Timeless Mist

by Terisa Wilcox

  "Aye?"

  "Can we go inside?" She glanced over her shoulder at the maid sweeping the floor, "I don't think you want this to be a public conversation, do you?"

  Iain followed her look then ushered her inside and closed the door. He folded his arms in front of his chest and almost seemed to glare at her. What was up with that? She shrugged and moved to one side so she could have a look around, gathering her courage before she spoke.

  It was definitely a man's room. The walls were done in dark wood, the desk of the same shade. A small couch was placed before the fire, two comfortable looking chairs placed kitty corner on either end of it. Two more straight-backed chairs were set in front of the desk. A soft fur rug lay in front of the fire and tapestries decorated the walls. Above the mantle hung a large portrait of Sorcha and a man, three small boys on the floor in front of them, while Sorcha held a tiny bundle wrapped in pink.

  "You look a lot like your father." Kris turned to look at Iain who still stood by the door.

  He looked startled then shrugged and strode to his desk, seating himself in the ornately carved chair behind it. He gestured to one of the other chairs and nodded for her to sit.

  "I assume ye ha'e come to tell me of your decision to my, ah, suggestion, from the other day."

  Kris nodded. She sat and surreptitiously wiped her suddenly damp palms on her gown.

  "Before I tell you what my decision is, I'd like to ask a couple of questions if I may."

  Iain sat rigid in his chair but nodded just the same.

  "Well, you said that us getting betrothed, or handfasted, would not only give me a place to live, but would protect me, right?"

  "Aye."

  "How?"

  "Pardon?"

  "How is our being handfasted going to protect me? And from what?"

  "Our being handfasted will protect ye from having to go out on your own and try to make a living. This is nay the twenty-first century, Kristianna. There arenae many things a lass can do in this time, in this place, to earn her keep."

  "Ok."

  "I cannae picture ye being some servant wench. Nay, especially as ye ha'e already admitted to me that ye cannae sew verra well. Ye could always help out in the kitchens I suppose, but do ye know how to cook highland foods? Not to mention 'tis a hot, sweaty, backbreaking job."

  Kris held up a hand. "Alright already, I get the point."

  "Staying here, wi' my clan is the best solution to that, wouldn't ye agree?"

  "I would. But I ask you again, why a handfasting? Couldn't I just stay here as a companion to your màthair or something?"

  "That wouldnae work, lass. My clan is verra suspicious of strangers. Ye dinnae understand the way of it. We ha'e been fighting and battling the Campbell's for many years now. Aye, and the English as well." He looked at her, a grimace on his face, "I assume either my màthair or Elsie has told ye of the last battle we fought? The one that led us to seek refuge in these hills because e'en our name was made illegal?"

  "Elsie did. I know it's inadequate, but I'm sorry."

  Iain raised a brow at her, "ye ha'e nothing to be sorry for. 'Tisnae as if ye had anything to do wi' it and ye arenae a Campbell or a traitor."

  Kris winced, but looked quickly at her hands, hoping Iain hadn't noticed.

  "Ye are howe'er, English. Which is almost as bad in these parts."

  "So how will our being handfasted solve that problem? I'll still be English."

  "Aye, ye will. But my clan will more readily trust ye, accept ye, if ye become part of them. If we are handfasted, ye will be doing just that. They will accept ye as one of the family. Most will welcome ye. Though some may still nay completely trust ye, they will at least gi'e ye more of a chance to earn their trust if they dinnae see ye as an outsider."

  "Okay. I see your point."

  "Good. Now might I ha'e your answer?"

  "Not just yet, I still have another question or two."

  "Verra well."

  Kris gave him a nervous smile and wiped her hands on her dress again. "What happens after this handfasting?"

  "I'm nay sure I understand the question. Ye mean when the year and day are up?"

  "No, not exactly, though that is one of my questions. I mean how far do you plan to go with this charade if I say yes to your proposition?"

  "Charade?"

  "Yeah. Do we have to play act in front of your clan? Do we have to convince them that we're in love or something? Or at least that we care about each other? How far do we have to go with this? I mean, do we have to sleep in the same room? Spend time together? Kiss once in a while? Wh…"

  "Hold on, lass. One question at a time. Ye are going so fast I cannae keep up wi' ye."

