Gifted

Bedding Ritual

A footman opened the door to the carriage to reveal Magnus Sinclair dressed in only his long tunic and boots. The new laird carried his lady bride bundled head to toe in Sinclair plaid. The servant had to peer into the makeshift cocoon to discern Lady Alina's face. She sent him a faintly sheepish half-smile, reassuring him all was well.

Lady Lillian and Laird Campbell stood at the ornate doorway to the keep. Magnus barely slowed his stride. The carts full of people from the village were already crossing the drawbridge and filling up the bailey. Soon they'd be swarming the keep and at their heels.

"We'll meet in the morning. Let's get this ritual done so my wife and I can regain our privacy," said Magnus.

The Campbell barked a laugh. Lady Lillian only briefly looked flustered before matter-of-factly turning to follow Magnus and giving orders to castle servants about getting the ritual underway.

Magnus was led up a wide set of stairs to a large bedchamber with a massive four post bed at the center and two fireplaces on either side of it. Servants rushed in to turn down the covers and fold a pristine white linen over the center of the bed. It would eventually be displayed in the hall after it had been stained with her virgin's blood. Sheer screens were set several feet from the foot of the bed to separate bride and groom from observers. Candles were lit on tables on either side of the bed. A table for two sat by an already roaring fire on one side of the room. On the other side, a privacy screen stood in a discrete corner with towels, ewer and pitcher positioned in front of it.

Magnus set Alina down and she went behind the screen to remove her kirtle. She draped the pink lambswool over the screen then emerged in a loose chemise of good quality linen. He took her hand and led her to the bed. She'd just gotten tucked under the bed linens when Father Francis entered the room. Observers to the ritual soon followed and they'd all arrived by the time Magnus sat on the edge of the bed pulling off his boots.

The priest stood at the foot of the bed and spoke his blessing over the couple before joining the other observers behind the screens. Magnus slipped in under the covers beside Alina.

A voice that sounded like Garrick's said, "I don't think I can watch this."

"Aye, that's our scamp about to get deflowered," muttered a voice Magnus didn't recognize. "I won't be able to unsee that."

There was some commotion behind the screens as Garrick and what looked two other men from the village started shuffling out of the room.

"Good night," Alina called out. "Thank ye for celebrating my nuptials."

She shrugged helplessly when Magnus sent her a look.

The damage was done, though, and it seemed to set people at ease enough to start chatting.

"He's a strapping one isn't he," whispered a very young woman's voice.

"Och, aye, good for our lass," responded a rough older woman's voice.

"Is that Cook?" Alina asked. "I am that sorry ye couldn't be at the wedding."

"That's alright, pet," Cook said. "Did ye get eat any of the gingerbread I sent down? I made them just the way ye like."

"Sorry, cook," said Alina. "I haven't had a chance to eat. Someone almost got stabbed during the celebration at the village square."

"Again?!" Cook exclaimed.

"Aye, that young blacksmith's apprentice, can't remember his name," said a male voice.

"Nay, twas Fergus who got stabbed," said another.