The Power of Fate by Alison E. Steuart

Author:Alison E. Steuart [Steuart, Alison E.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Alison E. Steuart
Published: 2022-06-08T16:00:00+00:00

SEVENTEEN

Ella

I can see the facade of Galloway Castle through the trees as Willow and I trot alongside Magni and Alasdair. We entered his family’s lands over an hour ago, and the long ride here has been nothing less than spectacular. The forest is a rich green, dense with a wide array of plants and trees, some of which are enormous. I simply cannot wait to explore these woods, and I have told Alasdair exactly that at least ten times so far.

The sun is blinding as we exit the canopy of trees, making my eyes blink and water. When my vision finally adjusts, my heart flutters with excitement as I take in the opulence of my new home.

“Alasdair! This is so beautiful. I never imagined…”

“Aye. It was built in the 1500s by my great-grandsire many times over. A few others added to it over the centuries, but maintaining its integrity has been the utmost priority of my family for almost three hundred years.” I can hear the pride in his voice.

We dismount when the groomsmen arrive to take Willow and Magni to the stables. I take a minute to talk to her, bringing my nose to the long bridge of hers. “Thank you, Willow. That was more fun than we’ve had in a long time, huh, girl? Although Magni might be a bit moody for a day or two, he’ll get past it soon enough.” Willow knickers and nods her head in response.

“Ah, ye do know that was loud enough fer both of us to hear, aye?”

I can’t help but laugh, and I swear Willow does the same. “Was it?”

“Yes. It was. An’ I suppose you and yer magic horse are never going to let us live it down, hmm, Lady Stewart?” I see the corner of his mouth lift into a charming half smile.

With a hardy laugh, I look at Willow, patting her side, “Did you hear that, girl? Alasdair thinks you are a magic horse!” She whinnies and stomps her front hoof, making Alasdair and me burst into laughter.

“Weel, aren’t you two the happy couple. Found yer wedded bliss so soon, aye?”

The raspy brogue startles me, and I turn to find an elderly man leaning on his cane and wearing a rather charming grin.

“Hello, Father,” Alasdair calls out, then takes my hand. “Come. Let me introduce ye, and do’na worry, he only looks like a grouchy ol’ curmudgeon.”

“I heard that,” his father says before gasping on a cough.

After a short flight of stairs, we stop on the landing at the grand front entrance of carved, dark wood double doors, guarded by two noble lion statues.

“Father, I’d like to introduce my lovely wife, Lady Ella Stewart.”

His father reaches for my hand, shakily bowing down to offer a proper kiss. His breaths are heavy with a rattling wheeze.

“Ella, this is my father, Callen Stewart, Earl of Galloway.”

“Yes. Well, not fer long. I’ll be dead any day now. But at least I got the chance to meet yer bride. She is lovely indeed.

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