  "Right." Kris held up a finger, "breath."

  Iain laughed. "Now, I will ha'e to think on those things. Ye are right in asking them. I hadnae thought of what we must portray to my clan in order for them to believe that we are truly handfasted. Which doesnae usually happen unless a couple has true feelings for one another."

  "I thought so."

  "Wait, let me finish, if ye please."

  Kris clamped her lips shut, trying to keep herself from babbling some more. If she didn't stop doing that, she was sure to give something away.

  "We most certainly must put up some kind of a front before my clan else they will know something is amiss. I dinnae think we ha'e to make it too obvious or elaborate, howe'er as ye ha'e only been here a short time. A handfasting is sort of a trial marriage, to see if the couple fits and can get on together. If at the end of the year and day, they find they suit, then a formal ceremony is held. If they find they dinnae," he shrugged, "each party is free to go his or her own way wi' no recriminations. They are free to wed elsewhere should they so desire."

  "So, what happens to me then?"

  "By then, ye will ha'e hopefully earned the clans trust and could then stay here and wed another of my clan or we may stay wed. If there is a child from our union, that child will be legitimate and nay considered a bastard."

  Kris blushed, but said nothing.

  "'Tis all verra logical, as ye can see."

  "Right." Kris nodded slowly, "very logical, indeed."

  "So then, lass, what is to be your answer?"

  Kris looked down at her hands and drew a deep breath.

  Iain looked at her for a long moment, waiting.

  "Yes." She blurted.

  Iain released the breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding. "Good then, lass." He smiled at her. "Good," he said again.

  "So, now what? I mean, do you announce it or something?"

  "Ye ha'e been betrothed before, aye?"

  "Yes, I told you about that."

  Iain frowned, remembering exactly what she'd said about the man she'd been betrothed too. What he wouldn't give for an hour in the lists with the little weasel.

  "Is something wrong?"

  "What?" Iain's head shot up. "Nay, I am well."

  Kris smiled tentatively, "I thought maybe you'd changed your mind already the way you were frowning."

  "Nay, ye shall no' get a…" he stopped, "nay, Kris, I ha'e nay changed my mind. 'Tis the best solution all around." Iain chuckled at her surprised look. Giddy with relief, he didn't want to give it away to Kristianna. Nor did he want to look to closely at why he should feel thus. He'd almost told her he would not let her get away from him that easily.

  "Okay, so again, now what?"

  "First," Iain rose from his chair and came around the desk, "I believe we should seal our bargain, dinnae ye?" he reached for her hand.

  Kris stuck out her hand, thinking Iain wanted to shake on it. Instead, he pulled her to her feet with such force she ended up in his arms.

  "Oh."

  His embrace encompassed more than her waist. It was as if he held her heart as well. She didn't want this. She didn't want to feel these things again. Love hurt. Falling in love and out of love, and everything in between.

  "Krrristianna," he practically purred, his brogue so thick
she didn't recognize her own name."

  "Y-yes?" The tingling that spread throughout her at the way he said her name made her cling to him. Her mind told her to resist, but her body refused to obey that command.

  He kissed her with his eyes before his mouth ever reached hers. He moved his lips over hers, devouring the softness of them, and she returned it with reckless abandon. His lips parted hers in a soul-reaching caress, and she kissed him back, lingering, savoring every moment.

  As Iain kissed her, he could not believe the currents racing through him. If he didn't know any better, he'd swear he'd gotten struck by lightning. As he roused her passions, he roused his own. He could feel hers in the way her body melted into his, no resistance in her at all.

  He smothered a groan as he released her lips. Her eyes still closed, she did not see him glance down. Her lips were still moist and full from his assault and he realized he'd better distance himself from her lest he do something foolish.

  "That," he gently lifted her chin and dropped a kiss on the tip of her nose, "is how we seal an agreement in my century, lass."

  Chapter Nineteen

  Kris opened her eyes and tried to focus on Iain and what he said. Her mind was still fuzzy from his kiss and she had trouble concentrating.

