Tension filled the air as Merida, Queen Elinor, and King Fergus sat at the monstrous dining table in Castle DunBroch’s Great Hall. Merida had called her parents here to discuss her future now that the Highland Games were done.
It took a great effort to constrain the smile that threatened to break out across her face. She could tell by their expressions that her parents were expecting one of their epic arguments.
They were in for a pleasant surprise. Maybe.
She folded her hands on the table in front of her and began.
“Thank you both for agreeing to sit and discuss this topic as adults,” she opened. “Now, I know we have disagreed on my future, but time stands still for no one, and these decisions must be made.” She took a breath. “I am not ready to be married.”
“Merida—” Queen Elinor started.
“There is a possibility that I will change my mind if I am to meet the right person. But I want to marry for love, the way the two of you did. I should not have to marry just because tradition dictates it.” She paused for a moment, releasing a cleansing breath. “That being said, I am ready to step into my role as a member of the royal family.”
Her mother’s and father’s mouths opened simultaneously.
“This land and our clan both have a rich history, and I want to learn as much as I can about both so that I can be the type of leader DunBroch Kingdom deserves. I do not need to be married to do this.”
Her mother frowned, seeming to consider this for a moment. “You are right,” she said finally.
“I am?” Merida asked.
The queen nodded. “I never considered an alternative to marriage, because, well, that is the way it has always been done. But traditions can and sometimes should be broken. I believe this is one of those times.” She tipped her head to the side and smiled. “The lass you were named after would agree with me, I think.”
Merida’s heart swelled. “She sounds like a fine person, this Merida that was my namesake.”
“She was, lass. She really was,” her father said. “Now, this decision you have come to—are you sure this will make you happy?”
“Yes,” she answered. “It will make me very happy.” She looked to her mother. “Having watched you rule, I understand the importance of maintaining peace among the clans while also ensuring all the people in our kingdom are safe and well cared for. I believe, with your guidance, Mother, that I can safeguard the kingdom of DunBroch and make it prosper.”
Her mother rose from her seat at the table and came over to Merida’s side. She captured Merida’s shoulders and gave them a firm but gentle squeeze before leaning over and placing a kiss on her head.
“I am very proud of the young woman you are becoming, Merida.”
“I have one more request,” Merida said.
“What is that?” Queen Elinor asked.
“I would like it if our family traveled to MacCameron Kingdom soon. I know that Grandmother Catriona and Grandfather Douglass were just here for the Highland Games, but I would very much like to see MacCameron Castle again. I think we are overdue for a trip to your childhood home.”
“I think that is a splendid idea,” the queen said. “We were all so busy during the games that we did not have much time for a proper visit. Your grandmother can fill me in on everything that is happening with the family as we work on the MacCameron tapestries, and maybe the boys will finally sit still long enough for your grandfather to learn how to tell them apart.” She looked to the king. “What do you say, Fergus? Are you up for a trip to MacCameron Castle?”
Her father shrugged. “Whatever you say, dear. So long as I can challenge your father to another round of chess. I swear he was hiding pieces in his plaid last time.”
Her mother barked out a laugh and turned to Merida. “If it is your fate to marry, I hope you find someone who brings as much good humor as this one.”
The king grinned. “And I hope you find someone as intelligent as she.”
Merida smiled at the two of them. Then she quickly stood, rushing to keep her brothers from tipping over the lit candelabra they were trying to climb. “Maybe no fire for you three.” She turned to her parents. “Who’s ready for dinner? I promised Maudie I’d help with the venison. Grueling work, that.”
Elinor tilted her head. “On the other hand, I think you might have good humor and intelligence to spare, my dear Merida.”
Merida met her mother’s gaze. And her smile widened.