Read Online Land of Ice and Snow [Cairngorm Dragons 3] (Siren Publishing Classic) by Clair de Lune - Free Book Online Page B

deep, rich shine. The chests of drawers and wardrobes shone, and the room smelled of herbs and beeswax. There was a small fireplace, where a fire was laid, ready to be lit. Off the bedroom was a bathing chamber, which Eilidh showed Sigourney. Hot water was waiting in a ewer with soap, scented with the wild flowers that grew in abundance on the hills, as well drying cloths. All had been set out for her convenience. Sigourney looked longingly at the bath. She hoped there would soon be time for a bath in the huge tub.
    “Water is brought up from the kitchens when you need it. I’m sure you will enjoy a nice long soak later.”
    “Thank you. It’s a beautiful room.”
    “Well most of the rooms are like this, and I find they are very comfortable. If there’s anything you need, you must ask Seonag or myself. Now come and sit down by the fireplace. If you’d like, you can have the fire lit later. I want to hear all about you and where you live. How did you meet Lachlann?”
    “I was too old not to be mated, and a jealous woman, who wanted me to mate with her son, got me banished. I was sitting on the mountainside when a gorgeous yellow-orange dragon flew out of the sun. He came to me, and it was as if lightning had struck us both. He said he was my mate, and I believed him. The same jealous woman challenged him to retrieve the brides’ golden torc from the old one under the mountain. That was Hamish. Lachlann succeeded of course and brought Hamish out with him. Lachlann and I were wed a few days ago. My parents are coming by ship bringing my bride gifts. They want to be present at the dragon mating.”
    “What an exciting time you have had. It seems to me that no Braemuir can take a mate without a great deal of excitement. I must tell you about my own experiences.”
    She got no further as the door burst open and two small bodies hurled themselves at her. Laughing she collected one in each arm.
    “These are my children, Donald and Moira. Usually they are well- mannered, but today it seems they have forgotten what is due to a guest.”
    At that warning tone in their mother’s voice, the two stood apart from her, and Sigourney was made a very correct bow and curtsey. She smiled at them, and they grinned back.
    “We will leave you to rest now, and Seonag will come and collect you for the meal, later.”
    “Please may I take the pretty lady to our great hall, Mother?” Moira asked.
    “If you wish, certainly, but you will have to be ready betimes and not arrive late as you usually do.”
    “I won’t, Mother. I will make sure that the pretty lady gets there on time.”
    “Very well then. Come with me, the pair of you, now, and allow her to rest for a while. She has made a very long journey today and will welcome a little peace and quiet before the evening meal.”
     
    * * * *
     
    Downstairs Lachlann had explained Hamish’s story to Braemuir and seen the same light of speculation in his eyes. He was obviously thinking along the same lines.
    “We will of course do all we possibly can to help you in your search, Hamish. I suggest we have our meal first, and then tonight you can rest, and Lachlann and I will do some thinking and planning, and we will talk about it tomorrow. You must be very tired after your journey.”
    “Yes, indeed I am. That sounds like an excellent idea. I’m very grateful for all your help.”
    Braemuir summoned Seonag again, and Hamish followed her upstairs to his chamber.
    “Brother, I see you are thinking what I’m thinking,” Lachlann said.
    “Yes, no-one knows how old she is or where she really came from. She seems always to have been there. She herself says nothing, and no-one gets any personal information out of her. It seems that’s our best way forward. You can take him to see Ness tomorrow, and meanwhile I have a dragon mating to plan. I don’t think Ness will allow Muireall to come here so soon after the birth of her babies. So who else will you have to hold Sigourney?”
    “I