  "I see." She said, a bit breathless.

  "So ye should."

  "Now that we've got a deal," she touched her still tender lips, "should we go tell your màthair, perhaps?"

  "Aye, we should do just that. I'm sure she'll whisk ye away immediately to see ye dressed properly as the announcement will be made at the evening meal."

  "So soon?"

  "Aye, lass." He took her arm and led her to the door. "The sooner e'eryone knows, the sooner they can accept it and ye can begin to earn their trust." He smiled at her reassuringly as he opened the door and started towards his màthair's rooms.

  "You're màthair is going to make a big deal out of this, isn't she?"

  "I fear she may."

  "Are we going to tell her the truth? Or let her think we're falling in love as well?"

  "Nay, I believe we will tell her the truth of it. 'Twas her idea to do this, after all."

  "What?" Kris stopped and stared at him in surprise.

  "She brought the matter to my attention. I couldnae argue wi' her when she pointed out that this would be the best solution."

  "Hmmm."

  "What?"

  "I think your màthair has ulterior motives here."

  "I think ye may be right on that point." Iain laughed. "But I still cannae argue wi' it. And neither can ye."

  "No, I don't suppose we can. She would know better than anyone that I have little choice but to say yes to you."

  "Well, doonae make it sound as if I am sending ye to the gallows, lass." Iain looked offended.

  "I didn't mean that the way it sounded." She put her hand on Iain's arm. "I just never pictured myself getting married because it was a 'logical' thing to do. I mean, it sounds so impersonal. Know what I mean?"

  "Aye, I suppose it does." Iain said, thoughtfully. He supposed he would have to do something about that. Mayhap a bit of wooing would be just the thing. He was sure he could do the like without getting too much of his heart involved. If he softened a wee bit, it would only help to put her at ease and accept this. Accept him.

  He nodded to himself. He would speak with Raibert as soon as possible then put some of whatever he suggested in to practice, so long as it wasn't too outlandish. He could do the like without giving away too much, of that he was certain.

  He didn't want Kris thinking he was head over heels in love with her, but to show her he cared, even just a wee bit, wouldn't hurt anything, or anybody.

  "'Tis a bit more than that, I'm thinking, lass."

  "I know." Kris gave him a smile that did not quite reach her eyes. "We can be friends, right?"

  "Of course we can. I find I do enjoy your company. Ye make me laugh."

  "Good. Who needs all that romantic junk anyway." She took his arm and continued down the hall. "I certainly don't."

  The declaration hadn't come out quite as convincing as she could have wished, but maybe Iain hadn't noticed. She glanced at him, but his expression gave away none of his thoughts.

  Well, she would just have to hope for the best. Always a survivor, she would survive this too.

  * * *

  Sorcha looked up from her stitching when the door opened. She smiled as Iain ushered Kris in.

  "And where have ye been hiding yourself these past couple of days, Kristianna?"

  "I haven't exactly been hiding. I had some thinking to do. I needed some time alone to come to terms with everything that's happened and accept the fact that I may never get home again." She kissed Sorcha's cheek and moved to sit in the chair beside her.

  "Ye look as if ye have something ye wish to discuss with me." Sorcha looked from Iain to Kris and back again.

  "Aye, màthair." Iain sat beside Kris and took her hand in his. "We wished to tell ye that Kris has accepted my proposal of a handfasting. We will celebrate it as soon as it may be arranged."

  "I shall get started immediately." Sorcha clasped her hands together and jumped from her seat. "We should be able to have it all set within the week."

  Kris gasped.

  "Is something wrong, dear?"

  "N-no." Kris stuttered, "I just wasn't expecting it to happen so soon."

  "I understand. But I think the sooner we accomplish this, the better it will be." She looked to Iain, "don't you?"

  "I do." Iain gave Kris a confident smile, "dinnae fash yourself, lass. I know it seems quick, but I agree wi' my màthair. The sooner we see the deed done, the sooner the clan can begin to accept it and ye."

  "Don't worry," Sorcha patted her knee, "I shall handle all the details. All ye have to do is show up and look beautiful."

