Page 2 of Wedded to the Twisted Highlander
“Och, I see. And I’m supposed to just allow ye and every other beggar in the village to take whatever ye want from me? Is that it? Ye’re tryin’ to put me out of business, are ye? Ye heard her, Laird McFair. I demand retribution,” her captor sneered.
“Enough.” The Laird’s voice sliced through their argument like a blade. “Ye’ll nae speak while I’m addressin’ either one of ye.”
The hall fell silent.
All eyes turned to her.
Astrid felt the weight of their scrutiny and the pricks of uncertainty. The air was taught, and her captor’s fury radiated beside her like a wildfire. But it was the Laird’s unyielding glare that made her heart race and her palms sweat. Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed the faint silver glow of the moon.
Night had come and she was running out of time.
“Then get to it,” she snapped. With each passing moment, she grew ever more anxious. “Ye’ve already decided on me punishment. We dinnae need to drag this out longer than we need to. So, what will it be? The rack, irons, or stalk?”
“Ye speak of punishment as though it’s a sport,” her captor growled as he swung his hand back.
Astrid braced herself for the blow. If that was the worst he would do to her, she’d gladly accept it just to leave.
“Steady yer hand,” the Laird growled. “I’ll nae have any man treat a lass in such a manner. Is that understood?”
“Me Laird.” Her captor cowered as the words seeped out like venom.
The Laird stepped closer. His presence overwhelmed her, and for a brief moment, Astrid wondered whether she should have opened her mouth at all. But there was a restlessness growing within her that she could no longer ignore.
“Why do I have this feeling that nay matter the punishment I hand out, ye’ll nae learn yer lesson?” the Laird asked, his eyes narrowed.
“Whatever ye decide, Me Laird, I will accept it.”
Astrid kept her head down and her voice low. She didn’t dare try and draw any more sympathy than what she had already gotten.The fact that the Laird had already stepped in on her behalf had not gone unnoticed. The whole scene was enough of a shock to put her in her place.
The Laird arched an eyebrow as he paused to study her. She wished she could read his mind to know what it was that he thought of her.
“Show little remorse for yer actions. Do ye understand the gravity of what ye have done?” he asked as he folded his arms across his chest, towering over her.
Astrid met his gaze, feeling the weight of his scrutiny. But there was a flicker of something in his eyes. Curiosity, perhaps?
“I understand very well. Probably more so than any man in this room.”
“Yer boldness is commendable,” he said slowly, a hint of intrigue softening his features. “But that doesnae negate the crime. And yewillbe punished.”
Astrid braced herself for his judgment, but then the heavy doors of the Great Hall flew open with acrash. All heads swiveled toward the door as a manservant rushed in. The sound of his boots echoed through the eerily silent room.
With all eyes and attention on the man, Astrid heaved a sigh of relief. But her relief was short-lived, as the Laird’s eyes remained on her despite the interruption.
“Laird McFair,” the servant said with a swift bow. “It’s yer faither. He’s havin’ another fit. The healer… he doesnae ken what else to do. Nothing is workin’ anymore.”
The Laird’s expression shifted, and his stormy blue eyes darkened with concern. He turned sharply to the servant, giving him his full attention.
For a moment, Astrid felt as if she had slipped into the shadows and her misdeed was forgotten.
“Speak plainly and quickly.”
“The muscle spasms willnae cease this time,” the servant said. “He’s as rigid as a board.”
“And the healer?” the Laird barked. He looked like a formidable foe, and yet Astrid did not move an inch, unwavering, unflinching. “Is he nae doin’ anything to help?”
“Aye, but his lavender and chamomile tea isnae workin’,” the servant said.
Astrid’s ears burned as she listened to the fool. She shook her head and ground her back teeth. Oh, how she wanted to say something. But would the Laird even listen to her?
