“Daciana?” The smooth, low voice brought her out of her own thoughts. Those gorgeous blue eyes were looking deeply into her own green eyes. She felt a blush creep up her neck to her cheeks. “Are you nearly finished in here?”
“All that is left is to clean up the mess we have made. Why?”
“I wanted to give you your gift now.”
“Tonight?” She shook her head, black locks coming down from the upbraid and brushing up against her face. “Why not wait?”
“I know you’re going to be busy, and I want you to be able to enjoy it.” His eyes pleaded with her.
“Go. We can clean without you,” Railynn spoke up, motioning for her to leave. “You can clean up tomorrow” The girl winked at her.
Magnolia laughed at her friend then accepted Alistair’s arm. She walked beside him through the castle.
Her curiosity was getting the best of her. “Where is it?”
“We’re almost there.” He stopped in front of a door.
“Is it in there? I don’t think I have ever been in that room.” She quirked up an eyebrow.
“Your gift is that room.” Alistair pushed open the doors and led her inside. Two walls were filled with books, and a fire roared in the fireplace on a far wall. There were two window seats, a settee, and a few upholstered chairs. Her mouth dropped open for just a second. Quickly closing it again, she blinked back tears. A few steps more into the grand library, and she found herself in Jaceson’s arms.
“Do you like it?” he asked as he hugged her close.
“It is beautiful.” Her reply came in a whisper as a few tears slid down her face. “How did you do this?”
Jaceson released her and stepped back. With a little distance between them, she could look at them both.
“We know you enjoy reading, and we wanted to give you something that you could enjoy. Some are books that have been here a long time, but you will also find newer books.”
Silence filled the room as she walked slowly along the bookshelves. Shakespeare, Roger Boyle, John Dryden, and so many more. She pulled down The Pilgrim’s Progress and smiled. “This is the greatest gift I have ever received. I don’t think anything could ever be better than this.” She wrapped her arms around Jaceson and Alistair.
Jaceson slipped out of the room, leaving the two of them alone.
Alistair took her hand into his and led her over to the settee. A new blanket was waiting there for her. “Nonna made it for you. I wanted you to see this tonight. I know that you’ll be busy over the next few days. I also wanted to see you alone.”
“I see you alone quite often.” A smile and slight shake of the head accompanied her answer.
His blue eyes were filled with admiration as he looked at her, causing her heart to race. His thumb drew soft circles on the back of her hand, and her skin tingled at his touch.
“I have loved you since I first laid eyes on you. I have never seen anyone as beautiful as you. Your green eyes drew me in, entrancing me even more every time they looked in my direction. You have such a willful determination —almost bordering on complete stubbornness. I adore that about you.” His hand lifted up to her face, brushing aside the strands of dark hair that now framed her face.
Involuntarily her face leaned into his hand, reveling in the feel of him. Though his hands were calloused from hard work, his touch was as gentle as a whispered breeze.
He tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “I am here tonight, knowing there are many challenges that await us. Difficulties that we can face together if you will allow us to do so. Will you become my wife?”
Her heart raced, trying to rip out of her chest. Her skin suddenly felt flushed, and the room seemed to spin. A slight nod of the head and a timid smile were followed by a whispered “I love you.” Tears filled her eyes again as she told him how she felt. Not being able to hold them back, they flowed freely down her face. Her arms went around his neck, and she clung to him for what seemed like hours. He smelled of hay and spices, and her heart ached. “Yes,” she whispered into his ear, no louder than her declaration of love. Fear of ruining this moment kept her from speaking louder.
That same fear, however, did not have its hold in Alistair. He wrapped his strong arms around her and spun her around. “Really? You will marry me?” His questions seemed to echo through the room, breaking the silence. He lowered her down as she nodded yes. His mouth found hers, his soft lips gently caressing. The kiss deepened only for a second.
Leaning into him, she wanted more. She wanted him to never let her go.
He broke away from Magnolia, then leaned his forehead against hers, his warm breath tickling her nose. “When?” It was a whisper.
A soft giggle escaped her. “Is there a hurry?”
“I nearly lost you twice now.” His voice was grave, his eyes darker than normal. “I do not want to continue on without you by my side forever. I love you.” Several light kisses were trailed across the top of her forehead and down to the tip of her nose. “I would marry you right now, if I could.”
“As soon as you think appropriate.” Magnolia’s heart no longer felt like it was going to leap from her chest, though it still fluttered. Her lips grazed his rough cheek.
She stepped back to look up at him, and a soft smile lit his face. “Now, enjoy your gift.”
She picked up the book that had been placed on the settee.
“Will you read it to me?” he asked as they settled down. Gently, he covered her lap with the blanket.
Nodding, she opened the book and started to read. Having read the book several times before, she was able to allow her mind to wander a little. She was certain that her face glowed and not from the warmth of the fire. Butterflies fluttered about inside her stomach as she glanced over at Alistair. His dark hair shined in the firelight. He was her prince. It all sounded like a fairytale.
