Page 52 of The Highlander's Illicit Bride
“What else would it be about?” Struan asked.
Ewan shrugged. “Ye tell me.”
Struan felt his belly churning as his mouth grew dry. He picked up his cup and took a long swallow of wine to cover his face and give him a moment to gather himself. He tried to find an answer to Ewan’s question but came up empty.
“I dinnae ken what ye’re talkin’ about,” he said and winced, hearing how weak his voice was.
“Struan—”
“What, Ewan?”
“Is this about keepin’ her safe? Or is it because ye feel somethin’ for her?”
Grinding his teeth again, Struan got to his feet. “This is bollocks.”
“Is it?”
He waved Ewan off then turned and stormed out of the council chamber, his heart racing, white hot frustration flowing through his veins. As he made his way back to his chamber, Ewan’s question continued echoing around inside of him.
I need tae calm meself.
Struan stepped into his chamber and closed the door behind him. Pressing his back against it, he blew out a long, deep breath. But the breath didn’t bring relief—only clarity.
It wasn’t the Council that had truly angered him. Yes, their constant talking when action was needed grated on him, but that wasn’t what had set him off. It had been something else entirely.
I want tae marry Isolde.
The realization hit him clean and hard. He ran a hand through his hair and crossed the room, pacing once before stopping short.
I want tae marry her. Nae because I have tae. Nae just tae keep her safe. God help me, I want her here… beside me, nae just under me name or roof, but in me life.
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
The chambermaids laid the table in his chamber with platters of food, sweets, and wine. He was starving and wanted to eat but waited for Isolde, whom he had already sent for. The aroma of the roasted meats, gravy, and other delicacies filled his chamber, making his stomach grumble.
He poured himself a cup of wine and sat back in his chair and as he did, his mind kept returning to the talk he’d had with his councilors.
It was true, there was an element of risk. Murdoch Mackintosh would not be pleased if Struan married his daughter without his knowledge or consent. Without negotiating a deal for her hand. And Murdoch Mackintosh, for all Struan knew, would do anything to get what he wants in said deal.
But, right now, this plan would prevent the alliance between Mackintosh and MacPherson from being bound by blood andmarriage. Being wed to Isolde would also grant Struan the right to Mackintosh’s lands after his passing.
His plan carried risks, yes. But it also had vast rewards for the clan in the future. If only his councilors had the vision to see his plan. Struan had a tremendous amount of respect for the men who sat around the table. They had helped his father through many difficult times, he knew. They had a collective wisdom and he often relied on the knowledge and experiences they had gathered over the years.
But another part of him thought that as they’d grown older, they’d grown more cautious. Far too complacent, at times. Struan knew that sometimes called for caution. But other times called for action and boldness. Decisiveness. He believed this was the case.
Of course, Struan would not force Isolde to marry him. He would not shackle her to a life she did not want. That would make him no better than her father and Struan would not do that. Even if it meant he might have to put his own desire aside. His feelings for her had blossomed into something deeper than he ever could have imagined. But, ultimately, all circled back to Isolde and what she wanted.
A soft knock sounded on his bedchamber door and a moment later, it opened. Struan glanced at Isolde as she walked in, then gently closed the door behind her. Her hands clasped at her waist, she wrung them together as she stepped over to where he sat.
“Ye wanted tae see me?” she asked.
Struan got to his feet and pulled the chair out for her. “I thought we could share a meal,” he said. “And have a talk.”
She licked her lips and nodded. “Aye. I suppose we should… have a talk, that is.”
“Aye.”
She sat down in the chair and let Struan push it in for her. She eyed the food on the table with a gleam in her eye that told him she was as hungry as he was. Days’ worth of deprivation on the road as they’d endured certainly had a way of opening a hole in the center of them that felt like it could never be filled again no matter how much they ate. Struan understood it all too well.
