By Order of the King

Eilean Donan Castle (or the island of Donan), Scotland, 18 July 1309 Skye realized he was a new groom-to-be as soon as the door opened, and she saw him standing tall, with his long black hair neatly combed and groomed in his formal clothes. His kilt looked new, vividly highlighting the blue and yellow colors of the clan he belonged to, but Skye couldn't identify which that clan was, and besides, she didn't care at all. She couldn't remember seeing before in her life a whiter white shirt than the one this unknown young man was wearing. On the other hand, her uncle seemed to know him very well as he welcomed him warmly with intimacy, which was something Skye knew well he didn't usually do. Skye headed somewhere out of the way and sighed out of boredom. Another dull and meaningless night awaited her, enduring her uncle and the guest talking about business. She watched them from her corner until she saw her uncle searching the place. Once he tracked her down, he beckoned her over, and

Skye chose to return to the dining room after seeing the servants leave.She made her way with soft steps toward her seat. "Here I am," she said. "I wasn't late, was I?" Added avoiding looking at them. "Oh, dessert is here too. Lovely!" she said, trying to make her excitement sound realistic. Wearing a big smile, she served some of the forest fruits and nuts on her plate. She took a blackberry with her fingers and put it in her mouth. Her aunt turned and looked at her; her eyes opened wide. Skye took the message and picked up her fork."Is everything okay, Skye?" Uncle asked her as he took his cup to drink some of his drink- he wanted to appear calm and that it was a simple question without meaning, but his glance over his cup burned her."Yes, uncle, everything is fine," she replied as she turned her attention back to her plate.Suspicions began to arouse in her mind that the uncle had understood the reason for her absence.But what mattered to her was that the servants would not be

"Little brat," Malcolm growled through his gritted teeth lowering his hand."And now? What are we going to do, my lord?' Fiona asked. Her trembling voice carried desperation.She had followed Malcolm to the bottom of the stairs, but she had stayed back a few steps and watched the entire scene.Malcolm turned and looked at her. "What can we do?" he asked her calmly as he started to walk towards the living room, clasping his hands behind his back.His head was slightly bowed, which Fiona had learned to recognize over the years at his side. Malcolm was cogitative.Fiona followed him in silence."You know very well that every prospective groom is not obligated to marry Skye," Malcolm continued. "He has the right to choose. This was the king's order when I had first submitted my request to the king's scribe. And the same was in force for all the times I had applied for the same request in the last three years.""When can you apply again?" Fiona asked, putting her hand to her forehead. All

The next day Skye woke up very early due to her worry.The darkness inside her chamber was starting to break, and she could make out the silhouettes of objects. It was beginning to dawn.She got off the bed and walked over to the window. Her chamber faced the east, and when she drew aside the curtain, the sun was beginning to rise, outspreading an orange-red color over the mountain slopes.Oh! She had to hurry.She took off her nightgown and put on one of her dresses without wasting valuable time choosing one as she used to do every day.As soon as she was ready, she hurried out of her chamber, heading to the kitchen. She knew that most of the servants were there at this time early in the morning.She went down the stairs and saw Maysie carrying fresh water in a wooden bucket."My Lady, has something happened? Why did you wake up so early? I'm just now bringing you your morning water," Maysie ran to her and sputtered without taking the appropriate breaths.Skye gently touched her arm.

The following day, the King saw Lennox and his men out early in the morning. Lennox thanked him profusely for his hospitality, and the King wished them a pleasant journey.The King entered the castle as soon as the company had moved away, and all that was left was a cloud of dust.He headed towards the library where he had his office, but a step before entering, he saw his clerk almost running towards him."Your highness, please wait," he shouted to be heard over the distance that separated him from the King, "it's important."The King stood, and when the clerk approached him, he asked what had happened."I have drawn up the decree and I would like you to review it. We have not many days left. Also I would like you to check the names of the young ladies I have chosen so far and tell me if they are approved or not. But…" the clerk bit his lower lip.The King took a deep sigh. "Tell me, Glenn. I have work, and you're delaying me.""I'm sorry, Your highness," he apologized and bowed his