Epilogue

"They"re waiting!"

Sorcha knocked excitedly on the door as, in the chamber, Nora straightened down her purple dress. Eyeing herself in the glass, she smiled expectantly.

"Yer mother would be proud," said Sorcha quietly, as a strange knot twisted in Nora"s throat. Just the thought of the past was unsettling, but Sorcha meant well.

Shyly, she pinned a clan brooch to Nora"s plaid. Nora inspected it with interest.

""Tis only wee," said Sorcha, almost apologetic. "But it was yer mother"s, an" noo it belongs to ye."

Nora"s eyes moistened. She traced its edges softly, feeling the smooth silver with her fingers.

"Thank ye," she stuttered, overcome.

The last few weeks had been hard but also bittersweet. With her father exiled, Sorcha was all she had, and she was humbled.

"Just a few minutes more," said Nora, as the doors to the bedchamber were flung open. Behind them were Grace and Fiona, as well as more. All the women of the Duncan clan had turned out to accompany Nora, and, it seemed, they would not wait any longer.

"We"re ready noo. Nora, yer husband is waiting."

With Sorcha smiling behind the door, Grace and Fiona lifted Nora from her feet, twirling her in the air. Laughing, the pair of them tugged her to the door. But Nora was still not ready. With trepidation, she smoothed herself down, unfurling the long houppelande and rearranging the Douglas plaid on her shoulder.

Quizzically, she smiled.

"Braw," agreed Grace, herself decked in the Duncan clan plaid of blue and brown.

Nora looked at her in nervous awe. Grace was effortlessly beautiful, even after bairns and many years of marriage. Would she ever be able to measure up? Sensing her doubts, Grace lifted her hand.

"Ye"re the only belle in the toon," she said, admiring her robe. "He wilnae even see anyone else."

"Oor brother is very lucky," added Fiona

She was shining in the clan plaid. Her long hair was arranged in a delicate coif rather than flowing loose, but for the rest of it, she was traditional; her white arisaid was in full flow, with a trim of the brown and blue.

Watching nervously, Nora was not too sure. The robe was Fiona and William"s mother"s—in full purple, it made a splash—and was entirely at odds with the more old-fashioned clan plaid around her shoulders. Eyeing the two parts uncertainly, Nora wondered if they clashed.

Reading her mind, Fiona assured her, "Ye wear it well. He will like it!"

Nora grinned. In fact, she had already worn the houppelande before, but not like this, with her long hair falling to her waist and the clan plaid on. Grace came forward and brushed back her hair.

"Ye ready?" she asked, although, by the look on her face, it was more of a command.

In the hallway, Nora heard the others; Lissie, Aileen, half a dozen of their bairns, all waiting and watching to bring her to the church.

"Fionnula?" Fiona snapped, pushing her daughter, a young girl with light-brown hair, and an earnest gaze, forward. Fionnula stepped gingerly into the chamber, standing beside Nora, who smiled. Clutching her posy, she took her place behind Nora, signaling their departure.

Nerves rose in Nora"s stomach. "I will nae be ready," she said, but Grace took her hand.

"Second time lucky!" She winked, leaving Nora with a big dent in her heart. Even the mention of their previous "wedding" was enough to bring her out in a flush.

Nora"s cheeks reddened as Fiona glared at Grace.

"Dinnae fash aboot that," said Fiona practically. The three of them had joined hands and, together, walked out of the chamber.

It was early June. The sun flew high in the sky, overseeing the green of the valley and flowing glen side. Everything felt easy, with a scent in the air of honeysuckle and roses growing outside the castle window.

Squeezing Grace"s hand, Nora allowed herself to feel that everything would be alright as they proceeded out of the castle and down to the town. It was packed. Nora could barely move as they shuffled three abreast toward the kirk. But the noise was more than she was reckoning as they pushed through the crowd.

"Och, "tis heaving!" murmured Nora, as she struggled to hold on to her shawl. The jostling was getting quite out of hand, with curious faces all wanting their glimpse of the bride on her big day.

Red-cheeked, Nora continued, but by then had given up on speech. No one could hear her. Cheering drowned them all out as, clinging to her new sisters, she made her way toward the town. Peasants, farmers, toothless old women, all of them turned out to greet them, and Nora was overwhelmed.

"Every soul in the clan is here," she gasped, and it was probably true. But there was one thing. Suspiciously, Nora looked about.

"Where"s William?" she asked.

