Page 18 of The Irresistible Warrior
“This cannot wait,” Aura said, concerned. “We need to get you free of this curse as soon as possible.”
Declan felt as if a huge weight had been lifted off his shoulders. Once again, he was grateful to have found Aura. She was the perfect woman for him.
CHAPTER 8
“You’re up early,” Declan said when Aura entered the Great Hall.
Aura smiled. “You as well.”
He noticed how her genuine smile brightened her face. She might have plain features but there was something distinct about them, something that intrigued him though what it was, he didn’t know. And that intrigued him even more.
“I favor the quiet of daybreak,” he said, standing and holding a chair out for her at the dais.
“Something we have in common.”
“Is your bedchamber acceptable?” he asked after she sat, and he returned to sit in the chair beside her.
“It is larger than my cottage,” she said with soft chuckle and reached to tear a piece from the loaf of bread. She barely took a bite when her face scrunched in distaste.
“I fear the clan cook, Ruth, lacks skill,” he said in the way of an apology.
“It’s flavor she lacks. I can suggest some spices and flavorful herbs to use to make the food tastier.”
“Please do,” he pleaded dramatically. “I will be skin and bones before I know it, since it grows more difficult by the day to suffer her meals.”
Aura laughed. “That would be a pity. I will see it done.”
It truly would be a pity to see Delcan’s lean body lose his defined muscles. Not many men had such muscle mass. Most were thick enough and some firm, others soft, but few were as defined as him. Between his exceptionally fine features and his appealing body, not to mention his eyes that caught your attention and refused to let go, she could understand why women found him so attractive.
“Tell me what help you need today, and I will see that you get it,” Declan said, looking over the food to see which one would be the safest choice.
Her answer came fast. “The garden. I need to get the few rooted plants I brought with me into the ground. I also want to get my cottage settled. And another time, I would like to return to my cottage to prepare my garden there for winter in case I do not return before the first snow.”
Declan felt a catch to his gut like a light punch at the mention of her leaving. He found he quite enjoyed talking with her. She didn’t try to flatter him or smile overly sweetly at him, nor did she try to impress him in any way. She simply was herself and he found that refreshing.
“I will make sure you get there,” he assured her.
The heavy door creaked open and in strode Hamish, his gait determined though he leaned heavily on his walking stick. His cheeks were already ruddy from the morning chill, or possibly from excitement, and he beamed when he caught sight of them.
“There you are, my lord, and future lady,” he said with a quick bow. “I wanted to make you aware of the plans underway for the grandest celebration Clan MacCrone has seen in years.”
Declan raised a brow. “Underway? It is to be a simple wedding and as quickly as possible.” He lowered his voice. “Must I remind you that this is a marriage of convenience?”
Hamish gave a scandalized sniff. “What marriage isn’t, and do you think the clan will let it pass with a muttered vow and a nod? You’re the laird now. And Lady Aura is… well, she is Lady Aura, healer of wisdom, tamer of gardens, and brave enough to wed you.” He flashed her a wink. “The celebration must reflect that.”
Aura, who had been sipping tea, set her tankard down gently. “It all sounds rather grand, Hamish. Might it not be… simpler?”
“Simple?” Hamish repeated, as though she’d just proposed they wed in silence at the edge of a bog. “Forgive me, my lady, but the people would never forgive their laird if the wedding were a mere whimper. This is a time for joy, of promise, after all the hardship the clan has endured, they need it. They want to celebrate a brighter future. They’ll want to dance, feast, and boast that their new laird chose a bride as clever and fair as you.”
Aura’s cheeks pinked, knowing he was being generous, but she pressed gently, “Still… I’d not want the day to become overwhelming. A quiet vow, a gathering with food and music?—”
Hamish held up a hand. “Hunters have been dispatched to the forest to bring back a feast fit for the occasion. Doors are being decorated with festive wreaths in celebration. Women are cooking so we will have the best we can offer our guests.”
Declan’s brow shot up. “Guests?”
“Aye, the news spread fast, and word was sent that many will attend,” Hamish said.
“You invited people?” Declan asked bewildered.
