"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
Her lips were warm and welcoming.His kiss was slow, wet, and coaxing for something more than just a deep touch between their lips.He captured her lips, kissing and sucking them, hoping the door to heaven would finally open to welcome his besieger.He kissed her slowly, with an intensity that was dreamlike and erotic. Hector couldn't stand any longer being so close to heaven and not being able to taste it.He was okay with the fact that Skye was utterly inexperienced. On the contrary, he loved that he would become her teacher exploring love.His experience with women – for as a man, he had his experiences, not many, but there was part of his past – had taught him to recognize an inexperienced girl.When he was younger, he made a valiant effort to abstain from any impure behavior for the sake of his loved one. He managed to do so until he reached the age of nineteen. As he progressed from being a boy to a man, his body underwent changes that brought forth natural needs that every man
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
The smile slid across his lips easily. "Are you sure?" Hector asked as he stepped closer and touched her cheek.Skye nodded again.Hector slid his hand behind her neck and pulled her towards him, his lips crushed against hers in a warm kiss full of longing.As their lips touched, he conveyed a message of unconditional love to her. His love was like an unobstructed, vast green meadow, and nothing could shake the firm foundation of his love. It was unbreakable and everlasting.His blistering kiss set fire to her soul, causing her to forget everything else – the surrounding guests, their conversations and amusement, and the staff constantly attending to their needs. A haze overtook her thoughts, blurring out the world beyond.The kiss continued uninterrupted as Hector's hands held her jaw and neck, gently pressing her against his lips.As Skye's palms rested on his chest, they were lost in an intoxicating kiss that made them forget about time and space. They were wholly devoted to each o
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
Eilean Donan Castle A few days ago…. Malcolm stormed out of the stable, clenching his jaw and fists. He forcefully kicked a small pile of rotting wood and shook his clothes to remove the hay sticking to it with quick, clumsy movements. "Stupid mare," he muttered through gritted teeth. He looked up at the overcast sky and estimated the sun's position. "It's almost noon," he said, touching his growling stomach. "I hope the food is ready." He walked towards the kitchen door, which led to the yard. He opened it and walked in. He passed the wooden counters and proceeded to the hearth, confident he would find Fiona there. He wished he didn't have to force himself to eat the food she prepared so he wouldn't upset her this time. He walked a few more steps and spotted her bending over the hearth, trying hard to keep the fire going. With one hand, she gripped the iron handle meant for stirring the wood to rekindle the fire. She wiped her sweaty forehead with the other, leaving a black strea
Eilean Donan Castle: IonaIona checked behind her to ensure her father wasn't coming, then asked what was on her mind.She looked at her mother. "So, how's it going?" Iona asked her.Fiona frowned. "How's it going what, my child?""Your life here in the castle," She opened her hands wide, gesturing towards the space around her.Fiona's eyes widened as she clutched her chest. "What do you know, Iona?"Iona tilted her head to the side. "I mean, how is your life going here without having that fool, Skye, around? What did you mean, Mother?" she asked, taking a step closer and looking at her straight in the eyes."I will explain, but let's wait for your father to arrive. In the meantime, I can answer your question. If she were here, she could make herself useful. Although, if it weren't for her, nothing would have happened, and now it won't-""What are you mumbling, Mother? I cannot understand anything that you're saying."Fiona looked at her daughter- her pursed lips and arms crossed over
Skye woke up to the warm sensation of a kiss on her cheek, followed by a trail of breathy and hot kisses along her jawline and down the slope of her neck. His mouth was breathy and seductive between kisses.A giggle escaped her, and she turned to look at him. The manly spice scent of his body filled her nose, and she took a deep breath to savor it.She smiled at him.Hector smiled back at her. "Good morning, my Princess!" His eyes sparkled while he explored her face."I missed you!" he confessed, and Skye laughed."Already? Haven't you just woken up now?" she said, looking at him more carefully. He was so close to her.He was leaning over her, and Skye realized her body was between his arms.He had taken a bath, his wet hair falling forward off his shoulders. Dressed, he emitted a manful, freshly washed scent.She raised her eyebrows. "You haven't woke up just now, have you?" she stated."No. When I woke up, you were still fast asleep. So, I grabbed the opportunity to sneak out and go
