Chapter 19

CHAPTER NINETEEN

W hen Benedict had left her to go and speak to Audor, Evelyn had been certain she did not want to be around anyone in the castle. If she had to wait for the outcome of Benedict's meeting, she wanted to be alone.

They had shared something that day that she did not fully understand, but what she did know was the fact that they had both felt it. It was neither voiced nor acknowledged, but whatever had happened between them was now a shared experience, and something that had brought them closer than ever.

Evelyn had sensed it as they had made love to each other, but even afterwards, in the aftermath of their passion, that same feeling of a joining had occurred. It felt surreal, and given it was something she had never felt before, she struggled to truly comprehend it.

Ye dinnae need tae comprehend it. Just feel it, Evelyn. That is all ye need tae dae.

It was when she was wandering back to her bedchamber, with a mixture of worry and bewilderment swirling through her body, that Yvaine had discovered her.

"Och, Evelyn," her sister had soothed. "Are ye all right? Ye are still upset from earlier."

But Evelyn had shook her head. "Actually, I'm nae. Something else has happened since that has taken up all my concern."

Yvaine's frown had deepened. "Tell me."

On the way back to their bedchamber, Evelyn disclosed that their father had visited her again while Yvaine had been bathing. She relayed the return of Audor, and the fact that the wedding had now been brought forward, and would be going ahead in three days.

Yvaine had stared at her in disbelief. "What? I cannae believe it."

"The laird and the council made the decision. They fear if I dinnae marry soon, Laird Keith's men will try and attack again."

"But the castle is locked down so tightly, surely nae one who isnae supposed tae be here could get through."

"Never mind that," Evelyn said, "I have yet tae tell ye the rest o' it."

Evelyn then relayed her conversation with Benedict in the garden. She skipped the part where they had made love in the grass, and went right onto telling her the fact that Benedict was speaking to Audor that very minute.

Upon reaching the bedchamber, Yvaine closed the door excitedly behind them. "Och, Evelyn, this is wonderful news."

"Nae yet," Evelyn countered. "Neither of us really ken how Audor is going tae react tae it. Benedict is determined he will convince his brother, and yet, I am nae as certain. Besides, there is the alliance tae consider. Even if Audor allows it, what will happen tae the alliance?"

Yvaine took hold of Evelyn's shoulders and looked her in the eye. "One thing at a time, dear sister."

"That is easy fer ye tae say," Evelyn huffed. "This burden doesnae rest upon yer shoulders."

Yvaine looked a little hurt by her words. "I would gladly take the burden from ye if I could, Evelyn."

Evelyn felt guilty then. Her words had been harsh and unnecessary. Clearly, her worry was numbing her mind, and making her act in ways she would not ordinarily. This circumstance was no more Yvaine's fault than it was her own. She was hardly being fair, especially after all the support Yvaine had given her since she had been told she was to marry a stranger.

"I'm sorry," Evelyn blurted, looking at her sister pleadingly. "I didnae mean tae be so cruel. I'm being unfair. Ye have done so much fer me, Yvaine. I have just had tae deal with so much this last week."

"Ye have." Yvaine nodded with a sad smile. "Which only reaffirms my words this morning. Ye need tae think about yersel' fer a change. I ken faither wants tae protect the clan, but I am certain there are other ways o' doing it other than selling his oldest daughter intae slavery."

"Och, Yvaine, ye are being dramatic."

"Am I?" Yvaine said, her tone implying that her words were not so ridiculous. "What else would ye call it? Ye are the bargaining chip tae keep our clan safe. That sounds very much like slavery tae me."

Evelyn had not really thought of it like that, and she felt Yvaine's viewpoint was a little exaggerated. She had been around this castle many times in the couple of weeks since they had arrived. She knew the strength and wealth of this clan. With that in mind, it was evident that she would hardly be deprived of a full and bounteous life. It would just happen to be with someone she did not love.

"I still think it's a little dramatic, but let's nae argue over such menial things. Me mind is consumed with what might be going on in the laird's study at this very moment. Even if Benedict convinces Audor tae let us marry, there is still nae certainty about the alliance."

"Have a little faith, sister," Yvaine said, trying to calm her.

"I dinnae have the sanity fer faith," Evelyn countered, now pacing back and forth.

"Well wearing the rug tae a thread isnae going tae give ye a different answer tae what will be decided. Come," Yvaine said, taking hold of Evelyn's hand. "Sit down."

Yvaine guided Evelyn to a chair and then discovered the book she had been reading earlier.

"I will read tae ye. If naething else, it will pass the time."

"I'll hardly be able tae concentrate on it," Evelyn sighed.

"Ye dinnae need tae concentrate. Just sit there, gaze out o' the window, and let the words wash over ye."

Evelyn smiled at her sister, and once Yvaine settled down, she began to read. Evelyn did as she was told, and gazing out of the window, thought of how lucky she was to have Yvaine in her life. She had done nothing but take her side in all of this, no matter how much Evelyn had crossed a line. And now, she was doing her best to keep her occupied, or to save her from going quite mad. Or both.

It was an hour and a half later when a faint knock on the door halted her.

"Just a moment," Yvaine said, jumping from her seat and hurrying to the door.

"Ah, ‘tis ye," she said, opening the door wider.

Evelyn watched as Benedict strolled into the room, his eyes scanning it before they finally fell upon her as she sat by the window. She gazed at him for a second, and he gazed back, and then, he beamed a huge smile.

"Me braither will allow us tae marry," Benedict declared. "He is talking tae the council this very minute about the alliance still going ahead."

