Page 29 of His Runaway Bride
"Where are we going?"Lileas asked as they prepared to leave the chamber.
"Ye'll see," Ewan replied mysteriously, taking her hand and leading her toward the door.
The corridors of the keep were busier than usual, and Lileas noticed immediately that there were more guards than she remembered from the previous day.Armed men stood at regular intervals, their eyes constantly scanning for threats.
"The extra guards?"she asked quietly.
"Aye," Ewan's expression grew serious."The keep is in full lockdown, and we now patrol MacNeil lands to ensure the Fergusons dinnae venture closer.I've also posted men throughout the keep to ensure ye and Fiona and any MacNeil lass cannot be kidnapped.It's like a fortress now, with men on the lookout for anything suspicious."
They stepped outside into the crisp morning air, and Ewan led her across the courtyard toward a small cottage set within the keep's walls, not far from the blacksmith's forge.The building looked old but well-maintained, with smoke rising from its chimney.
"What is this place?"Lileas asked as they approached the cottage door.
"Part of yer new role among the clan," Ewan replied, producing a key from his pocket."Go on, open it."
With growing curiosity, Lileas pushed open the heavy wooden door.The scent that greeted her was familiar and exciting: peat smoke, grain, herbs, and the unmistakable aroma of brewing.But this was clearly a makeshift operation, with old equipment and the lingering smell of failed brews.
"What is this place?"she asked again, stepping into the dusty interior and looking around with growing understanding.
"This, my lady wife, will be part of yer role among the clan," Ewan said, following her inside.
She gasped, turning to stare at him in disbelief."I dinnae understand."
"We've been trying to make our own whiskey for years but never quite worked it out," Ewan explained, watching her face carefully."If ye can help with that, we may be able to trade it with other clans for goods we need.I've also sent a small group of men to bring yer things from yer home.All those notes and equipment ye mentioned.And I ken 'tis not much now, but whatever ye need, I can source the supplies.I thought perhaps ye could use this cottage as yer workshop, to build things...if ye like."
Lileas was speechless, her mind reeling with the implications.She kept looking around the cottage, already working out calculations: where the still should go, how to improve the ventilation, what modifications would be needed.This wasn't just permission to continue her work; this was encouragement, support, complete validation of everything she was passionate about.
She was silent for such a long time that Ewan began to look embarrassed, uncertainty creeping into his expression.
"If the space is not to yer liking, I can find another—"
His words were cut off when Lileas suddenly launched herself at him, slamming her lips against his mouth and kissing him as if her life depended on it.Her arms wound around his neck, her body pressed against his, and for a moment they were lost in each other.
When they finally broke apart, both breathing hard, Lileas's eyes were bright with unshed tears.
"This is the loveliest thing anyone has ever done for me," she said, her voice thick with emotion."I love it!"
But even as she spoke, her mind was already racing ahead to other possibilities."And while I'm at it, I noticed yer chamber needs blinds to keep out the sunlight.With a little wood and canvas, I'm sure I can create something for the windows.Also, I noticed the crops in the field at the far side of yer lands.They're not bringing much yield, are they?What do ye grow there?"
Ewan blinked at the rapid shift in topic, then smiled.This was the woman he'd fallen in love with: brilliant, passionate, and all his.
"We've been trying wheat, but it hasn't taken," he admitted."Shamus has tried everything, but nothing can grow well there."
"I thought so.It's in the wrong place.Ye need a different kind of plant because the soil is too rocky.We had this happen on our lands as well.I convinced our farmers to plant different seeds and rotate them so the soil had time to rest."
"This is why yer lands are always plentiful," Ewan said with dawning understanding.
"Aye."
Ewan thought for a moment, then nodded.What she said made perfect sense."Ye think ye could help us improve our yields?"
"I know I can," Lileas said with confidence that was utterly compelling.
And just like that, Lileas's mind exploded with thoughts and possibilities.She could see it all: a way to improve every aspect of clan life.This time, though, she had a husband who wouldn't mind it.In fact, he was encouraging it.
For the first time since arriving at MacNeil Keep, Lileas felt truly at home.This wasn't about sacrificing her passions for duty; this was about using her gifts to serve her new family.
"Thank ye," she whispered, reaching up to cup Ewan's face in her hands."Thank ye for understanding."
