Free Highland Burn by Victoria Zak

duty.
    Abigale followed the chatter she heard coming from the kitchen, but paused and took a deep breath before she entered. She was not keen on kitchen duties, in fact she hated to cook. It never failed that she burned everything she tried to make. Not wanting to set a bad first impression with her cooking skills, Abigale hoped that Alice wouldn’t ask her to cook.
    “Awe lass, come in… come in.” Alice welcomed her with open arms.
    A luscious redhead dropped a knife and dashed over to Abigale, swiftly wiping her hands on her tattered apron. “My lady.” She did her best curtsy trying to impress the princess.
    “Please, no need to be formal with me.” Abigale brushed off the formality. However, Abigale was surprised that she knew her true identity. Indeed she knew she was safe here, besides this was why her father had arranged this union between her and the Black Douglas, to keep her safe. A savage reputation like his, no one would dare try to harm her.
    Abigale wondered where James was. Alas it had been two days since the last she saw him. She couldn’t shake this feeling like something was missing, as if she wasn’t whole. Well, she did know darn well who was missing and she longed to see him. "Alice? Where is Laird Douglas?”
    “He’s out in the bailey somewhere sparring with his men. They should be back midday,” Alice confirmed.
    “Oh.” Abigale, a little disappointed, was hoping to see James sooner.
    Most of the morning passed by quickly, as Alice attempted to teach Abigale how to make bread and prepare the night’s feast. Nonetheless, it wasn’t an easy task. Abigale just wasn’t a good cook. Not for the lack of trying; she kneaded the dough just like Alice instructed, but the blasted sticky paste stuck to the table and all over her hands. To top it off the bread turned out hard as a rock, completely inedible.
    “Dinnae fash lass, ‘tis only yer first try. We can cut up the bread and use it for trenchers,” Alice said.
    A blast of laughter exploded between the women. God bless Alice for having the patience of a saint. Both women had made her feel right at home and she truly enjoyed their company. As they worked washing vegetables and chopping herbs, Alice and Effie had enlightened her about castle Black Stone and its clan members. For instance, there was a chapel near the castle where services were held regularly. The smith not only was a master behind his anvil, he also had a way with the lasses. There was a healer, with an exceptional gift, always on call. Then there were the men… Highlanders. Rogues, rascals up to no good, but without a doubt, they defended their clan with honor and with their lives. Though as Alice explained more about them, Abigale had a feeling Alice was highly respected by them and that they gave her no troubles.
    After the kitchen disaster and almost setting her second loaf of bread to flames, Abigale, Effie, and Alice retired to the great hall. A savory aroma filled the air indicating that a variety of wild game was cooking in the kitchen. Servants scurried about arranging the great hall for tonight’s feast as Clan Douglas welcomed home their chief and his new bride. Assorted wild flowers littered the tops of wooden tables, cobwebs had been dusted off the chandelier, and rugs of bright colors covered the stone floor. Tapestries hung high and draped the walls, and candlelight shining from the sconces illuminated the room giving it a golden glow. The great hall looked fit for a king.
    The women took their seats next to the hearth where baskets full of clothes sat and waited to be mended. Soft leather boots needed new laces, tunics needed patching and trews needed stitching. “Alice, do all of these items belong to James?” Abigale couldn't imagine that a man like James would possess such a large amount of clothing.
    “Nay, as a clan we take care of our people. So, when our men come home from battle, we mend what needs to be mended.” Alice handed her a bloodstained