The sisters shared a smile. Then, Fiona answered. "Dinnae fash, he"ll be here," she said, with a grin.

Nora had an instant stab of fear. What if he did not turn up? Her thoughts turned to their previous "wedding," the one she had backed out of. Had William been shown up in front of everyone? The thought was too much for her to bear.

Grace squeezed her hand, but at that moment, it only made her worse. Everyone was being so nice. All around her, folk greeted her, some pressing flowers into her hands as she passed. And behind, the fiddlers accompanied her, playing so loud she could barely hear them.

Nearing the kirk, the streets were even more packed. Nora wiped her brow.

"Och," she said hopelessly, wiping the sweat with her hand. "Where is my handkerchief? I look a sight!"

A hand passed her a cotton square. "Ye"re as fair as any flower," said the voice warmly.

Without looking, Nora knew straight away. His hand squeezed her arm softly.

"William!"

Nora leaped right into the air, much to the amusement of all around them. Instant applause rang out, rippling through the crowd. Behind them, the pipers started playing, although the noise drowned out their song.

William was there. Nora could not stop grinning from ear to ear. Sweet relief filled her. By now, they had reached the kirk steps. Kissing her gently, William teased her senses. Everything felt weak. Taking his hand, she realized he was the same. His eyes betrayed a rare moment, a slight flash of nerves. But then it was hidden.

No one else would have seen his vulnerability. To everyone else, he was strong. William, the defender of the clan, tall and strong. In his clan plaid, he looked especially handsome, and even his wild curls had been teased into some sort of order for the occasion, although Nora was pleased to see not too much.

Embracing an overwhelming urge to ruffle them, Nora grinned. Running her fingers through his rusty mop, intense sensations ignited. She wanted to touch him, and now. But right then, that was not possible. Several hundred people had come to make sure they got married, and the moment was very near.

From the wooden kirk doors, the priest emerged, clutching his sacraments and beaming.

Bidding the crowd to quieten, he began the vows. Maybe Nora was not listening; perhaps she was too busy dreaming about William in a quiet lake, washing and kissing, both of them naked to the ground.

A jolt of desire awakened her. She was surrounded by eyes watching her every move. William was talking, making his vows, sending his eyes over to hers shyly.

"I, William, take thee, Nora..."

His eyes drifted off, and Nora was transfixed by his gaze. She was so drawn in that she forgot what she was saying. In fact, she forgot everything. It felt like it was happening to someone else. More than once, she had to check herself to be sure it was real. But it was.

The priest watched avidly as they made their vows on the steps, and William smirked wickedly as he did so. His eyes signaled something outlandish and more. Nora burned. She could barely wait.

A combination of nerves and heat won out, and everything inside her became intense. So intense, it seemed strange to hear her voice saying, "And I, Nora, take thee, William, to be my husband..."

There was a pause. All the people watching fell quiet as a general air of expectation to do something seemed to gather. As she stood there, Nora felt her chest tighten.

"The ring," murmured the priest, standing imposingly before them.

Nora looked to William. William looked to Alasdair, who had just appeared beside them.

For a moment, panic shot across William"s face, and Nora felt herself pang. Then, Alasdair produced something from his sporran. With a lopsided grin, he passed the yellow-gold ring toward him.

Nora looked up at William"s tentative face. Gently, he pressed the small golden band over her finger. It fit delicately, but it did not stop William"s shaking hands.

"An" I do declare ye, man an" wife," said the priest.

Nora"s heart quickened. Just like that, they were married! A gust went up from the crowd, cheering like the wind. Tightly, William embraced her, then they kissed, first fast, then long and slow. Taking her in his hands, he brought her close, resting her head against his chest. The smoothness of his contours held her snug against his skin.

He kissed her again on the cheek, then once more on the lips. This time, the embrace grew deeper, sending a thrill all through her body. Nora"s insides churned madly as a slow ache took her down below. Everything burned intently.

William"s blue eyes caught her gaze.

"Ye"re mine noo," he said softly, as Nora just grinned.

"Nay, ye"re mine, sonny," she joshed, as the noise from the street rang in their ears.

William placed something in her hands. Opening her palm, she found a small clan brooch similar to the one Sorcha had given her, only with the Duncan motif.

The silver was old and worn but still shone. Feeling it in her hands, Nora sensed its weight. And at the center was a deep red garnet that sparkled in the light. Excitedly, Nora clasped it on, stroking William"s face. Then she placed it carefully alongside the Douglas badge.

