Lady Fiona's Refuge (Ladies of Ardena Book 3)

  “God does, Sibeal. He created you in His own image and loves you unconditionally.”

  She smiled at him through her tears. “Aye, I’m beginning to understand that now…because of you. Your family has shown me what a true Christian family can be like. You’ve all been so generous and kind to me. I don’t even know how I can pay repay your family. My money is all tied up with my mother. I don’t know where she keeps my inheritance.”

  Niall shushed her. “Sibeal, there is no need. I don’t believe my parents would even accept money from you. See it as a gift.”

  “I do not deserve it.” She hung her head. How could they be so good to her when she had done evil things along with her mother before coming to her senses and choosing to join the right side?

  “Sibeal,” Niall whispered. When she didn’t respond, he lifted her chin until their eyes met. “Don’t you realize we don’t care about your past? I don’t care about your past. Certainly my feelings for you are plain to see.”

  She stared at him with wide eyes and a pounding heart. “‘Twas a secret to me. I thought you simply pitied me.”

  Niall chuckled softly. “Pity you? I have admired you from afar since the first time I visited Aoife as a young man of sixteen, but what chance did I have with a countess? I was a lowborn physician’s apprentice. Sometimes my father was paid in chickens and goats instead of gold or silver. My mother took on extra jobs mending clothes to help earn a living.”

  “I see what you mean. My mother never would have approved.” She paused as a smile curved on her lips. “I however, am no longer under her control.”

  He took both her hands in his, face beaming with joy. “Sibeal, I know your heart is still healing from the loss of Leland and I have no title or riches. I have nothing to give you in that respect. We would have to live here with my parents until I could find a suitable home for us, but I would be a good husband. I would be devoted to you until my dying day. Do you believe you could grow to love me in time?”

  Sibeal stared at him for a few moments as a realization swept over her. She let out a deep sigh, gathering courage to say what she needed to. She could only pray her words would be understood. “Niall, I thought I loved Leland, but now I realize I was only bending to my mother’s will. She wanted me to love him, so I obeyed. Since then, I have questioned if I know what love truly is at all.”

  He lowered his head. “I understand, Milady. I apologize for being so forward. You will need time to adjust to your new life.”

  She shook her head. “No, Niall. I don’t need time and I don’t need to grow to love you. I love you now.”

  His eyes flew to meet hers. “You do?”

  She nodded with tears clouding her eyes. “Loving you is my decision—no one else’s. That is why I know it is true.”

  He moved closer, gathering her into his embrace, careful not to cause her pain. Her heart thumped wildly as he kissed her forehead first and then lifted her chin to kiss her lips. He was so gentle, as if she were a fragile glass vase that would shatter in his arms. She responded with a more passionate kiss, silently assuring him she wasn’t going to break.

  After catching his breath, he leaned back to look into her eyes, pausing to caress her cheek with his fingers. “Will you marry me, Lady Sibeal, Countess of Aoife?”

  “Aye,” she whispered and pulled him into another passionate kiss.

  CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE

  A New Home

  After a fortnight of traveling, Leland breathed a sigh of relief as the Kiely Fortress came into view. The journey took longer than usual because of the young children traveling in the group, but he wouldn’t have had it any other way. Having more people find refuge in Kiely was a reason to celebrate.

  He turned to Fiona and Clare who rode on the horse beside him and smiled. “We’re home.”

  Fiona gave him a happy grin in return. “Aye, we are.”

  A while later they passed through the village and the people greeted them by throwing flowers, but this time they were not only celebrating his return, but their future queen and princess as well.

  They continued on until reaching the physician’s house. There he saw Niall smiling at him, but he wasn’t alone. Sibeal stood beside him, looking a little pale and thinner, but strong. Leland dismounted his horse before helping Fiona and Clare.

  His friend greeted him with a brotherly hug. “Welcome home, Your Majesty.”

  “Thank you. ‘Tis good to be back, my friend.” He turned to Sibeal. “I’m glad to see you are well.”

  She gave him a shy smile and leaned on Niall for support. “‘Tis good to see you again, Your Majesty. Thanks to Niall and his family, I am on the mend.”

  Niall wrapped his arm around her waist and rested his head against hers. “She scared me a few times, but praise be to God, she made it through.”

  Leland watched them with curious eyes, noticing a change between them. “Is there something I should know?”

  His friend scratched his chin in a nervous manner. “I must apologize. I know Lady Sibeal is a member of your court. I should have asked before moving forward and asking for her hand in marriage. Would you give us your blessing?”

  Leland let out a regal laugh. “You certainly have my blessing! This is wonderful news!”

  Fiona stepped forward with Clare in her arms and congratulated them, too, but Sibeal’s happy expression faded in her presence. “I apologize for the part I played in the kidnapping. I never wished for any harm to come to either of you. My mother went too far and I should have told someone what she was planning before it was too late. I know you must feel betrayed, but I hope one day we can be friends.”

