Relic - Jaid Black Page 0,32

because the girls went to giggling again. “We’re the finest clan in all the Highlands so our laird has the finest of keeps!”

So that’s what a keep was—a castle. She had known the word because of the translation device, but hadn’t had a reference for it until now. And this castle—this keep—was just like its master: very big, incredibly fortified, and almost arrogant in its rigid strength. She was fortunate it would be another mile or two of walking before she breached the gate because it gave her a lot of gaping time.

“Haven’t you fortresses in your Rome, milady?” the mother of one of the little girls holding her hands asked. It was the same woman who’d blushed earlier at her attention.

“Not quite like this one,” Octavia mused. She could hardly wait to explore the gigantic structure. “It’s breathtaking.”

The crowd of women heading toward the castle soon found themselves swarmed by their menfolk. The two groups converged as one. Octavia’s gaze found Angus’. She smiled before returning her attention to the two little girls. The music grew louder, dancing accompanying it. For as far as the eye could see, black and blue plaids densely dotted the landscape. Even the women wore a form of them complete with little white dresses.

Before she knew it, Octavia found herself bustled through the gate, onward into the bailey, and further in still as she was led to the great hall. Her gaze found James in the crowd. He was laughing as four men held him on their shoulders just as had been done to Niall. She found herself smiling, happy that James was happy. She understood the Karriks had already accepted him, which took one worry off her proverbial plate. She laughed when she saw Dr. Kincaid receive equal treatment. The poor professor looked fearful of falling, but the men holding him up had a good handle on him—he’d be just fine.

Angus was standing behind the biggest of a dozen or more long tables that were in the great hall. More tables were being set up outside in the bailey so everyone could eat and drink. The little girls led Octavia to where her husband stood. They curtsied to their laird and lady before joining hands and skipping off to dance. Octavia’s smile was all dimples as she looked up at Angus. He winked before taking her hand and kissing it. The crowd roared its approval.

A young boy came with a large pitcher and poured what looked to be wine into two bejeweled goblets. Angus picked up one goblet, motioned for Octavia to pick up the other, then held his cup aloft. “To the new Lady Karrik!” he shouted over the din, drawing another surge of cheers.

Octavia took a sip and found that she quite liked the drink. “What is it?” she asked. “It’s delicious.”

“’Tis mead, wife. Fermented honey.”

“Well it’s good.” She took another, bigger sip. Good grief, she was already feeling a buzz! “Very, very good.”

He laughed. “Aye, ‘tis that. ‘Tis the best mead in all the Highlands do you ask me.”

She glanced around at all the food being brought in. Her mouth was already watering. Clearly the Karrik women had been busy preparing dishes in their huts today because there was no way a feast this size had been accomplished on a whim. She couldn’t identify half of what she saw—perhaps more—but that fact wouldn’t keep her from indulging.

Angus was grateful that Octavia was taking to the Karriks right away. Other ladies would have been standoffish, mayhap a bit snobbish, but his wife talked with everyone who came over to wish them well. She was, as one would say in Octavia’s tongue, an instant hit.

“Your expression betrays you,” Colban muttered, sidling up next to him. “You better get it under control if you dinna want your lady wife turning her mind to the demon as well.”

The laird grunted. None but Colban and mayhap Alistair could get away with speaking their mind so freely to him. For once he was glad for the familiarity. “I dinna wish for her to hunt with us.”

“I know.”

“She will insist on coming though.”

“I know this too.”

“What do I do?”

“Trust her.” Colban clapped a hand on his back as he prepared to walk away. “We’ve seen her fight. She kens what she’s aboot.”

His second-in-command’s words stayed with him for he knew he spoke naught but the truth, yet Angus couldn’t shake his desire to protect Octavia at all costs. She would not have a care for being unincluded