast here at Duncrune Castle, I get the chance to visit with my kin from the village.”
“Are there many?” Kylia stepped out of her gown and petticoats and accepted the nightdress of softest lawn.
“Aye. My mother was one of seven, my lady. And my father the eldest of five. After the guests are fed, we gather in the refectory to eat and talk endlessly until we catch up with all the news of our families.”
Kylia found herself smiling at the image. “That sounds like such a grand time. Whenever my sisters and I get together, we never seem to run out of things to talk about.”
“Aye. It is the same with us. Will I help you into your pallet before I leave?”
“Nay, Ardis. I’ll see myself off to my bed in a few moments.”
“Then I’ll say good-night, my lady” Ardis picked up one of the candles and made her way out.
When the door to the chambers closed behind the servant, Kylia walked barefoot to the balcony to watch the clouds drifting across the star-studded sky.
It soothed her to know that those same stars were winking over the Mystical Kingdom.
“Are you watching, Mum? Are you missing me as I’m missing you?”
The light of one star seemed to grow brighter than all the rest, and Kylia watched as it began to dance in the night sky. It lasted for only a few moments, before the star returned to its place in the heavens, and its light gradually dimmed. But when it was over, Kylia found herself smiling.
“Thank you, Mum. I