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Chapter 29

29

D ays later was the start of the Yuletide celebrations to mark the end of the year. Maeve loved the smoky feel in the air that night as she stood by Archer's side and watched the yule log burn. Its essence seeped into the dark skies, and the drummer's beats synced with the villager's chants.

They stood outside the O'Kane castle and watched the log burn.

As tradition, the fire would burn non-stop for twelve days to celebrate prosperity and the return of the sun.

On this side of the great mountain, the winter dredged on colder than in the other parts of the Highlands, so the fires would burn in every home too, keeping them warm for the long winter.

She loved being back in O'Kane even though it was only for the Yuletide celebrations. Burning of the log was an ancient tradition she had missed. Performing the ritual with everyone dear to her heart made Maeve happier than she had ever been before.

The feasting would come next. Flynn had prepared for that in the courtyard because the O'Kane castle's grand hall could not entertain this many guests.

Lairds from all over the Highlands were present. Archer's plan to feast with them and allow for them to get to know him was perfect. This way, they would understand that he was nothing like his father.

Archer was more than just a laird who protected his own. He was a man with a charming smile and soft heart. The times she spent talking to him proved that and so did his warm touch.

Maeve never imagined falling in love with Archer, but his touch and his warmth made her crave more of him. I can never get enough. With Archer, Maeve forgot all about the consequences she was taught to fear and believe in.

The townsfolk were busy dancing around the bonfire now, and some of the other clan guests joined them. Archer and Maeve faced each other as she smiled at him.

"I was six summers the last time I danced around a bonfire," he said to her, gently stroking her chin. "My clan hasnae had any reason to celebrate in over a decade."

"I cannae remember the last time I celebrated this either," she told him. "The English have a different way of celebrating the end of the year, and Lord Hampton preferred lavish balls compared to traditional celebrations. At first, we were not allowed to attend either of those celebrations with the rest of his family.

"My sisters and I would stay locked in the wine cellar till it was over then a servant will come free us."

"Ye went through a lot in England," he sympathized with her, his deep sotto voice soothing the knots that twisted deep in her gut as she took the trip down memory lane.

Archer took her hand in his and linked their fingers. "Will ye tell yer brither all that happened in England?"

She had expected him to ask her that since she revealed to him Gilbert Hampton's punishments while they were in MacGuire.

"Flynn is very protective of all of us, and he suffered a lot over the years while trying to rescue us from England. What good is it putting him through all of that again? I do not want to re-open the past," Maeve answered after a deep sigh.

"We are happy here, and Gilbert Hampton is not a part of our lives anymore." She hoped he was not. But he somehow found his way into the castle to threaten me the last time. How far was he willing to take his obsession? Lord Hampton had the backing of many powerful English lords, and they did not stand a chance in battle against him.

"We have both suffered a great deal, Archer, and perhaps it is time to move on to what the future holds?" She looked from him to the guests enjoying themselves and sighed. "You fought a war against MacGuire and won. The highland clans are here to celebrate with us, and they shall get to know you better after the celebrations."

"Ye are right," he said to her after some time then surprised Maeve when he picked her off the ground with ease and twirled her around in a circle. She laughed hard and loud, squeezed her eyes tightly shut, and enjoyed the feel of the wind on her face as he circled her around.

She was aware of eyes on them when he set her on her feet again and kissed the tip of her nose. "Ye are the bravest person I ken," he complimented with a grin.

"So are you," Maeve replied and smoothed a hand down his chest. "You have not celebrated in years. That is about to change." She grinned wide, took his hands in hers, and led him towards the bonfire, so they could join the dancing circle.

The crowd soon started to cheer. Lauren and Quinn joined in before her sisters, and soon, almost every guest in the courtyard that night took turns to dance around the fire.

Maeve did not miss the pleased look in her brother's eyes. He stood with many other lairds at his side, and most of them seemed excited as they watched the bonfire dance, too.

The feast progressed into dining soon, and they moved to the courtyard where the servants had displayed tables laden with a variety of dishes prepared for the feast. Garlands and candles illuminated the courtyard, providing warmth and light.

Every table had a combination of roasted venison, hearty stews, puddings, and full broths with fruits served at their sides. Quaiches overflowed with mulled wines and ale.

Maeve and Archer shared another dance after the jesters and minstrels entertained the guests. The musicians played their bagpipes and drums as they performed the Celtic dance.

Ayda and Erin locked elbows with Maeve as they continued, and the thrill that raced through her heightened uncontrollably.

Maeve took a moment to catch her breath and stepped aside to let Archer dance with her brother and mother. She still grinned as she watched them from a corner of the courtyard.

Her entire body warmed from the glow in her heart, and her smile grew wider till it reached the corners of her mouth. She basked in that feeling and placed a hand over her chest to feel the thud of her heart.

Maeve's beam, however, dwindled when she caught the first whiff of lavender reached her nostrils and made her stiffen. She felt his presence as his bare hand rested on her lower back.

"Lord Hampton," she muttered in a still tone and swallowed hard. "How are you here?"

"Did you think I will not come back for you? You belong with me in England!" His menacing growl left her with another heavy pang in her chest.

Maeve gasped and froze from the impaling shot of terror that sliced through her. It gripped her throat tight, seized every warm feeling she enjoyed a moment earlier, and left her chilly inside.

"I gave you a choice, My Lady." The distinct timbre of Gilbert Hampton's voice reminded her of the painful memories she decided to keep carefully tugged away. "You chose to ignore me and play a little game."

"No," Maeve refused. "I…."

Maeve trembled as she stood rooted to that spot and tried to breathe.

"Silence!" His command echoed in her ears and sent a chill up her spine. A hiss erupted from him next. "I asked you to return to England on your own, but you chose to anger me instead. Now, your beloved sisters shall pay the price."

"Please," Maeve murmured, too scared to look behind him or scream. "Please, My Lord."

"You have until the end of the Yuletide celebrations to make your choice else the next arrow fired will not kill some old, laird foolish enough to welcome your husband into his home. The next arrow will be for your husband. If you come to your senses, then you can find me at the narrow road at Bains' meadows bordering MacBains' and the small English village. I have my men watching you, so do not think you can escape me. They are everywhere waiting on my word.

He paused, and she drew in a deep breath again when he traced his knuckles over her cheek. "I set camp there and will be there till the end of the Scottish celebrations. Make the right choice, My Lady. Come to me or watch them all die."

Maeve's breath snagged in her throat and his hand left the small of her back. She finally gathered the courage to turn around, but Gilbert had blended into the crowd all cheering and watching the scene around them.

Her mind raced as she frantically turned back to the center of the dance floor where her sisters danced with Archer. She scanned their surroundings and spotted the man cloaked in a corner, his arrow drawn.

Without thinking, Maeve yelled to gain Archer's attention. "Archer duck!" She bolted out of the crowd, rushing towards her sisters. Maeve was a second too late. All she heard was a whop as the music stopped immediately.

Archer shoved her sisters down before she got to them, and the arrow pierced him right in his heart.

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