"Wait, Toren," Malcolm called, but Toren continued without looking back.Fiona leaned out the carriage window, her eyes narrowing. "What should we do now?" she asked her husband, her voice tinged with frustration."Moving on alone is our only option," Malcolm said, pressing his lips together thoughtfully."Let's move on, then. The noise here is dizzying," she said, squeezing her temples with a pained expression.Around them, the square buzzed with activity. Merchants hawking their goods, horses clattering on cobblestones, and the distant melody of a street musician's lute created a cacophony. The air was thick with freshly baked bread, mingling with the earthy aroma of vegetables and the tang of salted fish.Several moments passed without the carriage moving. Fiona glanced at Iona, her jaw clenched. "What is your father doing?" she asked, her voice tight."I don't know," Iona shrugged, her eyes wide with uncertainty."Stay here. I'll see what's happening," Fiona said, pushing the carr
Iona looked at her mother as she approached. She stood up, clutching the fabric of her skirt in her fists. Fiona was unhappy with the situation, her eyes wide, face red, and lips pursed."Oh, mother, I hope nothing went wrong in there . . .""Did you hear how he talked to me?" Fiona hissed at a low volume, interrupting her as if she hadn't heard anything she had said."He is uncouth, rude, and a boor," she continued in a low yet intense voice. Fiona paced back and forth; every time she turned, she violently kicked back her skirt as it gathered around her legs."Mother, please remain calm. You're right, but they must not perceive your anger. Remember, we rely on them. We must not upset them, or they might leave."Fiona stopped short in front of her, very close to her face. "I know," she replied. "That alone prevented me from causing a scene."A droplet of saliva flew from her mouth and landed on Iona's left cheek, just below her eye.Fiona began pacing back and forth again, and Iona se
Castle Eilean Donan: The UnexpectedThe day started with bleak gray clouds obscuring the sky. As winter approached, the sun had become a rare sight, and the chill in the air grew increasingly biting. Fiona held Iona by the shoulders, tightening her grip as Malcolm rode through the castle courtyard door. The echoing of the horse's hooves on the hard ground slowly faded. "Be careful," Fiona whispered. Tears welled as she watched him cross the narrow bridge connecting the castle to the mainland. They stood there until his figure disappeared behind the trees. "Let's go inside, mother. I'm frozen," Iona complained, clutching her cape tightly to protect herself from the cold wind."Yes, let's go," Fiona agreed. They headed towards the large wooden door, which was wide open, waiting for them. Fiona shut the heavy door and wiped the tears from her eyes. What would she do without Malcolm? He was left alone, unaccompanied. If he was attacked on the street, he could hardly get through on his o
Eilean Donan Castle: Iona's RegretMeanwhile, Malcolm's family endured a miserable life at Eilean Donan Castle. It was a daily struggle for everyone, especially Iona, who regretted hastily throwing away the broken glasses. Now, she also had to assist with the daily chores.Two days later, after disposing of the shards of glass, the doctor concluded that the wounds were healing normally. He assured the parents that the little girl would be fine before leaving, annoyed by their exaggerated urgency compared to more serious incidents.A few days ago, when she expressed her desire to destroy Skye by taking her husband, Iona believed they would quickly leave the castle. She was convinced that her parents also wanted to take revenge for everything that had happened to them because of Skye. Still, much to her great dismay, things differed from what she had in mind. Days passed without her father telling her anything about this issue.What the hell was going on? She had to learn. Her thoughts