  Fiona smiled with tears in her eyes. “I accept your apology, Lady Sibeal. I know your mother manipulated your decisions. I also heard you risked your life to save Leland. Thank you for what you did.” She gave Sibeal a hug with her free arm and they both shed happy tears. Then Fiona leaned back again. “I suppose we both have weddings to plan now. Perhaps be can compare ideas in the weeks to come.”

  Sibeal’s smile widened. “I can hardly wait.”

  After leaving Niall and Sibeal at the physician’s residence, they led the way to the east side of the village. When they arrived, people began filtering out of their homes to celebrate his return. The refugees from Aoife were reluctant at first, but one by one, they began recognizing friends and family members they thought they would never see again.

  Leland held Fiona close as Clare dashed off to play with her new friends. “‘Tis a beautiful sight to see the lost come home, is it not?”

  She nodded and rested her head against his chest, releasing a contented sigh. “Aye, it is. All the trials we faced were worth it to see this moment.”

  He kissed the top of her head. “I couldn’t agree more, my love.”

  Fiona looked out the window in awe of the autumn colors in the mountains. A part of her would always miss living by the sea, but the view from Kiely Fortress was heavenly.

  She thought of all the good things that happened the past month—the villagers whom Tristan had saved and smiled. They had been busy building new homes on the east side of the village for them to live in before winter came. Also, Niall and Sibeal were busy planning their spring wedding. Her mother, Lady Kyna remained in the tower for her crimes. Instead of issuing the harsh punishment she deserved, Leland showed mercy for her daughter’s sake. Sibeal was even allowed short visits with her once a week.

  Fiona was happy the young countess had finally found peace and happiness and held no ill will against her. Everything had happened like God had willed. It seemed they had all found a new home in Kiely.

  “I’m pretty, Mama,” Clare said while spinning in her new white and burgundy gown.

  Fiona turned and lifted Clare into her arms. “Aye, my darling. You look like an angel.”

  “We marry Lee Lay today?”

  “Aye.” Fiona chuckled at her daughter’s statement, knowing she didn’t quite know what the wedding meant. “Lee Lay wil
l be your Papa forever now.”

  “Yay!” Clare clapped and wiggled her way out of Fiona’s arms to twirl in her new gown again.

  It was a beautiful sight to see her daughter so happy and she knew she would be happy, too. Leland was more than she ever could have dreamed to find in a husband.

  Soon a maid came into her chambers and helped lace up the back of her white wedding gown with burgundy accents. Then they were ready to head down to the great hall.

  The sight before Fiona took her breath away. There were too many guests to fit into the hall and they spilled out in the hallways, only leaving a small pathway to walk through. In the past, she would have been terrified to be surrounded by so many people, but with God’s help she had conquered her fear. They were all there to celebrate her marriage to King Leland and soon she would be their queen.

  Clare went down the aisle first, spreading petals on the ground before rushing into Leland’s arms. He scooped her up, not caring that the entire kingdom watched. The sight warmed her heart, seeing with her own two eyes what a good father he would be.

  After Leland put Clare down and held her hand to keep her nearby, Fiona entered the great hall with confidence, her heart filling with pure joy. As Leland’s eyes met hers, she smiled. Only the three of them existed at the moment—her family. God had shown her He was truly her refuge and there was no need to fear, whatever the future held. Now she walked toward the plan God had prepared for her all along—a happy life in Kiely with Leland and Clare by her side.

  DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

  1. In the beginning, Fiona is tormented with memories from her past. How does she eventually find peace? What do the verses from Psalm 46:1-3 mean to you?

  2. Fiona trusts Leland even when she is so fearful of other people. What qualities about him put her at ease? How can we be a comfort to someone who is hurting?

  3. Lady Sibeal goes through a major transformation during the story. What events cause her to change for the better? Which characters are good and bad influences on her and why?

  4. Leland finds himself in a position of leadership he never expected or wanted. What events lead him to that point. Why do you think God chooses humble or ordinary people to do His work?

  5. The Kingdom of Órlaith seems like a lost cause after the attacks in the first book. However, Leland discovers there is still life and hope of restoration. What other examples of restoration did you recognize in this story? How can this theme relate to our lives today?

