Hello, my dear readers! I am finally back and excited to share a new, long chapter with you. After finishing my exams, I cleaned and researched for the next chapter. I wrote, translated, and edited the chapter; now it's yours. I hope you enjoy it! Regarding the exams, I am a little bit disappointed with my performance. I will know for sure when the results are released. However, the good news is that I can retake the exams after a year or two and I am okay with that.
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
Skye quickly found a dress that she thought was suitable for the occasion - breakfast with royalty. She promptly put it on, slipped into her boots, went to her dressing table, picked up her brush, and quickly combed her hair. There was no time to fuss with her hair, so she didn't bother. After one last look in the mirror, she straightened her dress and headed for the door.She spotted Hector leaning against the corridor wall opposite her chamber's door.As she gazed at him, she pursed her lips together, unable to tolerate his irresponsible behavior. "What if we're questioned?" she wondered. How would they justify their delay? They would keep the truth private. Skye needed a believable excuse.On the contrary, Hector appeared unfazed by the situation. He was fixated on Skye's appearance, his eyes sparkling as he scanned her from head to toe."You look beautiful. Loose hair suits you," he told her.She glared at him. "What's important is that I'm ready. Shall we go?"Hector ignored that
Skye watched the royal carriage drive away, slowly fading into the distance.Standing beside Hector and Lennox, she glanced at Roisin, who was still waving goodbye. Her eyes were misty, in contrast to Donncha's reaction. He let out a long sigh and a slow smile spread across his face. His eyes sparkled as he watched the regal carriage drive away.As if he felt someone staring at him, he pivoted on his heel, his piercing eyes locking onto Skye's. Skye looked away, a flush of embarrassment spreading across her cheeks. It all seemed so unfair; why did this happen right now?She shifted her focus back to Hector, oblivious to the smug expression on Donncha's face that exuded arrogance and superiority."See? It wasn't that difficult," Hector told Lennox."Indeed," agreed Lennox."Did you notice the twinkle in Queen Aine's eyes and her faint smile of satisfaction?"Lennox nodded.They turned and entered the castle.The maids, who had also gathered to bid farewell to the royal couple, were hur
Skye rushed towards the stables to catch up with Hector and Lennox.A while ago, Hector sent a maid to Skye's chamber to inform her that they were leaving. Skye pretended to have a headache and did not go see them off. Although she understood Hector's desire to accompany Lennox to ensure his safety, she was angry with him for leaving her alone. Nevertheless, she accepted that Lennox needed Hector's help more.Skye had a change of heart two minutes later and quickly ran, hoping to catch up with them.Entering the stable, she saw them and stopped short. They were saddling the horses and chatting in low voices.Skye inhaled a sweet, grassy aroma mixed with the scent of leather from the saddles and bridles. She took a deep breath, enjoying the freshness of the air. It might have been the first time she had experienced such a clean and refreshing smell in a stable.Her attention shifted back to the two men, and she stared at them, trying to figure out what was different about them. It took
Maysie walked into the atelier with a smile. "I brought the tea," she announced. "It's hot and tasty. I had to wait a bit for it and-" She was about to say more when she noticed Skye curled up on the floor in the fetal position. Her voice caught in her throat as she realized something was wrong.The jug slipped from her hands, crashed violently onto the wooden floor with a sharp metallic sound, and spilled the tea."Skye!" she shouted and ran to her, kneeling beside her. "What happened?" She checked to see if Skye was hurt.She gasped and covered her mouth with her hands. "Oh my God! Your dress. What happened? How did this happen?"The crying grew louder, and Skye's body shook with sobs. Maysie gently touched her shoulder, but Skye jerked back, startling Maysie, who instinctively recoiled. Skye looked at Maysie as if seeing her for the first time."Skye? It's me, Maysie. D-don't you recognize me?"With a pained expression and teary eyes, Skye gazed at her. She clenched her fists to he
Hector leaned his back against the wall behind him. He gasped for air, his chest heaving. His hands trembled, sweat mixed with blood dripping from his palms. His father was right.He scanned the area but found no suitable cloth to wipe his hands. There was no time to waste; thus, he opened his woollen tunic and used his shirt to clean his hands.He straightened his clothes and ran his hands through his messy hair.He walked steadily towards Skye's chamber. The guard standing outside the door bowed as soon as he saw him.Hector stood in front of the closed door."Who is inside?" he asked the guard."Miss Talisha and the girl you brought from your wife's uncle's castle. I am sorry, but I don't remember her name."Hector nodded with understanding. "It's okay. Thank you." he replied and knocked on the door.The door opened, and Talisha poked her head out.She smiled widely. "Hector, you came! I expected you to come sooner.""I had something else to do first."Talisha raised her eyebrows a
Eilean Donan CastleFiona and Iona sat in the kitchen before the fireside, facing each other as a pot of food hung over the fire. Fiona occasionally got up to stir it."I'm shivering with cold," said Iona. "The weather has been getting colder with each passing day."Fiona let out a sigh and proceeded to remove the bandages from Iona's left hand. "I feel you shaking, and it's only November. I don't even want to imagine what it will be like when winter fully arrives. Please hold while I change the bandage on your hands. It is so weird. It's been a week, but your wounds don't seem healing. You should be seen by a doctor.""I agree," Iona replied. "I fear that something is wrong with me. The wounds aren't healing, and the pain is unbearable."Fiona shook her head. "Oh, I'm so sorry you're in pain, my love. I will talk with your father to arrange a doctor as soon as possible. Once your injuries heal, you will finally start helping me with the chores. I feel very exhausted and could use som
"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