"I love ye, Nora," murmured William, but it was so loud around her that she almost did not hear. Still, the sense of his hand on her wrist was enough to make it true. This was real. She was actually married!

The next minute, confusion. William threw his coins to the crowd, sending the children skittering after the silver. At the fore, Fionnula, Nora"s bridesmaid, and her brother, Fergal, a red-haired lad of about thirteen, dived into the melee.

Watching them, Nora gazed wistfully. "That wee lad has so much o" ye in him!" she declared, as the flame-haired youngster plundered the crowd for the coins. She smiled suddenly at the thought of little William.

William nodded. "Aye, he"s a wee barra after mah own heart," he said, as the lad emerged victorious with a wedge of pennies.

Nora squeezed his arm, her own entwined within it. The dancing had already started, even before they had made it back to the castle. Around them, the streets erupted in music, with pipers starting behind them and townsfolk jigging.

"Och, they"re starting wi"out us!" William exclaimed, as the commotion kept roaring. It was madness; all Nora could do was laugh.

Fionnula and Fergal started dancing, their young faces twirling gaily to the pipes. Soon there was no stopping. Whether they liked it or not, they would be pulled into the dance. William took her hand, leading her into the jig. It was meant to start in the great hall, but the excitement had taken over. Now the dancing was in the streets.

The crowd was squashing, jostling so hard she could barely move. But still, Nora commenced dancing. With William pulling her to his side, they twisted and danced until her breath was gone. With the crowd abating as guests streamed into the hall, Nora held on to William"s hand.

"I cannae keep up," she panted.

They had been dancing since they left the church. Now, nearing the castle, she was spent. But taking her hand, William lifted her gently.

Giving her waist a squeeze, he grinned.

"Ye"ll need yer strength, lass, for later—an" the bonny bairns we will have!"

* * *

His lips teased hers,starting at her ear and sliding slowly down. From the threshold to the chamber, William started as he meant to carry on, kissing her hard.

Nora"s senses were on fire. They had been ever since she had set foot in the church. William"s eyes radiated desire. He was hot. Taking her hand, he pressed her against the wall. They were entwined, his body sweating lightly on the hot June night.

His palms pressed against hers, and she sensed his body heat. Although still fully clothed, her senses missed nothing of his, and suddenly, there was a panicking of tension.

She must have him, and by the look of him, his eyes said the same. But still, William cajoled her slowly with a passion that must have been eating him. Slowly, he slipped his plaid down, just slightly enough to show his chest. His yellow leine was long since gone, although Nora did not know when.

It was enough for him to be naked from the waist up, the sight of which was filling her with heat. An extra strong heat that urged her on. Pressing her face into his, Nora was weakened. It would be so easy just to give in. But she was playing, so holding back, she waited for William to come to her.

Which he did.

"Ye dinnae want me?" he teased, his eyes, like birds, darting about. His face was cast halfway between quizzical and enraged. She was not sure which. "Well, I command ye!"

He twisted his hand with a flourish but looked stern, making her laugh. Pulling her near, he admonished, "Nay," and brought her up to him, inspecting her with seriousness.

For a moment, Nora"s heart lapsed. He looked so intense. "Ye need to pay allegiance to yer laird..."

His eyes twinkled, then he took her, with no warning, in his arms. Carrying her to the bed, he thrust Nora down, smirking hard. Nora lay, limp and giggling, passion darting in and out of her madly. Every inch of her tingled.

"Ye should do penance," he told her, stroking her hair, then lifting her. Swiftly, he began undressing her, loosening the ties on her robe. Unfurling the plaid from her arms, he unwrapped her like a parcel, discarding the layers on the way.

"Braw," said William greedily, his hand on her thigh. The sweetness of his touch did things to her. Hot wells of delight unfurled within her, making her smart. In a good way. Everything felt sweet, ripening, and deep.

And his passion. Nora almost lapped it up, it was so fraught. His fingers came upon her, teasing, caressing. He stroked across her heart, her bosom, her belly button. The last one was a revelation.

A deepness she had never imagined opened out, sending with it sweetness in drops. Nora sighed. Watching her, William just smirked.

"Strumpet," he said, pressing her down. He had removed her gown.

Now, his hands slid against her thighs, igniting her wildly. William pressed the flat of his palm against her belly, then licked it deep. Nora gasped.

William was staring, his face just inches apart, an open look in his eyes. Come on, they said. Nora did not wait. She caressed his face, his neck, his chest. Rubbing herself on him with wild abandon, Nora could not stop herself from devouring his flesh. She was raw.

