Embers in the Snow

Chapter 14| The Rite

There was feasting and dancing in the great hall all through the night. Aili watched from her seat of honor next to her new husband as the guests around them, both MacDonald and McLeod drank to their hearts content. Ewan tried to keep a pleasant smile on his face, but his thoughts were far away.

Aili could not help but wonder if he was regretting marrying her in this very moment. The red wine seemed to calm her nerves, so she reached for her goblet once more. The warm red liquid soothed her belly. The dancing ceased and a hush fell over the room at the sound of Laird MacDonald clapping his broad hands together.

"It is time for the Rite!" He bellowed.

The women in attendance began to giggle and some of the men hollered excitedly. Before Aili could react she was hoisted from her seat by four large hands. They carried her away from the party and up the stairs as she struggled against them. She was taken to a chamber she had never seen before.

It was dimly lit inside, the fireplace just beginning to cackle to life. Unfolding the bed were two young, timid maidservants. They bowed politely before taking their exit. Aili was plopped underneath the thick blankets while the men who had carried her stood against the bed frame and gawked at her.

Ewan entered the room a few moments later much to Aili's relief. A group of men crowded the door behind him, yelling words of encouragement and lascivious jokes. Ewan looked at the men who still stood in the room and with a sideways glance noted their proximity to his new wife.

"Out!" They retreated with big smiles on their faces. Cackling could be heard from the hallway as Ewan latched the door shut. At the sound of retreating footsteps, Aili relaxed her tense shoulders. She watched, nervously as Ewan began to undress.

"Forgive them. It is a Macdonald custom. They mean no harm."

Aili nodded her head, a flush of pink beginning to burn on her cheeks. She did not know how to respond for once. They had no such customs in Macleod castle. Once Ewan was stripped down to his shirt and socks he climbed underneath the covers next to Aili.

It was hard for Aili to look at him. It didn't feel proper, all though as far as propriety he was her husband now.

"Are ye warm enough? I can stoke the fire for us."

Aili began to smooth the blanket that rested on her lap, unsure of what to do with her hands.

"I'm quite content," she whispered. "Are ye?"

Aili's thoughts went back to how Ewan had seemed in the great hall after their wedding ceremony.

"Is there something troubling ye ?" Ewan released a heavy sigh.

"Indeed." He finally admitted. "It is my brother's absence that is weighing heavily on me. But I do not wish to burden you on yer wedding day."

Aili finally found the courage to look up into his eyes.

"Our wedding day." She spoke bolder, regaining her courage. "We may be married now, but we agreed to be friends before all of this unfolded. I wouldna want that to change. So as your friend I hope that ye will confide in me."

Ewan offered her a crooked smile.

"Ye remember your maid? Sofia?" Aili nodded her head. "Alistaire was in love with her. Still is. She is with child. His child. That is why he ran away. That is why he couldn't marry ye. You are the only person who knows this besides my father. No one else must know or it will be an even worse scandal for our family."

Ewan felt a sense of relief wash over him as he confessed all of this to Aili.

"I'm sorry he did that to ye, Aili. And I'm sorry I didna tell ye before. But I will not keep any more secrets from you. I promise."