The Spirit Walker (BOOK ONE): The Ripple

Chapter Twenty-Four: The Gathering

The jewelry I wear is heavy.

My earlobes are already sore from the weight of the earrings, and the heavy collar of the four-strand ceremonial necklace digs into my skin.

Maise flutters around me like a little butterfly, adjusting the folds of the sash of Clan Campbell's tartan just so- ensuring it is neatly draped over my shoulder and flatteringly pinned at the swell of my hip.

"You will do well," Maise assures me with a little smile, and I swallow hard and wipe my sweaty palms against the silver silk of my gown.

I've never been very good at public speaking. I used to get panic attacks before delivering an oral report in High School. In less than twenty minutes, I'm expected to address the whole of Clan Maclean as future Bhanrigh.

I'm terrified.

"Breathe," Maise reminds me, softly, and I suck in a shuddering breath.

Ness slips into the room- a shark smelling blood in the water. "Our people don't respect weakness. And Great Spirit, do you look weak right now," she says with a smirk, running her gaze from the crown of my head to the tips of my toes in a far too intimate, calculating perusal.

I square my jaw and draw my shoulders back, meeting Ness' gaze in the mirror with a glare. She grins.

"Better."

I sigh, and glance down as Maise slips an old fashioned sapphire and pearl ring on my finger.

"This is new," I observe, flexing my fingers, adjusting to the uncomfortable weight of the ring.

"It was sent by Elder Quatie- for luck. It is an heirloom of her line," Maise replies.

I resist the urge to rip the ring from my finger.

Quatie allowed my- Ceallach's- mother, and then Ceallach, to live in hell with my drunken snake of a father. She is not Nana- Nana fought tooth and nail to keep my mother, sister, and I safe. I do not want Quatie's heirlooms, or her luck.

Ness cocks her head, assessing my reaction too closely for comfort.

"I will have to send her a thank you letter," I say, pushing my reaction down and away. Ness's expression flickers with something like disappointment.

"You are ready," Maise says with a satisfied smile, stepping back to survey her handiwork.

I glance at my reflection and wince. Today, I look more like a scared child playing dress-up than a queen. I catch Ness' eye again and force myself to stand straighter. God, I hate that woman.

Her grin goes wide and feral, and I glower at her in the mirror.

The door opens, suddenly, and Calum steps inside, wearing a kilt and a cape and a heavy ceremonial necklace of his own- all gold beads and vicious looking claws and teeth.

"Aren't you supposed to knock before entering a lady's chambers? I could have been naked," I tease, lightly, and Calum's chuckle is velvet and gravel and warmth.

"What a shame that you are not. I should have arrived earlier."

I laugh, and Calum's grin widens. "You look lovely," he says, stepping forward and gently toying with a curl. His hand drops, running down my back and lower- his fingertips brushing against the curve of my behind.

"Your ass always looks fantastic, but in this dress..." he murmurs. "Great Spirit, how I'd love to lift it up and bend you over that couch..."

My mouth drops, scandalized that he is so open with his comments, especially in front of Ness and Maise. "Calum!"