He’d listened to her read until she’d grown tired. Instead of insisting that she stop and go to her room, he’d watched as she’d dozed off, book in hand. Now she lay on the settee with the blanket pulled up around her. The page in the book had been marked and set on a table. They would spend many happy winter evenings here in the future, he was certain. Hearing her whisper I love you had been the greatest moment in his life. Firelight cast soft shadows onto her face. Could she look any more like an angel? He would do whatever he had to do to protect her. She was now his first priority. Nobody would take her away from him.
He reached out with his thumb and traced her jawline.
A frown creased her brow. A deep, low growl came from Dragoste, who lay on the floor as close to her as he could get, just as she whimpered in her sleep. What caused such dreams? Did she dream of Gordon and what he had done to her? Anger leaped to life within him. Anger not only at Gordon but at his own mother. The woman who had given him life had tried to take away the one person he would give up everything for.
Alistair pulled her into his arms, and she nestled closer to him. He stood and shifted her closer into his arms before he carried her out of the library to her own bedchamber. Perhaps she would sleep better in her own bed. It certainly had to be more comfortable. He laid her gently on the soft mattress then pulled the blankets up around her. Dragoste carefully climbed onto the bed and curled up at her side, protecting her as always. With a soft kiss on her forehead, Alistair whispered, “Goodnight,” and left the room as if walking on air. He longed for the night when he would be able to hold her in his arms all night. As it was, his heart had stayed behind with her; wherever she was, his heart was sure to be. It only beat for her now.
CHAPTER NINETEEN
THE EARLY HOURS OF the morning had been filled with minor last-minute preparations. The news of the engagement spread so quickly that by the time Magnolia had made it into the kitchen to help with dinner preparations late that morning, everyone knew. She managed to shift the focus off herself and onto Christmas.
As the sun set, everyone gathered into the dining room. Magnolia insisted that they each take
a seat, even those who would be helping to serve the meal.
Nonna stood and gave thanks for the meal that they were about to receive.
Alistair, Jaceson, Railynn, and Magnolia went to each person and gave them a gift. Hearing everyone exclaim over the thoughtfulness expressed made the long nights worth it.
After the gifts were handed out, those who had volunteered to help serve dinner stood to go to the kitchen. Magnolia followed them.
“Why are you in here? You should be out there with Prince Alistair,” Railynn whispered loudly. “Do you think that once he marries you he’ll want you socializing with servants? He won’t, especially when you eventually go back to Marcello to rule with him when the time comes.”
Magnolia smiled at her friend. “It does not matter what he thinks. I will not turn my back on my friends. I will help when I can. There is no need for me to be waited on hand and foot.” She picked up a large platter of meat before walking back out to the dining hall.
After all the food was set out on the tables. Magnolia had hot chocolate placed before everyone. The room was filled with the tantalizing aroma of Christmas dinner, the clattering of plates, and the laughter of those enjoying each other’s company.
While she ate, she looked around at the people she had come to know. They were smiling and sharing stories. Gwain sat with his sister and mother. Magnolia had learned that his father had been killed while out hunting a few years back.
“Happy Christmas.” Alistair leaned toward her and smiled. His face was nothing but happiness.
She was very thankful there was no darkness in his eyes like there had been the past few weeks.
“I have written to my father. Although, I know he will not object to our marriage, it’s something that I must seek his permission for. As my king, he should be the one performing the ceremony, should he so choose.”
“Do you believe he will make us wait until spring when a journey to Marcello can be made? Will you wait that long?” She lifted the cup of chocolate to her lips.
“I honestly don’t know what he will do. I informed him that it’s of the utmost importance that we wed immediately. Perhaps he’ll send word to our priest that he may marry us here without him present.”
Magnolia bit her bottom lip. “Why? Why did you tell him that we must marry now? He’ll think that there’s some other reason behind it other than that you don’t want to wait. They’ll believe that I trapped you into marriage.”
A slight chuckle came from him, not the response that she had been expecting.
“That’s not something that my father would think of. He didn’t ever marry Jaceson’s mother. I informed him that there had been an attempt on your life, and that I believe more will follow until we’re wed. Once we are united in marriage, the person who is behind this will have to stop or face treason against the crown of Marcello.”
“Do you truly believe that?” It took some effort to keep her voice from rising.
“I do, but until word of our upcoming marriage reaches Marcello, that person believes that you’re dead. There is no need to worry. I know this person believes you’re dead. We know everyone here. These people are loyal to you — they love you. You gave them a home, you gave them hope. They’ll do whatever they can to protect you.”
“It’s not their job to protect me. It’s mine to protect them.”
As people finished their meals, the plates and cups were carried away to the kitchen.
“If you’ll excuse me.” Her tone was polite and a bit on edge.
She needed to get away, so she went to the kitchen to wash the dishes. A few tubs had been filled with soapy water. After rolling up her sleeves, she picked up a plate and plunged her hands into the washing basin. It didn’t take long for a stack of clean bowls and plates to pile up next to her. An older woman came to dry them and put them away. Looking up when she noticed that the kitchen had grown quiet, Magnolia saw not only Alistair, but Jaceson.
