And that is the third and final part. I decided to put them to sleep to ensure they don't disturb me until my exam on October 14th. I need to dedicate myself entirely to my study. Leaving you with a cliffhanger was unfair, knowing that after five weeks, you will have a new chapter after five weeks. But keep in mind that our heroes have many exciting adventures ahead in the upcoming chapters! I only wish you would not forget me. Thank you for supporting my story so far; I hope it continues beyond October 14th. I am going to miss you! See you again, my dear readers. :)
Eilean Donan Castle A few days ago…. Malcolm stormed out of the stable, clenching his jaw and fists. He forcefully kicked a small pile of rotting wood and shook his clothes to remove the hay sticking to it with quick, clumsy movements. "Stupid mare," he muttered through gritted teeth. He looked up at the overcast sky and estimated the sun's position. "It's almost noon," he said, touching his growling stomach. "I hope the food is ready." He walked towards the kitchen door, which led to the yard. He opened it and walked in. He passed the wooden counters and proceeded to the hearth, confident he would find Fiona there. He wished he didn't have to force himself to eat the food she prepared so he wouldn't upset her this time. He walked a few more steps and spotted her bending over the hearth, trying hard to keep the fire going. With one hand, she gripped the iron handle meant for stirring the wood to rekindle the fire. She wiped her sweaty forehead with the other, leaving a black strea
Eilean Donan Castle: IonaIona checked behind her to ensure her father wasn't coming, then asked what was on her mind.She looked at her mother. "So, how's it going?" Iona asked her.Fiona frowned. "How's it going what, my child?""Your life here in the castle," She opened her hands wide, gesturing towards the space around her.Fiona's eyes widened as she clutched her chest. "What do you know, Iona?"Iona tilted her head to the side. "I mean, how is your life going here without having that fool, Skye, around? What did you mean, Mother?" she asked, taking a step closer and looking at her straight in the eyes."I will explain, but let's wait for your father to arrive. In the meantime, I can answer your question. If she were here, she could make herself useful. Although, if it weren't for her, nothing would have happened, and now it won't-""What are you mumbling, Mother? I cannot understand anything that you're saying."Fiona looked at her daughter- her pursed lips and arms crossed over
Skye woke up to the warm sensation of a kiss on her cheek, followed by a trail of breathy and hot kisses along her jawline and down the slope of her neck. His mouth was breathy and seductive between kisses.A giggle escaped her, and she turned to look at him. The manly spice scent of his body filled her nose, and she took a deep breath to savor it.She smiled at him.Hector smiled back at her. "Good morning, my Princess!" His eyes sparkled while he explored her face."I missed you!" he confessed, and Skye laughed."Already? Haven't you just woken up now?" she said, looking at him more carefully. He was so close to her.He was leaning over her, and Skye realized her body was between his arms.He had taken a bath, his wet hair falling forward off his shoulders. Dressed, he emitted a manful, freshly washed scent.She raised her eyebrows. "You haven't woke up just now, have you?" she stated."No. When I woke up, you were still fast asleep. So, I grabbed the opportunity to sneak out and go
Skye quickly found a dress that she thought was suitable for the occasion - breakfast with royalty. She promptly put it on, slipped into her boots, went to her dressing table, picked up her brush, and quickly combed her hair. There was no time to fuss with her hair, so she didn't bother. After one last look in the mirror, she straightened her dress and headed for the door.She spotted Hector leaning against the corridor wall opposite her chamber's door.As she gazed at him, she pursed her lips together, unable to tolerate his irresponsible behavior. "What if we're questioned?" she wondered. How would they justify their delay? They would keep the truth private. Skye needed a believable excuse.On the contrary, Hector appeared unfazed by the situation. He was fixated on Skye's appearance, his eyes sparkling as he scanned her from head to toe."You look beautiful. Loose hair suits you," he told her.She glared at him. "What's important is that I'm ready. Shall we go?"Hector ignored that
Skye watched the royal carriage drive away, slowly fading into the distance.Standing beside Hector and Lennox, she glanced at Roisin, who was still waving goodbye. Her eyes were misty, in contrast to Donncha's reaction. He let out a long sigh and a slow smile spread across his face. His eyes sparkled as he watched the regal carriage drive away.As if he felt someone staring at him, he pivoted on his heel, his piercing eyes locking onto Skye's. Skye looked away, a flush of embarrassment spreading across her cheeks. It all seemed so unfair; why did this happen right now?She shifted her focus back to Hector, oblivious to the smug expression on Donncha's face that exuded arrogance and superiority."See? It wasn't that difficult," Hector told Lennox."Indeed," agreed Lennox."Did you notice the twinkle in Queen Aine's eyes and her faint smile of satisfaction?"Lennox nodded.They turned and entered the castle.The maids, who had also gathered to bid farewell to the royal couple, were hur
Skye rushed towards the stables to catch up with Hector and Lennox.A while ago, Hector sent a maid to Skye's chamber to inform her that they were leaving. Skye pretended to have a headache and did not go see them off. Although she understood Hector's desire to accompany Lennox to ensure his safety, she was angry with him for leaving her alone. Nevertheless, she accepted that Lennox needed Hector's help more.Skye had a change of heart two minutes later and quickly ran, hoping to catch up with them.Entering the stable, she saw them and stopped short. They were saddling the horses and chatting in low voices.Skye inhaled a sweet, grassy aroma mixed with the scent of leather from the saddles and bridles. She took a deep breath, enjoying the freshness of the air. It might have been the first time she had experienced such a clean and refreshing smell in a stable.Her attention shifted back to the two men, and she stared at them, trying to figure out what was different about them. It took
Maysie walked into the atelier with a smile. "I brought the tea," she announced. "It's hot and tasty. I had to wait a bit for it and-" She was about to say more when she noticed Skye curled up on the floor in the fetal position. Her voice caught in her throat as she realized something was wrong.The jug slipped from her hands, crashed violently onto the wooden floor with a sharp metallic sound, and spilled the tea."Skye!" she shouted and ran to her, kneeling beside her. "What happened?" She checked to see if Skye was hurt.She gasped and covered her mouth with her hands. "Oh my God! Your dress. What happened? How did this happen?"The crying grew louder, and Skye's body shook with sobs. Maysie gently touched her shoulder, but Skye jerked back, startling Maysie, who instinctively recoiled. Skye looked at Maysie as if seeing her for the first time."Skye? It's me, Maysie. D-don't you recognize me?"With a pained expression and teary eyes, Skye gazed at her. She clenched her fists to he
Hector leaned his back against the wall behind him. He gasped for air, his chest heaving. His hands trembled, sweat mixed with blood dripping from his palms. His father was right.He scanned the area but found no suitable cloth to wipe his hands. There was no time to waste; thus, he opened his woollen tunic and used his shirt to clean his hands.He straightened his clothes and ran his hands through his messy hair.He walked steadily towards Skye's chamber. The guard standing outside the door bowed as soon as he saw him.Hector stood in front of the closed door."Who is inside?" he asked the guard."Miss Talisha and the girl you brought from your wife's uncle's castle. I am sorry, but I don't remember her name."Hector nodded with understanding. "It's okay. Thank you." he replied and knocked on the door.The door opened, and Talisha poked her head out.She smiled widely. "Hector, you came! I expected you to come sooner.""I had something else to do first."Talisha raised her eyebrows a