Page 31 of Bride of the Merciless Laird
She snorted. “Oh no. The torture was only the beginning. Then there were all the ways I might be put tae death. From burning as a witch, being trampled by horses, drowned, sliced intae small pieces.” She caught his gaze. “Would ye care fer me tae continue? There were many more.”
He shuddered. “Nay, Lady Tyra. I believe ye have given me sufficient information.” He looked up, meeting her eyes. “I am pleased ye’ve at last seen fit tae reveal this. I only wish ye had spoken sooner.”
“I didnae ken if I could trust ye, milaird. I ken me former fiancé’s acquaintances go wide and deep. When we met, I didnae ken ifye were in league wi’ him and would bring me tae him.” A single tear trickled down her cheek and she wiped it away with her fingers.
Ewan pshawed loudly. He got to his feet and took the whisky decanter from its cabinet beside the hearth. He poured a splash into two glasses and handed one to her. He downed his in a single gulp and refilled his tumbler.
Tyra took a tiny taste, screwing up her face in distaste.
“D’ye nae care fer whisky, lass?”
She managed a faint smile. “I havenae a liking fer the taste or the burning in me throat. Yet the whisky is most pleasant as it warms me veins on the way down.”
He grew thoughtful. Her revelations came as no surprise. He’d long suspected MacDonald was behind the attack on her. What she’d told him confirmed it. Yet it rankled that she may have considered him a part of it.
“’Tis a disappointment tae me that ye could think me in any way connected with a scoundrel such as Harris MacDonald. I dinnae recollect ever making the lad’s acquaintance.” He scrubbed troubled fingers through his short, crisp, hair. “I’m aware of his infamy, and that Laird MacNeacail banished him from yer clan’s territory.” Turning to her, his heart stuttered against his ribcage. He was startled to suddenly discover that it meant a great deal for her to not view him as a man who would be connected with the likes of MacDonald.
He poured another finger of whisky into his goblet, turned and paced before the fire, his head whirling with the new discovery of the danger Tyra was in.
The message he’d found brought the danger home. Someoneinsidethe castle knew enough of her whereabouts and activities to continue the threats against her.
It was only a matter of time before another attempt was made to abduct her. What her fate would be after that, he could only imagine. His anger ran through him like a molten river at the very thought. It must not come to pass.
He paced again while she sat, gazing deep into the leaping flames.
Finally, he turned to Tyra, his mouth set in a grim line.
“’Tis nae safe fer ye anywhere. It seems ye are dogged by MacDonald’s minions wherever ye travel. There is only one possible answer that I can see.”
She looked up, meeting his eyes, her face lit by the glow of the fire, and his heart jumped.
The lass is a true beauty.
Her lip curled in a shaky smile. “What is the solution ye have tae offer?”
“The marriage we’ve agreed upon must take place without delay. Only when ye are wed can I offer ye the full protection of Clan Mackenzie. While I can stand wi’ ye against MacDonald, I cannae command me soldiers without the full compliance of the Council. Once we are wed, should MacDonald attack, it will be war with the Mackenzies he brings down upon his head.”
She sucked in a breath and released it as a loud huff. “So ye are suggesting we wed before therèiteachhas been agreed?”
“I’m nae saying that, but I am saying we shouldnae delay. I expect a response from yer braither shortly.”
“I understand. I…”
Before Tyra completed the sentence there was a rapid knocking on the door. Without waiting, Isla swept into the room, a little out of breath.
She looked from Tyra to her brother, tilting her head a little in puzzlement. “I’ve been waiting fer ye in the hall. Yer presence is required without delay, supper is being served and if ye wish tae eat it while it is still warm, ye’d best come now.”
Tyra got to her feet, smiling at Isla’s friendly persuasion. She straightened her skirt and tucked a loose strand of hair into her circlet of braids.
Turning to Ewan, she nodded. “Methinks we should obey yer sister’s commands, milaird.”
The laird gave a short laugh and followed them through the door.
They took their seats at the table. There was a vacant space for Duncan, while Tyra was seated beside Ewan, and Isla next to her.
During the meal, Ewan kept watch on Tyra. She seemed more subdued than usual. That was not surprising, given the discussion they’d just left and the arrival of the note.
Isla’s chatter kept them from utter dejection.