"Ye should be waiting," chided William, but with a big grin. He tapped her gently on the buttocks, sending a mild sting all through her. A delicious shiver raced across her center.

"I love ye," she murmured, but William just shook his head. Instead, he teased her to distraction. First her belly button, then her thighs. There was no trick he did not know. Nora was so crazy that she was not sure which part of her was being touched.

And in William"s eyes, a hunger. He pressed his body close to hers, sending desire shivering through the roof. He was ready but had been holding himself back.

Now ready, Nora teased him in.

"Clarty," he murmured, caressing her as Nora moaned.

She could not help it; even the slightest touch set her off. William watched, amused. Then, he pressed her to his head. Nora kissed him, first soft, then hard. She progressed further, kissing him rhythmically until she reached his belly. Then, looking up, she continued going south.

Each touch was a minefield of pleasure. His pleasure, her pleasure. She could tell by the crazed look on his face that he felt it too. He pressed her hands against him, then she pushed him down face-first onto the bed.

A rush filled her, stinging her most oddly as he stared. Now her hands were below his belly button. A strange feeling came upon her as she guided him into her hands.

Shyly, she eyed his manhood, tall and sturdy, below his plaid. Nora wanted to rip all the clothing away, but she did not. Instead, she teased him further, placing his erect manhood between her legs, then glancing at him slyly.

William"s eyes danced. Fixing her with his bluest glare, he tutted. "Wee strumpet..."

Kissing her slowly, his heat transferred to her. Slowly, he nudged himself in with a wide-eyed grin. Nuzzling his face to her neck, he leaned in.

"Ye alright, hen?" he murmured.

Nora smiled. "Aye," she said.

Inside her legs, she began to throb. A strange sensation overcame her. Every inch wanted more. Warmly, she ran her fingers up William"s back. The sheen of his skin ignited her. At that moment, Nora could not think of anything more.

Gingerly, William moved deeper, eliciting little cries from her. Nora"s eyes rounded as he came fully into her, and for a moment, she could not speak. Then, a feeling like no other took her. It was a strange combination of being stung and then an intense sweetness, which spread across her nether regions. Tightening her grip on his waist, Nora clung on.

William pumped hard, his thrusts becoming more rhythmic the deeper he got. Now, William stroked her hair as Nora could do nothing but wonder. Moaning lightly, she rolled as William found further depths to explore. Warm fullness enveloped her as William just smiled.

She caressed him deeply, stroking him gently and teasing him hard. Every touch produced gasps and moans from them both. His skin was so silken and pliant that she did not want to let go.

Every inch of him was erotic, just heated and ready, enough to tease her in. His torso, thickset and enticing, made her want to caress him. She worshiped him with her hair, flailing madly into his face. It was too much, and she could not stop.

Grabbing her intensely, William pushed hard, sending stars racing all through her. And a burn, a deliciously slow, aching burn. Everything was heated, from her nipples to her toes. And inside, she could barely move. Yet, William"s thrusting continued to shower joy upon her. Then, just as she thought she could take no more, a deep excitement took her. Everything shuddered. Feeling the passion, William ground hard. Nora gasped, then yelped.

It was intense. Waves of passion exploded, and by the look in William"s eyes, his had also landed. Pure sweat dripped upon her. William held her tight, his arms fastened around her waist. He smiled at her and rubbed his head deep into her belly.

It was so unexpected that Nora gave way to a deep murmur. Everything inside her sweetened out. She wanted him.

"Braw, braw, braw," she repeated again and again.

William shook his head. Nora could not help but admire the trace of his torso, taking in the contours of his back. Something surged within her.

"Can ye handle this?" He smirked, but it was too late to give an answer.

Nora felt something hot and warm explode within her; a tickly mess engulfed her. Their climax was synchronized and moans echoed in the room.

"Och," he said, grinning. Then, putting his hands to her belly, he gazed wistfully.

"I love ye, Nora," he said softly. He waited. Then, he looked archly. "This is the wee bit where ye tell me ye love me too."

Nora was staring at him with tears in her eyes.

"Are ye all right, my love?" William asked.

"I"m the happiest woman alive. I love ye so much, William. I really do, with all my heart and my whole being. I love ye!"

William leaned over and kissed her tenderly on her lips. He laid down beside her and placed his hand in hers. Within minutes they were asleep, with a smile on their faces and love surrounding the whole room.