“God does, Sibeal. He created you in His own image and loves you unconditionally.”
She smiled at him through her tears. “Aye, I’m beginning to understand that now…because of you. Your family has shown me what a true Christian family can be like. You’ve all been so generous and kind to me. I don’t even know how I can pay repay your family. My money is all tied up with my mother. I don’t know where she keeps my inheritance.”
Niall shushed her. “Sibeal, there is no need. I don’t believe my parents would even accept money from you. See it as a gift.”
“I do not deserve it.” She hung her head. How could they be so good to her when she had done evil things along with her mother before coming to her senses and choosing to join the right side?
“Sibeal,” Niall whispered. When she didn’t respond, he lifted her chin until their eyes met. “Don’t you realize we don’t care about your past? I don’t care about your past. Certainly my feelings for you are plain to see.”
She stared at him with wide eyes and a pounding heart. “‘Twas a secret to me. I thought you simply pitied me.”
Niall chuckled softly. “Pity you? I have admired you from afar since the first time I visited Aoife as a young man of sixteen, but what chance did I have with a countess? I was a lowborn physician’s apprentice. Sometimes my father was paid in chickens and goats instead of gold or silver. My mother took on extra jobs mending clothes to help earn a living.”
“I see what you mean. My mother never would have approved.” She paused as a smile curved on her lips. “I however, am no longer under her control.”
He took both her hands in his, face beaming with joy. “Sibeal, I know your heart is still healing from the loss of Leland and I have no title or riches. I have nothing to give you in that respect. We would have to live here with my parents until I could find a suitable home for us, but I would be a good husband. I would be devoted to you until my dying day. Do you believe you could grow to love me in time?”
Sibeal stared at him for a few moments as a realization swept over her. She let out a deep sigh, gathering courage to say what she needed to. She could only pray her words would be understood. “Niall, I thought I loved Leland, but now I realize I was only bending to my mother’s will. She wanted me to love him, so I obeyed. Since then, I have questioned if I know what love truly is at all.”
He lowered his head. “I understand, Milady. I apologize for being so forward. You will need time to adjust to your new life.”
She shook her head. “No, Niall. I don’t need time and I don’t need to grow to love you. I love you now.”
His eyes flew to meet hers. “You do?”
She nodded with tears clouding her eyes. “Loving you is my decision—no one else’s. That is why I know it is true.”
He moved closer, gathering her into his embrace, careful not to cause her pain. Her heart thumped wildly as he kissed her forehead first and then lifted her chin to kiss her lips. He was so gentle, as if she were a fragile glass vase that would shatter in his arms. She responded with a more passionate kiss, silently assuring him she wasn’t going to break.
After catching his breath, he leaned back to look into her eyes, pausing to caress her cheek with his fingers. “Will you marry me, Lady Sibeal, Countess of Aoife?”
“Aye,” she whispered and pulled him into another passionate kiss.
CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE
A New Home
After a fortnight of traveling, Leland breathed a sigh of relief as the Kiely Fortress came into view. The journey took longer than usual because of the young children traveling in the group, but he wouldn’t have had it any other way. Having more people find refuge in Kiely was a reason to celebrate.
He turned to Fiona and Clare who rode on the horse beside him and smiled. “We’re home.”
Fiona gave him a happy grin in return. “Aye, we are.”
A while later they passed through the village and the people greeted them by throwing flowers, but this time they were not only celebrating his return, but their future queen and princess as well.
They continued on until reaching the physician’s house. There he saw Niall smiling at him, but he wasn’t alone. Sibeal stood beside him, looking a little pale and thinner, but strong. Leland dismounted his horse before helping Fiona and Clare.
His friend greeted him with a brotherly hug. “Welcome home, Your Majesty.”
“Thank you. ‘Tis good to be back, my friend.” He turned to Sibeal. “I’m glad to see you are well.”
She gave him a shy smile and leaned on Niall for support. “‘Tis good to see you again, Your Majesty. Thanks to Niall and his family, I am on the mend.”
Niall wrapped his arm around her waist and rested his head against hers. “She scared me a few times, but praise be to God, she made it through.”
Leland watched them with curious eyes, noticing a change between them. “Is there something I should know?”
His friend scratched his chin in a nervous manner. “I must apologize. I know Lady Sibeal is a member of your court. I should have asked before moving forward and asking for her hand in marriage. Would you give us your blessing?”
Leland let out a regal laugh. “You certainly have my blessing! This is wonderful news!”
Fiona stepped forward with Clare in her arms and congratulated them, too, but Sibeal’s happy expression faded in her presence. “I apologize for the part I played in the kidnapping. I never wished for any harm to come to either of you. My mother went too far and I should have told someone what she was planning before it was too late. I know you must feel betrayed, but I hope one day we can be friends.”
