Page 40 of The Seer

Guiles and Fiona’s wedding day arrived at last. Dallis was restless throughout the entire event. She tried her best to pretend excitement while helping Fiona get ready and truly she was happy for her friend and brother. Her father had yet to say anything about her own betrothal. Would everything continue as planned?

Each time she’d asked, he waved her away pronouncing to have more important things to consider.

Although his future was not clear, Alasdair continued to work with the guardsmen, training with them every day. In the evenings, she would see him at last meal. Spending time together was difficult.

Since Guiles’ attack, she’d been assigned a full-time escort. It was bothersome to have a hulk of a man following her every move.

Despite the trouble, with her brother’s wedding and all the planning it entailed, the days had passed quickly.

It had been only days four since Guiles’ recovery was announced and Donall’s death.

Emotions were a complicated combination of happiness, sadness and worry, as Donall had been a part of the clan his entire life. He’d grown up with Dallis and Guiles. Realizing the day was a time of joy and celebration, she did her best to push the thoughts from her mind.

The ceremony took place in the Sinclair chapel, which was crowded with members of both Sinclair and Gordon clans.

After the ceremony, there was music and feasting in the courtyard.

It was a lovely day, the weather mild and perfect for such an occasion.

Dallis searched for Alasdair, who’d been absent since the day before. He’d not been at last meal. She’d considered seeking him out the night before but had decided against it. Why did it have to be her who always sought after him? They had no answers to whether they kept her father’s permission and Alasdair seemed resigned to the idea it would not come.

They’d argued. Dallis accusing him that he’d stopped caring or even trying to fight for their relationship. Alasdair point had been that her father had second thoughts about them marrying after finding out he was a seer.

“Guiles seems truly happy, does he not?” Lady Sinclair neared and stood next to Dallis, who’d sought the shade of a tree.

“Yes, Mother, he does. Guiles and Fiona are well suited, and I think already on their way to falling in love with each other.” Her lips curved as she watched the couple slide looks at each other between bites of food.

No longer able to bite her tongue. “Mother, will I be celebrating my marriage in a sennight? Father has remained stubbornly quiet about it.”

Her mother let out a sigh. “This is not the time Dallis, we should be concentrating on yer brother’s happiness.”

“Will my father will withdraw his approval then?”

Just then a group arrived at the gates. Her mother took her hand. “Come we must greet the guests.”

The wedding celebration continued for the rest of the day. It was a long time before Dallis caught a glimpse of Alasdair. He was atop the keep wall with the archers. At one point, he threw his head back in laughter at something another archer said. Her eyes narrowed. How could he be able to laugh when their entire future was unclear?

“Ye’ve only known each other for a short time. Ye can’t expect the man to be too besotted he cannot fathom life without ye?” At the deep voice, Dallis swung around to Niven who lifted a shoulder in response and walked away.

Her own fell. It was true. Here she was behaving like a lovesick idiot, while Alasdair continued on with his daily life. It was after all the nature of living.

How to explain to anyone that her heart was already his?

“Come dance with us!” Fiona called out, her face flushed with happiness. Dallis could not resist and she grinned back. “Ye should save yer energy for later.”

Hands together, fingers entwined, Dallis let go of her thoughts as she and the other women twirled in circles, dancing until late into the night.

* * *

“I wondered how long until ye came to demand a reply again.” Her father’s gazed moved from her face to the ceiling. “Dallis, it is not yer place. Ye will await my decision. I will give it when I’m good and ready.”

“It’s been days. Ye act as if nothing is going on. Everyone continues as if nothing is changed. I don’t know how to move forward. Am I betrothed or not?”

She leaned over her father’s desk about to start another round of questions when he looked to the doorway.

Alasdair’s bulk darkened the entrance. With freshly washed hair, trimmed beard, a fresh clean tunic and scabbard across his back, he was resplendent. His gaze was flat when touching on her before he addressed her father.

“Laird, I come to report.” His tone was smooth as always and Dallis tried to keep from sighing.