Eithne studied Hector, her gaze lingering on the contours of his face. His features were familiar—the strong jawline, the scar that traced a jagged path across his cheek. She furrowed her brows in concentration, trying to pinpoint the change. "Hmm... Anything different about Hector?" she muttered as she observed him."No," Eithne concluded, shaking her head. I don't see anything different.""Oh, come on, Eithne. Focus. It's impossible to miss it, trust me," Skye urged her.Eithne looked at Hector once more and sighed in defeat. "I really don't see anything different, Skye. Please, just tell me.""Okay, he's not wearing his mask," Skye exclaimed."Oh! That's right. Maybe it's because I've been seeing him without a mask for years and I didn't realize it now. He only started wearing a mask recently." Eithne said.Skye raised her eyebrows. "Oh, really? It's only been for a while? And why is that?" She turned and looked at him."For you." Hector answered.His unexpected answer caught her
"Talisha, finally!" Hector said as he stood up. Skye rose beside him."Oh, my beloved ones!" Talisha exclaimed, joining her palms in a prayer position at the height of her chest. Her eyes shimmered with unshed tears. "I am so happy to see both of you together! Based on your faces full of happiness, I assume everything is going well between you," she said, gazing at them.A smile graced their faces. "Yes, everything is fine." They replied, even though it was obvious that Talisha was aware of everything. Most likely, she was seeking confirmation of what she had heard.How? Wasn't it already obvious? Only one person could tell. "Oh, Maysie!" Skye thought."Do you know where Maysie is, Talisha?" Skye asked her."Yes, she is in the kitchen. She helps out there.""You already knew what was going on, right Talisha?" Hector asked. "Maybe from Maysie?"Talisha looked at Skye. "Yes," she replied, "but please, Skye, don't scold her for spoiling your joy by saying the news before you do. Her exci
Skye furrowed her brows in bewilderment. When did this happen? And where was she? Maybe it was during the days they were apart? One of the days he spent with Eithne? She shook her head in the negative. No way, that's out of the question, because when she saw him standing outside her door, he didn't look like someone who had recently met the best day of his life.Then, which day did he mean? Did it occur before they were apart? But if that were the case, wouldn't he tell her? Sure, he would, but maybe he forgot to say to her. Ugh, she couldn't make sense of it. Her mind had become a tangle of assumptions.She studied his expression more carefully, hoping to draw a better conclusion.He folded his arms across his chest and observed her ever-changing expression. He was sure that something was brewing in her mind.Skye didn't draw any conclusions from his manner. She chose to stop thinking and let him reveal the information himself. Her heart started pounding; she feared what she was abou
His aroused nature pressed against the center of her femininity, and Skye moaned deep in her throat.His kilt was the only thing that prevented them from becoming one."Just a moment," he whispered, kissing her and pulling away."Where..." she started to complain.Hector stabilized his body with swift movements, placing his knee between her legs.He grabbed the chemise by the neckline and tore it off in one swift movement.Although he aimed to tear it up to the navel, the tearing reached down her belly.Her breasts spilled out. White, round, full and firm. Their pink tops stood erect.Hector groaned. "You are so beautiful," he whispered with his heaven in front of him.Skye noticed his expression, full of lust and craving. Her gaze fell just below his waist, where his kilt showcased a prominent bulge. She felt her cheeks burn at the thought that she was causing this for him.His hands left the torn garment and slid them over her skin - over her belly and stomach, then circled her brea
"What?!" Her eyes widened, "A-are you sure?" she swallowed hard.The corner of his lips lifted. "I am. Are you?""I-I don't think I ever will be," she said, her throat drying and her breath hitching. She balled her hands into fists, trapping fabric from the sheet."But I've explained it to you," Hector said."I-I know." she stammered."So, shall I guess that you don't believe me?""I do believe you, Hector. But it is beyond my strength. I can't control it.""I'll help you with that. I will make you forget it completely," he said, then softly kissing her. He moved down on her chin and throat, where he found the spot of her pulse, and pressed his lips to it more. Her pulse kicked his lips, and he felt it as it began to pick up speed.A sweet euphoria filled his heart, knowing that her heart had also made room for him.He kissed the spot gently and moved downward, his fingers tracing the smoothness of the bare skin at her neckline and moving to her breasts. His fingertips traced the outl