  For more discussion questions, please visit: rachelskatvold.com

  ARDENA MAPS & ROYAL LINEAGES

  Summer, 1190 AD

  PRONUNCIATIONS & MEANINGS

  Characters in Ladies of Ardena Series

  Aedan /aid-an/ born of fire

  Airell /air-el/ of noble birth

  Aine /awn-ya/ radiance or joy

  Ailene /ay-leen/ little noble one

  Annan /an-nan/ from the stream

  Arlan /ar-lin/ pledge or oath

  Ashley /ash-lee/ lives in the ash tree grove

  Bradan /bray-dawn/ salmon of knowledge

  Cadman /cad-men/ warrior

  Caerwyn /care-win/ white fort

  Camdyn /cam-din/ enclosed valley

  Cara /kar-ah/ beloved friend

  Carrick /care-ick/ rock

  Cearul /kar-ul/ fierce in battle

  Ceallach /kel-uck/ war or strife

  Ciara /kee-ra/ saint

  Clare /cl-air/ bright light

  Dawley /daw-lee/ assembly

  Derry /dare-ee/ like an oak

  Donnally /don-nelly/ brown-haired man or chieftain

  Donovan /dawn-uh-vin/ strong fighter

  Doughlas /dug-liss/ dwells by the dark stream

  Duncan /dun-kin/ dark warrior

  Edmund /ed-mun-d/ fortunate protector

  Edna /ed-nah/ pleasure, delight

  Ewan /you-in / youth or God is good

  Fallon /fal-on/ royalty

  Fergus /fur-gus/ strong man

  Fiona /fee-ona/ fair

  Gwyneth /gwen-eth/ blessed

  Harrison /hair-i-son/ son of Harry

  Isla /eye-la/ rocky place or island

  Kyna /key-na/ love, affection, esteem

  Leland /lee-land/ fallow land

  Liam /lee-am/ protector

  Mairi /mah-ree/ beloved

  Meara /meer-a/ sea

  Merrie /mear-ee/ joyful

  Malcolm /mal-cum/ follower

  Murtagh /mur-tah/ skilled in the ways of the sea

  Niall /nye-al/ passionate

  Norah /nor-ah/ honor

  Peadar /pad-ar/ rock

  Radha /row-a/ a vision

  Reagan /ray-gan/ the king’s child or impulsive

  Rorie /roar-ee/ red king

  Rowan /row-in/ little red headed one

  Tiernay / teer-nay/ regal

  Tristan /triss-tan/ tumult or outcry

  Sibeal /shib-ale/ God is my oath

  Slade /sl-aid/ child of the valley

  Kingdoms, Cities and Villages

  Adairia /ah-dai-ri-a/ from the oak tree ford

  Aoife /ee-fa/ beautiful, radiant and joyful

  Áthas /ah-ha-s / joy and gladness

  Balfour /bal-for/ pasture land

  Beatha /ba-ha/ life

  Blathnaid Isles /blaw-nid/ flower blossom

  Brandubh Isles /bran-doow/ black raven

  Brannagh /bran-na/ beauty, dark as a raven

  Darach /dar-ock/ dark oak

  Dóchas /doe-hass/ hope

  Daireann /dar-rawn/ fruitful and bountiful

  Kiely /kee-lee / descendants of the graceful one

  Mòr /more/ great

  Muireann Isles/mur-in/ sea white or fair

  Muireall /moor-ul/ sea bright

  Nuala Isles /noo-la/ fair shouldered, lovely

  Órlaith /or-la/ golden princess

  Rhona: /row-nah/ saint or rough island

  Sorcha /sor-ka/ brightness

  Other Places

  Bearach Moutains /beh-ruch/ spear mountains

  Dorcha Cliffs /dar-ha / dark cliffs

  Dub Hach Fortress / doo-ah/ gloomy fortress

  Fiadhaich Forest / fee-ad-hike/ wild

  Gràinne Isles/ graw-nya/ she who inspires terror

  Liath Harbor /lay-th/ gray

  Loch Laise /lash-uh/ flame

  Loch Maorga /mu-air-gah/ majestic lake

  Loch Scion /sigh-on/ knife lake

  Óir Mountains /or/ gold mountains

  Solas Fortress /su-lus/ light fortress

  BOOKS BY RACHEL SKATVOLD

  Ladies of Ardena

  Lady Airell’s Choice

  Lady Reagan’s Quest

  Lady Fiona’s Refuge

  Brides of Pelican Rapids

  Caroline’s Quilt

  Whispers in Wyoming

  Guardian of her Heart

  A Forgetful Heart

  Melodies of the Heart

  A Searching Heart

  Lessons from the Heart

  Hart Ranch Series

  Escaping Reality

  Chasing Embers

  Riley Family Legacy Novellas

  Beauty Within

  Beauty Unveiled

  Beauty Restored

  ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  Rachel Skatvold is a Christian author and stay-at-home mom from the Midwest. She enjoys writing inspirational romance and encouraging blogs. Rachel completed her first series, the Riley Family Legacy Novellas in 2014 and is now working on the Hart Ranch Series, set in the Montana wilderness and the Ladies of Ardena Series, set in medieval times. She is also a contributing author in the Whispers in Wyoming and Brides of Pelican Rapids Series. Other than writing, some of her hobbies include singing, reading and camping in the great outdoors with her husband and two young sons. You can find more information about Rachel and her books on her website: www.rachelskatvold.com.

  Table of Contents

  Prologue

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

&
nbsp; Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Chapter Seventeen

  Chapter Eighteen

  Chapter Nineteen

  Chapter Twenty

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  Chapter Twenty-Seven

  Chapter Twenty-Eight

  Chapter Twenty-Nine

  Chapter Thirty

  Chapter Thirty-One

  Discussion Questions

  Pronunciations & Meanings

  Books by Rachel Skatvold

  About the Author