Page 24 of The Runaway Bride and the Highlander
“Of course, Skylar,” he said kindly. “My door is always open tae ye.”
His words seemed to convey more than just an invitation to come and check on the boy, yet Skylar was uncertain if that was the truth or her imagination. Kendrick did not appear as he seemed, and she did wonder if he could see something within her that no other could.
“Thank ye,” she said before turning and following Katherine out of the dark room.
CHAPTERTWELVE
Katherine led Skylar into the great hall and left her sitting at a long wooden table, surrounded by a huge number of guests. “I willnae be far away,” she said. “I’d love tae stay and keep ye company, but I have tae join the other servants now and help tae serve the food and wine tae all the guests.”
Skylar nodded and told her she would be fine, adding a confident smile. It was not a genuine one, however, for sitting in the company of such a crowd of people that she did not know, she did feel quite nervous. The great hall was filled with loud laughter and the hum of many discussions, indicating that most of these people knew each other. Skylar, feeling a little disoriented, could only take in the sights around her and try to settle herself.
The great hall was a huge room with a high ceiling. Beneath it, wooden beams supported a large round chandelier that housed many candles, and around the thick stone walls, fires flickered from large lanterns to light the room further. Down both sides of the room and standing parallel to each other, were long wooden tables where the majority of the guests sat. At the far end of the room, opposite the entrance, stood a long wooden table elevated on a platform, so those seated at it could look out onto all the activity before them.
It was the sight and positioning of those sitting at the top table that confused Skylar somewhat. On the left side of the table sat a very beautiful woman that Skylar assumed was Lady Fiona MacTavish. On her right sat an older man, possibly her father. Several others sat beside him. To Lady Fiona’s left, however, was Maxwell, positioned in the middle of the other guests. An older lady sat beside him, a fine-looking woman who appeared graceful in her disposition, Maxwell’s mother most likely. Bram sat on the other side of Lady Macleod, being the furthest away from the MacTavish family.
Skylar at first assumed that Bram ought to be sitting beside his bride, but not knowing anything about such things, she thought that perhaps their seating arrangement had something to do with the MacTavish family showing respect to the laird. He was the leader of the Macleod clan after all.
“Ye must try the pork,” the woman beside her said, bringing Skylar back to her own situation. “I dinnae ken how they’ve done it, but it’s delicious.”
“I will,” Skylar said, smiling politely.
“Are ye with the MacTavish clan?” the woman asked.
Skylar shook her head. “I’m just passing through.”
It was the best answer she could come up with under the circumstances, more because she did not really know what was going to happen now that she had arrived at the castle. Skylar had not managed to speak to Maxwell since he had met with the council, but she had no doubt her arrival had been part of the discussion. Her fate lay in their hands, and though Maxwell and his men had rescued her, she was still not certain she was entirely safe just yet.
The feast continued with much enjoyment and entertainment. Jugglers tossed intricate combinations and performers danced in the center of the room to music played by musicians that were arranged in the corner.
A little later in the evening, Bram came and sat beside her, a welcoming smile on his face. “Are ye enjoying the feast?” He nodded to their surroundings.
Skylar smiled back. “I am, Bram. Thank ye.”
“I must admit,” he said, now looking directly at her, “ye’re a fine wee lass now ye’re all cleaned up.”
Skylar blushed slightly. “Aye well, a good long soak in the bath and decent clothes do wonders for yer appearance.”
“Och, I dinnae,” he replied, leaning a little closer in. “I kind o’ liked ye in my brother’s shirt.” He winked with a broad smile.
Skylar laughed but felt a little uncomfortable, given Bram’s bride was not too far away. “Now, Bram, ye have tae be careful. I dinnae want tae make yer bride jealous with yer advances.” Her tone was light, but her words were not altogether untrue.
“What bride?” Bram frowned. “There’s nae woman who could stop me from doing what I please.”
“Maybe,” Skylar replied, a little confused at his words, “but surely ye wouldnae want tae rub it in her face.”
“There’s nae a woman who could control me, Skylar,” Bram smiled, “but I would never intentionally hurt her either.”
“But surely, speaking tae another woman in such a familiar manner in her presence does exactly that,” Skylar said with an even deeper frown.
It was Bram who now frowned at her in return. “I dinnae understand what ye’re talking about, woman. I’m here talking tae ye only.”
“With yer future bride looking on,” Skylar pressed, jerking her head to the top table.
Bram lifted his eyes to the top table, taking a long minute to understand her meaning. Skylar finally felt satisfaction when Bram’s expression changed from confusion to realization, but then she was stunned when Bram suddenly burst out into loud, raucous laughter.
Feeling her face burn with embarrassment, she lowered her head, but trying to hide and make herself look as small as possible did not stop those gathered around them from looking on. The deep booming sound coming from the depths of Bram’s stomach brought them a lot of attention, and Skylar wanted nothing more than to silence him.
“Bram,” she hissed, trying to get his attention as his laughter continued.
