My Highlander, My Love, Part Three:Forbidden Love, The Greatest Love Story Ever Told.

The childrens laughter

The children's laughter echoed throughout the grounds of the courtyard, as they played and rolled in the snow with excitement.

Alana peeled back the furs from the French window and peeked outside, a slow smile curved her lips and her eyes sparkled with warmth. Snow had fallen overnight and covered the land.

The entire courtyard was filled with children of all ages, snow forts were being built by the boys and girls to hide from the snowballs that were flying everywhere, it was a joyous affair and Alana could not help but think of Sterlingshire. She was suddenly overwhelmed with homesickness and a lump formed in her throat.

Stepping away from the window, Alana walked back to the bed and her body sank on the mattress. A single tear glided down her lovely face as the Druidess was full of thoughts from her childhood. 

On snowy days Cook would make hot coco and scones, and her uncles would bring out the sleds and they would climb the tallest hills and slide downwards on the them enjoying the cold air as it stung their faces.

"Is something amiss my lady?" Carly asked, with traces of concern in her voice.

So distraught Alana was that she didn't hear anyone come inside her chambers. "Nay, I was just thinking."

Carly knew something was bothering her mistress, but knew well enough to leave it alone, not wanting to irritate her. Walking to the fireplace, she picked up the medal rod and stoked the fire until it's orange flames roared and licked around the wood.

"Lady Mara sent me up to dress you my lady, she said that she wants to discuss a few things with you before Evan comes home."

Whirling around, Alana tried to calm her pounding heart, and hide her anxiety at the same time, "Evans coming home today? How do you know?"

"I'm sorry my lady, please do forgive me," Carly grabbed the wine colored gown off the chair, and nervously walked over to Alana, "I thought you knew, one of the hunting warriors rode this morning into the courtyard with news that the rest of them will be home before nightfall. He brought many rabbits mistress, enough to have a feast!" Carly squealed with delight. "And he told us that the hunt was successful, and to prepare for their arrival!"

Alana heard not a word that Carly had said, her mind was on the arrival of her husband. Without realizing it, her hands caressed her abdomen that was swollen with her babe. What would Evan think of the way she looked now? Would he be turned off by her appearance and claim a mistress? Would he choose another bedchamber to sleep in? It wasn't unheard of, she had been told of many situations where the husband removed himself from the marriage bed until the babe was born.

It has been two whole weeks of peaceful days and lonely nights, and although she was glad that Evan had left, a part of her missed him and she did not know what that meant.

"Mistress are you alright?"

Alana was so caught up in her thoughts that she didn't notice that Carly had placed her glass slippers in front of her.

"Aye I'm fine." Placing her feet inside the slippers, Alana reached for her shawl that lay on the table and walked out of the bed chambers.

Racing down the stairs excitedly, the Druidess nearly bumped into lady Mara as her feet landed on the last step.

"Oh my, do be careful, we wouldn't want you to trip and fall." Lady Mara said as she reached out to steady Alana.

"I'm fine mother, but thank you anyway for caring." Alana said, and walked past her heading into the dining area unescorted.

Lady Mara could not hide her excitement over the fact that Alana had called her mother. Holding back tears that threatened to spill, Lady Mara hurried along after her daughter in law and found a chair at the table next to her.