The Highlander Series(79)

Mairin thanked Gertie and then retraced her steps into the hall. A noise at the entrance told her that her husband had returned and she went to greet him.

She stood back, waiting for him to enter fully. He came in, Laird McDonald just behind him, with Caelen and Alaric bringing up the rear.

“Welcome home, husband. If you and the laird would take your seats at the table, the meal will be served.”

Ewan nodded his acknowledgment and she retreated to tell Gertie to begin the serving.

More of Ewan’s men filtered in, mixing with Laird McDonald’s soldiers. The three tables in the hall quickly filled up while the men who hadn’t gained seats waited at the entrance to the kitchen for their portion.

Unsure of any marriage arrangement since Ewan hadn’t seen fit to share Laird McDonald’s proposal with Mairin, she opted to seat Rionna beside her, with Laird McDonald across the table on Ewan’s other side. Alaric and Caelen would occupy the two seats next to Laird McDonald.

The meal was a loud, boisterous event as the morning’s hunt was recounted for all to hear. Food and serving dishes went everywhere and Mairin found herself confused at one point as to which goblet was hers. She reached for the goblet between Ewan and herself and took a sip to chase down her food.

She wrinkled her nose at the bitter taste and hoped that the entire batch of ale hadn’t gone bad. She set it aside so Ewan wouldn’t drink it and motioned for Gertie to bring the laird another cup in case it was indeed his.

Laird McDonald kept Ewan engaged in talks of border protection, increased patrols, and the plan to strengthen their alliances by talking with Douglas.

Mairin paid only partial attention to the chatter as she watched Rionna pick idly at her portion. She was wondering what topic she could engage the other woman in when a cramp rippled across her belly.

She frowned and put a hand to her abdomen. Had the food been bad? But surely it was too soon to feel the effects, and the meat was fresh, brought in just two days ago. She watched the others but saw no sign of discomfort. In fact, everyone dug into their food with seeming satisfaction for the taste.

She reached for the goblet that had replaced the bitter ale when another cramp viciously seized her stomach. She gasped for breath but the pain was so intense that she doubled over.

Another pain knifed through her, gripping her middle in an unrelenting knot. Her vision blurred and she felt a sudden urge to vomit.

She shot to her feet and in her haste, knocked over Ewan’s goblet. The liquid spilled over the table and into Ewan’s lap.

Ewan jerked his head from his conversation with McDonald, a frown marring his lips. She swayed and then doubled over, a cry escaping as fire twisted her innards.

Rionna jumped up and bent anxiously over Mairin, her face creased with concern. Around her, murmurs arose as everyone focused on their mistress and her obvious distress.

“Mairin!”

Ewan was on his feet, his hands reaching to steady her. She would have fallen had he not hauled her up against him. She went limp, her legs no longer able to sustain her weight.

“Mairin, what’s wrong?” Ewan demanded.

“Sick,” she gasped. “Oh God, Ewan, I think I’m dying. The pain.”

She sagged again and Ewan went down with her, easing her weight to the floor. Above her, Alaric’s worried face appeared.

“What the hell is going on, Ewan?” Alaric demanded. He shoved Rionna back and maintained a protective perimeter around Mairin.

And then she turned her head and retched all over the floor. The sound was awful even to her own ears, but it felt ten times worse.

It was as if she’d swallowed a million pieces of glass and they were shredding her insides.

She curled into a ball on the floor in so much pain that in a moment of weakness, she prayed for death.

“Nay!” Ewan roared. “You won’t die. I won’t allow it. Do you hear me, Mairin? I won’t allow it. You will obey me, goddamn it! For once you will obey!”

She whimpered as Ewan hauled her from the floor. She winced as his shouts rung in her ears. He yelled orders and the hall was alive with the sound of scrambling feet and answering exclamations.

She was jostled about in Ewan’s arms as he charged up the stairs. He burst into their chamber, all the while shouting demands to the rest of his clan.

He wasn’t gentle as he laid her on the bed. Her stomach heaved again as the smell of her own vomit seared her nostrils. Her dress. It was ruined. Now she couldn’t even be buried in it.

Ewan clasped her face in his hands and leaned down until their noses were nearly touching.

“No one is burying you, lass. Do you hear? You will live or, so help me, I’ll follow you to hell and drag you back kicking and screaming the entire way.”