Fiona smiled with tears in her eyes. “I accept your apology, Lady Sibeal. I know your mother manipulated your decisions. I also heard you risked your life to save Leland. Thank you for what you did.” She gave Sibeal a hug with her free arm and they both shed happy tears. Then Fiona leaned back again. “I suppose we both have weddings to plan now. Perhaps be can compare ideas in the weeks to come.”
Sibeal’s smile widened. “I can hardly wait.”
After leaving Niall and Sibeal at the physician’s residence, they led the way to the east side of the village. When they arrived, people began filtering out of their homes to celebrate his return. The refugees from Aoife were reluctant at first, but one by one, they began recognizing friends and family members they thought they would never see again.
Leland held Fiona close as Clare dashed off to play with her new friends. “‘Tis a beautiful sight to see the lost come home, is it not?”
She nodded and rested her head against his chest, releasing a contented sigh. “Aye, it is. All the trials we faced were worth it to see this moment.”
He kissed the top of her head. “I couldn’t agree more, my love.”
Fiona looked out the window in awe of the autumn colors in the mountains. A part of her would always miss living by the sea, but the view from Kiely Fortress was heavenly.
She thought of all the good things that happened the past month—the villagers whom Tristan had saved and smiled. They had been busy building new homes on the east side of the village for them to live in before winter came. Also, Niall and Sibeal were busy planning their spring wedding. Her mother, Lady Kyna remained in the tower for her crimes. Instead of issuing the harsh punishment she deserved, Leland showed mercy for her daughter’s sake. Sibeal was even allowed short visits with her once a week.
Fiona was happy the young countess had finally found peace and happiness and held no ill will against her. Everything had happened like God had willed. It seemed they had all found a new home in Kiely.
“I’m pretty, Mama,” Clare said while spinning in her new white and burgundy gown.
Fiona turned and lifted Clare into her arms. “Aye, my darling. You look like an angel.”
“We marry Lee Lay today?”
“Aye.” Fiona chuckled at her daughter’s statement, knowing she didn’t quite know what the wedding meant. “Lee Lay wil
l be your Papa forever now.”
“Yay!” Clare clapped and wiggled her way out of Fiona’s arms to twirl in her new gown again.
It was a beautiful sight to see her daughter so happy and she knew she would be happy, too. Leland was more than she ever could have dreamed to find in a husband.
Soon a maid came into her chambers and helped lace up the back of her white wedding gown with burgundy accents. Then they were ready to head down to the great hall.
The sight before Fiona took her breath away. There were too many guests to fit into the hall and they spilled out in the hallways, only leaving a small pathway to walk through. In the past, she would have been terrified to be surrounded by so many people, but with God’s help she had conquered her fear. They were all there to celebrate her marriage to King Leland and soon she would be their queen.
Clare went down the aisle first, spreading petals on the ground before rushing into Leland’s arms. He scooped her up, not caring that the entire kingdom watched. The sight warmed her heart, seeing with her own two eyes what a good father he would be.
After Leland put Clare down and held her hand to keep her nearby, Fiona entered the great hall with confidence, her heart filling with pure joy. As Leland’s eyes met hers, she smiled. Only the three of them existed at the moment—her family. God had shown her He was truly her refuge and there was no need to fear, whatever the future held. Now she walked toward the plan God had prepared for her all along—a happy life in Kiely with Leland and Clare by her side.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
2. Fiona trusts Leland even when she is so fearful of other people. What qualities about him put her at ease? How can we be a comfort to someone who is hurting?
3. Lady Sibeal goes through a major transformation during the story. What events cause her to change for the better? Which characters are good and bad influences on her and why?
4. Leland finds himself in a position of leadership he never expected or wanted. What events lead him to that point. Why do you think God chooses humble or ordinary people to do His work?
5. The Kingdom of Órlaith seems like a lost cause after the attacks in the first book. However, Leland discovers there is still life and hope of restoration. What other examples of restoration did you recognize in this story? How can this theme relate to our lives today?
