James looked down at Aileana, who returned his gaze. She smiled. Sakes, what was she about to demand?
“To live a long, happy life together, with fidelity betwixt our hearts and peace betwixt our people. For the reaves and retaliations to cease, for the cause of such feuds be put to rest. And for any child born of us to never be a bastard.”
James’s heart clenched. He squeezed her hand in response, nodding once.
“Then let it be so that yer marriage remain until death parts ye,” her brother said. “The deed is done—wait.”
James grinned as he swung Aileana up in his other arm, their hands still knotted, carrying her fireside.
“Wait one bloody second,” Seamus continued, snarling, grabbing his shoulder. “How could yer child be born a bastard unless…” His brow grew stormy. “Ye dishonored my sister? Ye whoreson—”
“’Twas no dishonor,” came Aileana’s soft voice—so solemn, considering only moments ago, she’d been giggling.
Seamus stopped and looked at her, his face softening in the doting way only an older brother could look at his sister. “Aileana, he promised he’d respect ye.”
“And he did,” she said pointedly. “Peace, brother. From today onward, and always. Is such an oath so quickly discarded?”
Seamus backed up a step, his temper causing his lips to quiver, but nodded. “Aye, peace. Such a thing would be quite the accomplishment with this lot.”
And as snow drifted down, as the fire crackled and filled the enclosure with woody scents and Seamus Grant departed to leave them alone, James settled his furs over them, as they’d lain their first night together. Quite the Yuletide boon indeed.
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Author’s Note
In 2018, I traveled through the unparalleled mountains of the Scottish Highlands. After touring the Isle of Skye, the guide returned us to Inverness, on the northern tip of Loch Ness, while entertaining us with trivia and folklore about olden clan feuds that prompted me to go in search of more information. Urquhart Castle overlooking the loch was one of our last stops along the way. Clan Grant had once controlled Urquhart, and the MacDonalds in particular had been hostile toward them. At one point in 1513, shortly after the Grants had been instated by the Earl of Huntly, the MacDonalds raided Urquhart. They temporarily commandeered the castle and made off with about three hundred head of cattle and several hundred head of sheep. Just a few decades later, another raid, specifically by the MacDonalds of Clanranald, depleted countless household goods, furnishings, and livestock. Certainly living in such a time would have been frightening, but what a delicious backstory for a romance! My curiosity was piqued. But it wasn’t just the Grants and MacDonalds who once argued. The MacDonalds and the MacLeods had a particularly nasty feud around the turn of the seventeenth century, brought on by a MacDonald chief rejecting his wife, who was sister to a MacLeod chief. As lore suggests, the wife was blind in one eye and was sent home on a partially blind horse and accompanied by a partially blind dog. This contemptible dishonor did not go unchallenged and led to a series of bloody retaliations. No longer merely curious, my writer brain was thrust into overdrive. Before leaving the Highlands to fly home, I had already conceived this book, and I immersed myself in the tumultuous histories of these three clans. The astute reader will note that I’ve taken quite a bit of creative license with my dates, in part due to the fact that at the onset of the Reformation, attitudes toward Yule shifted, and eventually Christmas was banned in Scotland. Additionally, Lady Marjorie’s plight in this book, based loosely on the aforementioned marriage feud, is a MacDonald, when historically, the insulted wife was a MacLeod. I hope that you enjoyed Twelfth Knight’s Bride and that the tidbits of history that birthed the concept of my story give you intriguing things to ponder!
Acknowledgments
First and foremost, I need to thank my family: my husband who believes in my writing, my kids who tolerate the long hours writing requires, my mother-in-law, and my extended family who take the time to read my work and cheer me on my way. I couldn’t do this job that I adore if it weren’t for their love and support. There are many others, too, who’ve helped me during the course of writing this book. My morning writer group fondly called the “Morning Writer Chicks” has helped keep me focused on multiple goals, despite the ups and downs the year 2020 has produced. Shout-out to author Christi Barth, too, for being such a supportive writer and for critiquing my blurb and synopsis for this story. It’s thanks to her that my confidence as a writer continues to grow. And where would my story be without a fabulous editor? Erin Molta is a joy to work with, and I’m ever grateful for her expertise and belief in this book. Lastly, I’d like to thank the entire team at Entangled, for the opportunity to see this book born into the world, for all the expertise that goes into producing a book from start to finish. My deepest thanks.
About the Author
Elizabeth is convinced life is better with good coffee, chocolate, and a pair of hiking boots. Ever since her elementary school librarian “published” her epic childhood tales—complete with handmade covers—she’s enjoyed writing. She loves exploring history through literature, and the world through hiking. While studying prehistoric Britain at Newcastle University and roaming castle ruins and Hadrian’s Wall with her kids, Elizabeth found story inspiration in the tumultuous history of the British Isles and the folklore of Scotland.
A recovering archaeologist and biomed research coordinator, Elizabeth is known for her Ladies of Scotland series, as well as her HEA at USA TODAY–recommended Christmas Wore Plaid. She spends her days penning rugged heroes draped in tartan and chain mail, and the willful heroines who ensnare their hearts. She currently lives on a mountainside in West Virginia with her husband, sons, and various pets. Because she’s always honored to hear from readers, make sure to follow her on Facebook, Bookbub, Twitter, Goodreads, and Instagram.
Also by E. Elizabeth Watson…
An Earl for the Archeress
The Maiden’s Defender
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