“We believe you ladies have done enough work today. Leave the rest of this to us. Go freshen up for the dance.” Alistair’s voice commanded the room with a gentleness that Magnolia was certain these people were not used to from someone of his station in life.
The women started to protest, but he quickly reassured them that this was their way of showing thankfulness for the meal they’d spent so much time preparing.
Magnolia refused to leave them with all of the dishes. There was plenty left to do, plus the food needed to be cleared from the tables. With the help of Jaceson’s and Alistair’s men, the tables were soon cleared, the dishes cleaned and put away, the dining hall swept, and the food covered.
“Thank you for helping so the women could get ready for the dance,” she said before leaving to get herself ready. She had been looking forward to this dance and was ready to enjoy it with her fiancé.
Magnolia pulled out a green floor-length gown with white sleeves from the wardrobe. Green laces tied the sleeves at the elbow but allowed the white fabric to flow down to her wrists. More green laces crisscrossed the bodice, leading to a low, straight neckline, lower than she was used to wearing since she arrived here. The outer skirt was of a slightly darker green with white trim. Once the dress and matching slippers were on, she turned to do her hair. Railynn had offered to stay and help her get ready, but Magnolia had insisted that she needed to get ready herself. The idea of someone helping her dress was still something she was not comfortable with. Though when the dresses needed laced up the back, she was grateful for the assistance. It took a while, but when she was finally done, her black hair was in a tightly woven conch-shell braid. After one last look in the mirror, she stood and smoothed down the skirt of her dress.
The great hall was filled with people in their finest clothes. Young children ran around playing with tops and dolls. In a corner a few of the older men were engaged in a game of morra, while the others watched with interest. As Magnolia walked around the room, she heard bits and pieces of conversations. Older women were sitting near the fire talking about Christmases gone by. Young ladies were gathered together, excitedly talking of the men they would like to dance with. Magnolia walked further into the room.
Alistair came to meet her when he saw her enter. Before they could speak, dancers were called to the floor. He took her hand in his and attempted to lead her through a minuet.
Looking around, she noticed she was not the only one to stumble through the step; the only ones who seemed familiar with it were those who had come from Marcello. After the incredibly awkward dance, Magnolia and Alistair walked over to the men who were playing.
Soon the room was filled with music and a lively Highland reel. Magnolia loved dancing with Alistair. Her mother had taught her many of Scotland’s old dances, so she felt more relaxed dancing the reel. With Alistair leading her through the dances, she felt lightweight and sure of herself. At that moment, things seemed carefree, no worries about the harsh winter months ahead. There was just a room filled with friends enjoying the holiday.
After several dances with Alistair, a few with Jaceson, and one with young Gwain, she found a seat near Nonna. In the old woman’s hand was the fan that Magnolia had made for her, perfect for the warmth in the large room.
“Your parents would have loved to see this. They did enjoy their time in the Highlands.”
“You don’t talk of them much,” Magnolia answered.
“There is not much to say. They loved you very much. They wanted to give you a real home, and that’s why, when we were invited to stay in the Highlands for an extended period of time, they agreed. There was no worry about getting run off while we were there. The day you lost your mother, your father’s heart broke. He followed her shortly after. I know it was a broken heart that was the end of him. He loved you very much, but she was his heart.”
“It must have been very difficult for you to lose your son.” A sadness briefly washed over her as she thought back to her own parents.
Nonna reached out her hand and gently patte
d Magnolia’s cheek. A soft smile graced the older woman’s face when she finally spoke. “They left me you. I know things have been hard lately. I know that you feel you do not belong here, my little one. You have always belonged here. Always.”
She watched in wonderment as the old woman slowly got up and walked out of the great hall. Did she know? After all, she was the one who had written about Daciana returning someday. Is that why she didn’t ever push Magnolia to remember?
“Have you had enough of a breather? I’d like this dance, m’lady.” Jaceson stood before her with his hand out.
“What about Railynn?” Despite the fact that she had told herself she would not get involved, she wanted to know if there was anything there on his end of things. Then she could let Railynn know to look somewhere else if needed.
“What about her?” he asked as he led her back toward the dancing.
“Will you be dancing with her?”
“It did not occur to me to ask her. She has been dancing all evening.” Those golden eyes flicked over in the direction where the auburn-haired Railynn was dancing with one of the guards.
“Well, she is a very pretty girl, and she is easy to talk to. Did you think she would be sitting in the corner all night alone?” She couldn’t hide the amusement in her voice.
“Of course not. I just thought that she would save a dance for me. We have known each other for a long time now.” His gaze kept going over to where the subject of conversation was currently dancing and laughing.
“Does it bother you that she is not dancing with you?” Magnolia pursued the subject as they began dancing. Only when the dance allowed them to come back together, did they get to speak.
“Perhaps a little. Though, I don’t know why.”
The Second Life of Magnolia Mae Page 10