Bold (The Handfasting) - By Becca St. John Page 0,36
so different from his own. Not really, but the colors were off, dyed by plants grown in a different soil and the MacBedes had a thin orange line that couldn't be found on the MacKay cloth. Talorc frowned, he’d not noticed, others would. It would make her a stranger, a visitor, to them until the day she wore his colors. He wanted that change soon.
“My heart was ripped apart with my brother's death. You know well enough that a scar can cause lasting damage.”
“I’ve patience enough.”
She snorted. “Patience? Is that why you said your vows as you did? Is that why you bound yourself to me, this day? ‘I take thee, Maggie . . .’” she mimicked. “Not ‘I will take thee,' at a future date. No, you say, 'I take thee.’ You commit yourself to now. Why would you do that MacKay, why would you pledge yourself for life when you knew I would not match those words? Why would you put that upon me, if you have the patience you speak of?”
“I trust in what the future will bring.”
“You think you know me better than I know myself?”
“Aye, I do.” He stalled her sputtering denial with a gentle finger to her lips. “I’ve seen more of the world than you, Maggie. I know what is out there, I’ve been married before. Between us, there is more than the best of marriages have. You just need to learn of it.”
She stood, courageous and straight. It reminded him of their vows, their handfasting. She had been brave then, yet so vulnerable at the same time. She had kept her head high, her sight on whatever wall was before her. She didn't look to the people, would not look at him. If she had, would the joy in all the smiles have softened her heart?
He had watched her then, from where he spoke with her father. Dowry, land and furnishings, handed over with a pledge, simple transactions.
She had not come so willingly.
The ladies had to surround her, one lamb to be shepherded to his side. He had lifted her hand, placed it upon his arm. She barely allowed it to rest there, barely touched him. By the time he had led Maggie to the top of the entrance stairs, every available MacBede had been below, in the courtyard, to witness the joining.
She had not wanted to be there, continued to refuse to look at him, or the people below. He was the one to take her right hand in his right hand, her left in his, their hands bound in an unbreakable pattern of forever. His had been sure and warm, hers trembling and cold.
When he married Anabel, she had trembled as well, though there’d been a shy smile upon her lips. Not so with Maggie. Stoic, brave Maggie. He’d have to bring that smile to her lips and when he did, he doubted it would be shy.
“I suppose ‘tis time we were off.” Maggie sighed, bringing him back to the present.
“You spoke your vows loud and true, Maggie, I’m thanking you for that.”
“I said I’d handfast with you. I’d not go back on my word.”
“The whole of the courtyard heard you.”
“’Tis what they were there for.”
“They’re dreaming of happy endings.”
“They’re allowed their dreams. It’s reality that I must face.”
“I’ll give you a dream, if you’ll let me.” He’d caught her wary attention again.
“And what do you mean by that.”
“We can have a happy ending.”
Her hair shifted, a silken mass upon her shoulders, as she shook her head. “Nay, life is not a happy thing. Don’t be making promises you can’t keep.”
“Trust me, Maggie. Trust me to do what's right for you.”
She looked at him then, keenly.
“I would like to Talorc, I would like to, but you’ve not given me much ground for trusting you, if you ken my meaning.”
“Aye,” he nodded, frowning. It was true, he had cornered her into handfasting. He had skirted truths and played games to get her where he wanted her, but in the end, it would all work out. He said as much.
“We’ll see,” she acknowledged with a touch too much defeat for his Maggie.
That weary wariness troubled Talorc, but there was no time to fret. The men had ridden on. It was time Maggie and Talorc join them. As safe as his lands could be, bordering the MacBedes, there was no telling what the Gunns were willing to risk for retribution. She was his to protect now. He’d not come this far to lose