"Och, Benedict," Evelyn cried, rushing across the room toward him. She ran into his arms, and felt them wrapping around her in a strong embrace. Pressing her face into his chest, she felt his love soaking into her as relief washed through every part of her being.

Eventually, she pushed herself away from him. "I can hardly believe it," she gasped, gazing up into his eyes.

"Ye cannae ken how happy I am. Truly. It was probably the most terrifying thing I have ever had tae dae, but Audor hardly seemed tae care." Benedict smiled. "He wants me tae be happy. He wants us tae be happy."

Reaching up to him, she kissed him with all the delight her heart held. Feeling his soft lips against hers just seemed to seal everything they had believed in, fought for, and desired. Her wishes were to come true after all. She would marry Benedict, and she would have him by her side for the rest of her days.

A cough from her left reminded Evelyn that Yvaine was still in the room, and, laughing and feeling a little embarrassed, she pulled herself away.

When she turned to look at Yvaine, her sister was beaming with delight too. Evelyn ran to her and hugged her tightly. "Thank ye, Yvaine. Thank ye fer supporting me and being me closest friend as well as me sister."

"I've only ever wanted ye tae be happy, Evelyn," Yvaine sighed. Looking from Evelyn to Benedict and back again, she continued. "And truly, ye two make the most wonderful couple."

"Now, we must speak tae yer faither," Benedict said, holding his hand out to her.

A pang of fear rippled through her, but Evelyn grabbed Benedict's hand and held it tightly. With this wonderful man by her side, she was capable of anything. Besides, if Audor had said the alliance would remain in place, surely, her father could not disagree to their union, could he?

They found Donald in the library.

Benedict still had hold of Evelyn's hand when they entered, and when Donald looked up from the book he was reading, he smiled.

"Ah, me laird. Evelyn. This is an unexpected pleasure."

"Actually, me laird. I am Benedict."

Donald's eyebrows flew to the top of his head, and looking from Evelyn to Benedict, he floundered. "But… why are ye with…? What is going on here?"

"I am in love with yer daughter, me laird," Benedict began. "And if ye will give me a chance, I will explain how we have come tae this point."

Still completely astonished, and looking more than wary, Donald gestured for them both to be seated. Once the three were settled again, Evelyn sat nervously beside Benedict as he professed his love for her. He began by telling her father how their love had come about, though he didn't speak of their first meeting in the library, which Evelyn was grateful for.

He did, however, have to confess that it had been he, not Audor who had been present in the castle for the whole time, but for reasons he could not disclose, he could not tell him why Audor had been away.

"The conclusion, me laird, is this. I love Evelyn with every part o' my being. I love her and she loves me. I want tae marry her, which is why we came tae see ye. I am here tae ask yer permission fer yer daughter's hand in marriage."

Donald had listened carefully to every word, and Evelyn had watched his expression change from confusion, to interest, and eventually, to understanding. Gone was the frown, and now, he gazed at her with a soft smile.

"Faither, I am so sorry, I didnae want things tae go this way. I ken how important the alliance is–"

"Me darling, I want ye tae be happy. I always have. I want ye tae be with whomever yer heart desires."

"And about the alliance," Benedict said, "Audor has agreed tae honor the alliance, even if it isnae he who is marrying Evelyn."

Donald's face lit up with surprise and delight. "Are ye certain?"

It occurred to Evelyn in that moment, that her father was going to allow her to wed Benedict even without the alliance. She couldn't believe she had doubted the depth of her father's love for her.

He then looked at Benedict. "Yer braither is a very good man. I will go find him and I will thank him dearly. And fer someone who isnae the laird, ye have done a fine job in keeping yer clan and mey family safe. I applaud yer bravery and yer determination. Ye have more than proven yersel', Benedict. And with that said, I would be delighted tae have ye marry Evelyn, and tae welcome ye intae our family."

He then stood from his chair and opened his arms to Evelyn, who hurriedly ran into them. Holding her close to him, he murmured in her ear. "I only ever wanted ye tae be happy, me dear. And I can see it how happy ye are in yer face."

Afterward, Benedict and Donald shook hands, and the latter went to look for Audor.

When evening fell, everyone met in the family dining room, and Audor confirmed that the council had agreed that the alliance would be honored, much to everyone's delight, as Audor's brother and heir would be marrying Lady Sinclair, so the bond was still very much in the family.

"We have much tae organize, as I am still determined that this wedding should go ahead earlier," Audor said.

"That shouldnae be too hard," Killian said.

"Och, what would ye ken about weddings?" Yvaine said drily. "Ye wander about all day twiddling with yer sword."

Evelyn stifled a giggle.

Killian was about to retort when Audor said, "The threat is still very real. More o' Laird Keith's men have been spotted, and because o' that, it is imperative that everyone remain on high alert."

"But, surely, we are safe in the castle," Yvaine said worriedly.

Audor smiled kindly at her. "We have the largest army o' any surrounding clan, Yvaine. I swear, nae harm will come tae ye here. Be that as it may, I must ask that none o' ye leave the castle grounds. Nae fer any reason."

"I agree," Donald nodded sternly. "I can speak tae the sneaky tactics Laird Keith uses, and when he strikes, it may nae be an obvious attack. Everyone must be wary o' anything strange or unusual."

Special attention was given over the following two days, as the castle was a hive of activity. Food was gathered, the kitchens busily prepared stored meat for the feast, maids and servants helped with decorating the grand hall and the gardens. Yvaine assisted the seamstress with Evelyn's wedding dress. The days flew by, until at last, the night before the wedding arrived.