“Hmph. The fates have a way of messing with man-made plans.” Merida said, narrowing her wise eyes. “Perhaps Ella will celebrate with us.”

“Hannah invited her, but I will leave that up to Ella,” he said.

They walked across the bailey and onto the wooden planks of the drawbridge. “It will be your sister’s first festival, since my ogre of a brother is not here to lock her inside.”

“Joshua, Bàs, and I will watch her,” Cain said.

Merida smiled wickedly. “A barrel of my finest whisky is being rolled out here tonight. Give a nip to Ella and see if ye can get another kiss.” She laughed. It sounded almost like a cackle, and she wandered off toward the table being topped with delicious offerings.

Would his aunt want Cain to kiss his bride again if she knew what had plagued him since their kiss over the chess table? If she knew that Ella Sutherland had a weapon against him, one that could cause more harm than a newly sharpened dagger?

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Thirteen

“Is it true that couples wander off into the darkness to fornicate?” Hannah whispered as she stood beside Ella in the warmth of one of three large bonfires. Cain’s sister clutched Ella’s hand like she worried that some warrior would swoop down and carry her off like a hawk grabbing a field mouse.

Ella patted her hand. “I have never stayed at a Midsummer festival once it grew dark, but I am certain the wandering off would be with the woman’s approval. Otherwise, it would be a crime, and I am sure your brothers would prevent it. There is always one of them watching you.”

Except for Gideon. Ella hadn’t seen the third brother since the day of the oath ceremony. “Where has Gideon gone?” she asked.

Hannah shrugged, her eyes turned to take in the games of strength and agility set up on the moor beyond the fires. “My brothers will ride off for days at a time to patrol our borders or travel to another clan to discuss alliances. Cain would know for certain.”

Ella had not talked to or seen Cain since her mind had been taken over by Kenneth’s whisper and then their kiss. Was he avoiding her? Could his aunt have warned him about her dangerous thoughts?

The fires crackled, freeing sparks to fly upward into the waning daylight. The smiles all around reminded her of home. Hopefully, despite her absence, Kenneth had still proclaimed that Dunrobin was to celebrate St. John’s Day to bless the animals and people of the clan. He had always been in charge of her mother’s favorite festival, escorting Mary Sutherland about on his arm.

“Have ye ever?” Hannah asked, wide-eyed.