Page 37 of Taming the Highland Beauty

The sun, a fiery orb, dipped towards the horizon, casting long, dancing shadows across the loch. Gille and Callum stood at the water’s edge. The gentle lapping of waves against the shore provided a soothing rhythm but Gille did not feel at all serene.

“Minerva,” Gille called.

“Lottie,” Callum shouted.

After several long moments passed and the water remained undisturbed, they called out again. “Where are the selkies?” Gille asked, her eyes fixed on the shimmering water, searching for any sign of seals. Typically, the creatures would be basking in the late afternoon sun, their sleek bodies glistening in the fading light. But today, the loch seemed unusually quiet.

“I do not know,” Callum offered. “Minerva should sense the moonstone we bring.”

Gille sighed. Obviously, Minerva did not feel the same pressure to complete this task that Gille did. She and Callum stood in silence for several more minutes, their gazes fixed on the empty water. The absence of the seals was a disappointment, but she knew they were there, somewhere. All she had to do was wait them out. In the meanwhile, she should take a moment and breathe in the beauty of the water, the sea beyond, and the slightest hint of salt lingering in the air. Those were memories she could hold on to in case . . .

“Let us come back later,” she said, refusing to let the rest of the thought form. She had to remain hopeful.

Two hours later they returned and called out to the seals once more. When their attempt yielded similar results, they waited another hour and tried again.

Gille’s throat tightened as she forced back her desperation. “Should we launch a boat? See if they come to capsize us? At least we will have gained their attention.”

Callum shook his head. “It is growing late. Gwendolyn has plans for us this eve. We have tomorrow.”

With no other option left to her, Gille nodded, and she and Callum returned to the castle through the sea gate. But instead of joining the others inside, Callum paused and turned to Gille. “There is somewhere I want to take you, somewhere I have avoided for years, though now it seems the only place I want to go.”

Gille nodded and followed him to a stone building alongside the back of the castle. In silence, they entered a chapel. It was not grand, but the late afternoon sunshine poured through the stained-glass window above the altar, filling the space with a sense of peace.

Callum led Gille to the altar and knelt. She did the same. When she saw him close his eyes, she assumed he prayed. For herself, what did a person who had never prayed before say to God? Would he care what weighed upon her soul? Would he help her in overcoming any other obstacles that came her way if she only asked? Or should she pray for something other than herself?

She closed her eyes and concentrated on the peace that filled the chapel. When her mind was as still as it was likely to get, she plunged through her chaotic and exhausted thoughts, digging for an inkling of how to ask for that for which she probably had no right to pray.

Despite all, concepts came to her. She asked that no matter what happened to her tomorrow, the woodlands would continue their regrowth until they were once again a glorious sanctuary for both people and every living thing that ought to be there. Thinking on a grand scale, she asked for peace between the English and the Scots. She prayed both sides could find a middle ground so that no more men had to die on battlefields. But then, she started to question her own choice. Was that something she, who had no experience praying, could ask?

Instead, she sent up a prayer of gratitude for Callum who had brought a sense of joy back to her life. And she asked for this place’s god to watch over her during the night, the following day, and into the sunrise on the seventh day. Whatever happened, she would accept, and was thankful she would not face the challenges before her alone.

When she opened her eyes, it was to see Callum smiling at her, his eyes filled with the same peace that had settled inside of her. “Are you ready to go inside?” he asked, standing, then extending his hand to assist her to her feet.

“I am now,” she said, honestly. “Thank you for bringing me here.”

Outside, the sun was beginning its descent, casting long shadows across the rear courtyard as Callum and Gille returned to the castle.

The moment they stepped into the castle it was to be greeted with a cacophony of sounds coming from abovestairs. As they made their way towards the great hall, they heard the clinking of dishes, hurried footsteps, all interspersed with laughter. The great hall was a hive of activity, bustling with preparations for a celebration.

At the noise and activity, anxiety crept inside Gille as time slipped forward. With an effort, she tried to pull back the peace she had experienced earlier in the chapel, remembering her prayers. With her next breath, she relaxed, allowing the sights and sensations to flow through her instead of jarring her nerves. She would live in the moment. She could spare an hour or two for a bit of celebration, especially with Callum at her side.

The air was thick with the scent of roasting meat and spiced ale. Long tables, laden with platters of food and tankards of drink, stretched across the room. Musicians were tuning their instruments, their melodies mingling with chatter and laughter. The servants were scurrying about, setting the tables and polishing the silverware.

Gwendolyn saw them and came to their side. She wore an exquisite gold gown that made her light red hair look like it was highlighted by spun gold. “There you are. We are about to begin.”

“What is all this?” Callum asked with a frown.

Gwendolyn gave them an apologetic smile. “My attempt to stay busy. We have decided to have a pre-Beltane feast and dance in your honour, Gille. Or am I wrong in assuming you have never celebrated Beltane before?”

“As the seasons did not change in Fairyland, there was no need to celebrate the arrival of summer.”

Gwendolyn’s smile grew. “Then you are in for a treat. The MacLeods know how to celebrate in style. There will be special events tonight and over the next two days.”

Anguish shot through Gille momentarily at the idea of not being present, that she would be at the end point of her curse instead. She forced the thought away, giving no life to negative thoughts. She had to stay positive. “That sounds lovely.”

“Lovely . . . Oh, aye. You two must hurry. I had your clothing for tonight set out in your chambers. Go now and change. We are about to begin.”

With no other choice, Callum and Gille hurried upstairs to their chambers to change. “Should I come to your room and take you belowstairs myself?” Callum asked.