For more discussion questions, please visit: rachelskatvold.com
ARDENA MAPS & ROYAL LINEAGES
Summer, 1190 AD
PRONUNCIATIONS & MEANINGS
Characters in Ladies of Ardena Series
Aedan /aid-an/ born of fire
Airell /air-el/ of noble birth
Aine /awn-ya/ radiance or joy
Ailene /ay-leen/ little noble one
Annan /an-nan/ from the stream
Arlan /ar-lin/ pledge or oath
Ashley /ash-lee/ lives in the ash tree grove
Bradan /bray-dawn/ salmon of knowledge
Cadman /cad-men/ warrior
Caerwyn /care-win/ white fort
Camdyn /cam-din/ enclosed valley
Cara /kar-ah/ beloved friend
Carrick /care-ick/ rock
Cearul /kar-ul/ fierce in battle
Ceallach /kel-uck/ war or strife
Ciara /kee-ra/ saint
Clare /cl-air/ bright light
Dawley /daw-lee/ assembly
Derry /dare-ee/ like an oak
Donnally /don-nelly/ brown-haired man or chieftain
Donovan /dawn-uh-vin/ strong fighter
Doughlas /dug-liss/ dwells by the dark stream
Duncan /dun-kin/ dark warrior
Edmund /ed-mun-d/ fortunate protector
Edna /ed-nah/ pleasure, delight
Ewan /you-in / youth or God is good
Fallon /fal-on/ royalty
Fergus /fur-gus/ strong man
Fiona /fee-ona/ fair
Gwyneth /gwen-eth/ blessed
Harrison /hair-i-son/ son of Harry
Isla /eye-la/ rocky place or island
Kyna /key-na/ love, affection, esteem
Leland /lee-land/ fallow land
Liam /lee-am/ protector
Mairi /mah-ree/ beloved
Meara /meer-a/ sea
Merrie /mear-ee/ joyful
Malcolm /mal-cum/ follower
Murtagh /mur-tah/ skilled in the ways of the sea
Niall /nye-al/ passionate
Norah /nor-ah/ honor
Peadar /pad-ar/ rock
Radha /row-a/ a vision
Reagan /ray-gan/ the king’s child or impulsive
Rorie /roar-ee/ red king
Rowan /row-in/ little red headed one
Tiernay / teer-nay/ regal
Tristan /triss-tan/ tumult or outcry
Sibeal /shib-ale/ God is my oath
Slade /sl-aid/ child of the valley
Kingdoms, Cities and Villages
Adairia /ah-dai-ri-a/ from the oak tree ford
Aoife /ee-fa/ beautiful, radiant and joyful
Áthas /ah-ha-s / joy and gladness
Balfour /bal-for/ pasture land
Beatha /ba-ha/ life
Blathnaid Isles /blaw-nid/ flower blossom
Brandubh Isles /bran-doow/ black raven
Brannagh /bran-na/ beauty, dark as a raven
Darach /dar-ock/ dark oak
Dóchas /doe-hass/ hope
Daireann /dar-rawn/ fruitful and bountiful
Kiely /kee-lee / descendants of the graceful one
Mòr /more/ great
Muireann Isles/mur-in/ sea white or fair
Muireall /moor-ul/ sea bright
Nuala Isles /noo-la/ fair shouldered, lovely
Órlaith /or-la/ golden princess
Rhona: /row-nah/ saint or rough island
Sorcha /sor-ka/ brightness
Other Places
Bearach Moutains /beh-ruch/ spear mountains
Dorcha Cliffs /dar-ha / dark cliffs
Dub Hach Fortress / doo-ah/ gloomy fortress
Fiadhaich Forest / fee-ad-hike/ wild
Gràinne Isles/ graw-nya/ she who inspires terror
Liath Harbor /lay-th/ gray
Loch Laise /lash-uh/ flame
Loch Maorga /mu-air-gah/ majestic lake
Loch Scion /sigh-on/ knife lake
Óir Mountains /or/ gold mountains
Solas Fortress /su-lus/ light fortress
BOOKS BY RACHEL SKATVOLD
Ladies of Ardena
Lady Airell’s Choice
Lady Reagan’s Quest
Lady Fiona’s Refuge
Brides of Pelican Rapids
Caroline’s Quilt
Whispers in Wyoming
Guardian of her Heart
A Forgetful Heart
Melodies of the Heart
A Searching Heart
Hart Ranch Series
Escaping Reality
Chasing Embers
Riley Family Legacy Novellas
Beauty Within
Beauty Unveiled
Beauty Restored
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Rachel Skatvold is a Christian author and stay-at-home mom from the Midwest. She enjoys writing inspirational romance and encouraging blogs. Rachel completed her first series, the Riley Family Legacy Novellas in 2014 and is now working on the Hart Ranch Series, set in the Montana wilderness and the Ladies of Ardena Series, set in medieval times. She is also a contributing author in the Whispers in Wyoming and Brides of Pelican Rapids Series. Other than writing, some of her hobbies include singing, reading and camping in the great outdoors with her husband and two young sons. You can find more information about Rachel and her books on her website: www.rachelskatvold.com.
Table of Contents
Prologue
Chapter One
Chapter Two
&
nbsp; Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
Chapter Twenty
Chapter Twenty-One
Chapter Twenty-Two
Chapter Twenty-Three
Chapter Twenty-Four
Chapter Twenty-Five
Chapter Twenty-Six
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Chapter Thirty
Chapter Thirty-One
Discussion Questions
Pronunciations & Meanings
Books by Rachel Skatvold
About the Author