"Though what, Hector?" she squeezed his hand. "Did you discover anything?"Hector nodded. "I've never told anyone. I thought it would only cause pain and nothing else, because the king in the early years was waiting for her to come back. He hoped that she would somehow miraculously escape death and return to him. I don't know if he is still waiting for her. He stopped talking about her, but neither did he put another woman by his side. A few years ago, while I was in the woods hunting, I found the bones of an animal. They hadn't moved at all because they were somehow held by the animal's fur. Although the condition was bad due to the years that had passed, one could easily recognize that it was what was left of a horse. Its fur was discolored, but something inside me told me that it was the queen's mare. I looked around to see if I could find anything else... you know…."“Please, stop”. Skye covered her eyes with her hands, “Yes, yes I know. But you didn't find anything because otherw

The ceremony was to take place in the nearby village church of Brora, which was 5 miles from the castle and was arranged for 11 am, so they would have the rest of the day to celebrate the event.Since the early hours of the morning, Skye had been awake. She felt a heavy sense of regret that kept her from getting a good night's rest. The upcoming day was going to be a grueling one. How will she manage to get through the day after hardly sleeping last night?Thoughts tormented her, and her regrets consumed her guts for not being able to tell Hector what her heart needed to tell him; she had kept her secret inside for years. She knew it wasn't her fault for not being alone with him the last few days, not even for a moment. Despite this, she couldn't help feeling the way she did and was convinced that she should have found a way to meet him.She had already taken her bath and sat on her dressing table to have her hair done, wearing a simple white dress.Talisha looked at her through the m

"Or I will," a young man said and stood up. "Or I will," said someone else. "Or I will," someone else cried out. "Or I will" More young men continued to offer. "What's going on?" Skye asked, confused. She looked at the young men who had risen from their seats among the rest of the guests and then over at Hector, hoping for an explanation. Her palms began to sweat as she considered whether she was expected to kiss all of them. No! That was out of the question. She looked inward and blinked rapidly. Hector sensed her unease and hastened to reassure her. "It's not what you think. It is simply a playful tradition between the clans we're on amicable terms with, and it only takes effect when there's a delay in the groom kissing the bride. They will continue until I kiss you." She felt her mouth go dry. "Th-then kiss me." Skye said. Hector smiled, hugging the side of her neck and gently pulling her towards him until their lips met. His lips pressed hers in an unspoken promise. Hi

His playful smirk and glinting eyes stirred a distant memory within her.Skye gasped, and her eyes grew wide upon recognizing the man."Oh, it's you!" she exclaimed. "I-I think I remember you."The man chuckled and nodded."It's been five years since we last met.""I apologize, but I can't recall your name," she admitted."It makes sense that there were no recommendations made since I left your uncle's castle immediately after the incident. We didn't even sit down for dinner," the man replied. Skye thought about it for a moment and agreed."Do you two know each other?" Hector asked, fixing his eyes on the man."Um...kind of," Skye replied."Cael? Explain," Hector said sternly."Please, Hector, there's no need," Skye interjected, attempting to pull him away, but he remained rooted in place like a rock."Just one moment, Skye. I need to know," he said, closing her hand in his. "What did Cael do to you? What event did he speak of?" His voice and expression grew hard with anger at the tho

Meegan looked at her with a smile. "Hmm…You care about him, don't you?" she asked. "Yes, I do care," Skye replied, still looking at Hector. She recognized his position, with his hands behind his back, as she had seen before. Despite his predicament, he appeared at ease and collected. When he caught her eye, he gave a reassuring nod, indicating that she need not worry and could leave him for a bit. Skye nodded and turned her attention back to Meegan, smiling. "Okay, let's talk for a while. What about your marriage to...?" She paused, cupping her forehead. "I'm sorry, I forgot his name." Meegan giggled quietly and said, "His name is Oisin." "Ah, I remember now. So, how did the wedding go? Is everything going well between you two?" I inquired. Meegan's face brightened, and her cheeks turned pink. "It has only been three weeks since the wedding, but I can tell he is the best man I could have asked for." She replied with a smile. Skye gently rubbed her arm. "I'm happy for you and I ho