  "I think I should help you. After all, I'm going to have to learn it all sometime, aren't I?"

  "Aye, I suppose you will." Sorcha set her stitching aside, "we shall begin immediately then. There is much to do and we only have a short time to do it in."

  "Just tell me what to do, Sorcha, and I'll do my best to see to it." She wished she felt as confident as she sounded.

  "Good." Sorcha rose from her chair. "I think we should announce it tonight at the evening meal."

  "I thought the same, màthair." Iain winked at Kris, who offered him a tremulous smile.

  "Iain, why doonae ye leave us women for a bit. Go train or something. Kris and I have much work to do." She grabbed Kris by the hand and pulled her towards her bedchamber, "first I must change, then we shall need to find Elsie."

  "I shall see ye both this evening then," he walked toward them, kissed his màthair, and to Kris' surprise dropped a kiss on her forehead as well. He grinned at her astonished expression and sauntered out the door.

  "Now, Kristianna," Sorcha turned to Kris, her hands on her hips, "what is amiss with you?"

  "I didn't think it was that evident."

  "Perhaps not to Iain, but I certainly noticed it. Now, what's up?"

  "You can, without a doubt, sound thoroughly modern when you want too, can't you?"

  "I do what I must to survive, but that doesn't mean I've forgotten the quips from my own time. So come, spill."

  "I've already told Iain this, but I don't think he really understood it."

  "What? Are you having second thoughts already?"

  "No, not at all. It's all very logical and only a fool would not see how it can only help me. Iain knows I have no skills that would help me in the least. I could be a maid," here she grimaced, "but that takes some skill as well. I'm not very fashion conscious, and forget about sewing or cooking, so that's out. And anything else," she shuddered, "I wouldn't want to do. I don't think my artistic abilities would support me or feed me very well either."

  "No, you're right on that score." Sorcha smiled, and opened the chest below the window, "so what's bothering you?"

  Instead of answering he
r, Kris asked her own question. "How did Iain's father propose to you?"

  Sorcha looked up from the trunk she was looking through. "Why do you ask?"

  "I was just curious." Kris said, avoiding Sorcha's gaze.

  "Ahh, I think I begin to see your point." She stood and put her hands on her hips.

  "Do you?"

  "What exactly did Iain say to you when he asked you to handfast with him?"

  Kris told her what Iain had said and had to bite the inside of her cheek to keep from laughing at Sorcha's sudden display of anger.

  "To think I raised such an insensitive, pigheaded son. I can't believe he did that. He said nothing of caring for you, even in the slightest."

  Kris shook her head.

  "I see I must have a chat with that lad. Maybe box his ears a time or two as well. I knew he could be stubborn. He's just like his father in that respect, but I never thought he could be that stupid."

  She took Kris by the arm and sat her down.

  "I can see my son doesn't know his own mind. Well, no, he knows his mind, it's his heart he has issues with. I wonder if you beat him about the head with a frying pan, if he'd stop being so bloody logical for a change and really listen to his heart." She paced in front of Kris, her agitation growing.

  "Sorcha, it's okay. What Iain said made perfect sense. I understood it and accepted it. The problem is me, well not exactly me, but mine. On second thought, maybe it is me." She furrowed her brow a moment, and continued, "that's neither here nor there. The point is, I thought I'd given up on all those girlish fantasies about love and romance and being swept off my feet." She shrugged, and forced a small smile. "I didn't realize until Iain put it to me in such a businesslike fashion that I still had those dreams."

  "Of course you do, and you should. Every woman deserves to have her Cinderella story." She put her hands on her hips, "and we shall see that you have yours as well."

  "No, really, it's okay." Kris stood, "I don't need it. After thinking about it, I believe I would actually prefer it the way Iain proposed it. It will be slightly more than a business arrangement. And I know it's not forever, so I won't worry about it."

  Sorcha looked skeptical.

  "I mean it. Once I have time to accept it, it will be fine. I don't need all the frills and romance, especially if Iain doesn't feel that way toward me. I'd rather not get my hopes up and then have them dashed to the ground and become nothing but dust. We're friends and that's better than nothing."