The Scottish Selkie Read Online Free PDF

remedy that this eventide.” Donald took a gulp of ale. 
    “Yes. It should make for an interesting wedding night.” Malcolm picked up a cup and pitcher and poured a drink. 
    “You shall love every minute of it.” The king flashed a toothy grin. 
    “In truth Kenneth, I will. Save for the day they now call mac Alpin's treason, it is the first time I have not been bored since I returned.”
    “I am glad. I know it is hard for you.” Donald stood and shrugged his shoulders as if he didn't know what else to say to him, then he tilted his head toward Kenneth. “I know you need to speak to Malcolm, I will see to the men.” Donald bid his cousin and brother good day. 
    Kenneth leaned his elbow on the table and rested his chin on his fisted hand. “I have set a task for you. I bestow on you the sacred duty of delivering the Stone of Destiny, from Dalriada to Scone.” He raised his arm off the table and curled his fingers into the shape of a rock. “Malcolm, I will be crowned upon that stone.” 
    “Kenneth, I do not know what to say.” The La Fail which Fergus himself brought from Ireland. The very stone Jacob laid his head on. The most precious relic in the whole of the world, entrusted to him. “I will not fail you.” 
    “This I know. Father Deanna said the stone chose you as its guardian. It is said otherworld relics are drawn to creatures of the fey.” 
    They stared into each other's eyes. They played together as children and fought together in battle as men. Though he had been forced by Kenneth to leave his other life, Malcolm's first desire, his first dream, was of a united Alba. Now he would forever be part of that dream as the man who bore the La Fail to Scone. 
    Kenneth picked up his tankard and made a toast, “To Alba.” 
    Malcolm lifted his glass high, “Alba.” He poured the golden liquid down his throat. If only his father had lived to see this day. Malcolm took another deep gulp and turned to Kenneth. 
    “I wanted to ask you, did my sire know I survived drowning through the magic of old? Did he know I dwelt in the sea with my kind?” 
    “Yes. Happy he was that you still lived.” Kenneth shrugged. “Albeit in a different form.” 
    “Good.” Malcolm's throat tightened. “I miss him.” 
    “You have served me well, Malcolm. At great sacrifice to your own freedom. It does not go unnoticed.” Kenneth patted him heartily on the back.
    Embarrassed but pleased, he nodded and changed the subject. “My bride is cleaning the rath.” Malcolm let out a sigh. “It will be strange to no longer sleep in the hall.”
     “Yes, but I think you will enjoy her company better than that of snoring soldiers.” Kenneth's eyes sparkled with a glint of humor. 
    “Yes, I do not think I will be sleeping enough this eve to do any snoring.” 
    “You had best not, yon vixen will slay you in your sleep for sure.” 
    “Yes, I mean to keep an eye on her.” That he would. Bethoc's creamy skin was a comely contrast to her long, dark mane which shined like a seal's pelt. Her almond shaped eyes glistened like a hundred tiny shards of emeralds. A man, even a beast, could lose his soul in the depths of her gaze. And those soft, ample lips, a tempting raspberry hue—Malcolm could kiss those lips forever and a day. The woman was sheer beauty. Like the moon at night, her essence was both ethereal and wild. He could not help but keep an eye on his new wife. 
    A servant girl bowed. “M'lord King, Cook asked if you want stag or boar for the feast.” 
    “Both, Maeve.” Kenneth flashed Malcolm a toothy grin. “The servants are preparing your wedding feast. It will be the grandest banquet ever held at Dalriada.” 
    “Kenneth, the last thing I wanted was a bride. Yet I am sure it will be a fitting feast.” 
    “Malcolm, I could give the woman to no other man but you. Serve me well by keeping the Pictish Princess out of mischief, but take your pleasure of her as well.” 
    Malcolm felt a ripple of