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him. “I was hoping to catch up on some sleep today.”
    He shook his dark head as he grinned at her.
    “Nae this day, lass. Your bath awaits y e and the sheets must be hung for all the clan ta see that ye came here pure.”
    “What! I thought they had made that up when I read about it! Must you embar ra ss me?”
    Lucian appeared stricken. What foolishness was this?
    “ T is ta honor ye that I do this! It says much about your chastity and in doing so, our children will never be questioned. Ye should walk with your head held high...nae be shamed! ”
    Arianna stared at him , blushing. “Oh. I didn’t realize that ’s wha t it meant. I’m sorry, Lucian. It’s still embarassing though,” she muttered beneath her breath.
    Satisfied, he gave her a quick kiss before rising. He will have to coach her on the way she speaks of things. Some people might question what she had just said about ‘reading’ of such.
    “Be vigilant of your words, my lady. Ye should say that ye have heard of such things...nae read.”
    Red-faced , she nodded. Luckily, there had been no one present at her outburst. She must be more careful. Arianna sighed as she rose from the warm bed to go to her bath.
    Lucian eyed her lithe body appreciatively, watching her stroll across the room. His cock hardened with need but he fought it back down. Twas too soon to assault her again.
    “I will send Agnes ta attend ye, Anna. Do nae dawdle. Your father will arrive this day. He will be anxious ta see ye.”
    She glanced up...stunned!
    “My father?” Her father was alive?

Chapter Seven
    Dugal MacGregor was a bear of a man. Arianna’s mouth gaped open as he swaggered into the great hall covered in more weapons than clothing. He reminded her of a well-armed tank . Half-way across the room he stopped short and stared back at her.
    Vivid blue eyes matching her own peered intently at her face and then her tattoo.
    “Saints be praised! Me daughter has been returned ta me!” His eyes misted as he approached her cautiously. “Do ye remember me, lass?”
    She shook her head. How could she? Someone had spirited her away when she was only two.
    “H-how can you be so certain that I am your daughter?”
    “Ach! Sweet bairn...ye look at me with your maither’s beautiful face...and me own eyes. Ye could be nae other.”
    She turned to Lucian , wide-eyed. “I always thought I was orphaned! It’s strange to find out that I have a family...a father.” Arianna beamed at him and turned back to Dugal. “And my mother...?”
    His face fell.
    “She died three years after ye went missing, lass. After she had given up hope of ever finding ye. Twas a broken heart that claimed her...naught more.”
    “Oh. I’m sorry I brought up a sad memory.”
    “I have had time ta deal with her loss...do nae fash yourself, lassie.” He turned to Lucian. “I am in your debt, m e lord. Ye have brought me great joy this day!”
    “Thanks are nae necessary but an apology is owing.” He gave Dugal a curt nod as he continued. “I came across her at m e seer’s bidding and since me faither nae longer draws breath, tis m e place ta apologize ta ye for doubting your word.”
    “Ye did nae cast doubt on m e honor, Lucian Dunbar, but I thank ye for the words just the same.” They clasped arms in new found friendship.
    They sat at the table together as food and drink were served by the clanswomen. Arianna’s stomach rumbled as she watched her husband fill up their trencher with assorted items...most of which she didn’t recognize. She would have fed herself but she knew that it was the husband’s place to feed her. Besides, he knew what it was that he placed in her mouth.
    Dougal watched the young couple avidly, drinking in the sight of his daughter. She has fared well...wherever she has been. His throat tightened with emotion.
    “Tell me, Lucian, do ye still wish ta honor the contract?”
    The Earl was surprised .
    “Did nae the runner tell ye?”
    “Nae. He said ta come at once.