Page 57 of Bride of the Merciless Laird
“So, ye came here under yer own free will?”
Tyra smiled reassuringly. “Laird Ewan offered me several choices at first. One of which was that I might return with the escort tae Scorrybreac.”
Edmund nodded. “And ye didnae see fit tae choose tae return?”
Casting her mind back to that night at the inn, and the fear and confusion she felt then, Tyra shrugged. “Returning home would nae have resolved the threats and the menace posed by Harris.”
Annora nodded. “Of course. It would also have exposed ye tae danger on the journey back tae Skye.”
“As soon as I spoke me name, Laird Ewan understood who I was. He was aware of me ruined reputation and how unlikely it would be fer me tae find another match.”
“Was it kindness, then, that led tae his proposal?” Annora asked.
“Mayhap it was. He has been kind. He cares about me safety and has sworn tae protect me. After the second attack from Harris’s men, only days ago, he decided that tae ensure me safety tae the fullest extent possible, the wedding should take place without delay. I agreed and the Council’s approval was granted. Now that I am wed, the full might of the Mackenzies is sworn tae protecttheir laird’s wife. I am Lady Mackenzie, and any attack on me will count as an attack on Clan Mackenzie.”
Edmund sat back in his chair stroking his chin. “That is greater protection than our clan could offer ye, Tyra. The Mackenzies control a mighty force consisting of many men. They are held in high favor with the King. Harris MacDonald would be a foolish man if he should attack ye now.”
“That was why Ewan was so determined tae bring forward the marriage. It was Clan Mackenzie’s full might he sought fer me protection.”
Edmund nodded thoughtfully. “And I doubt it has gone unnoticed by yer husband that ye are a most bonnie lass. I can see the advantage fer the Mackenzies in the union wi’ our clan. The way tae the south is controlled by MacDonald and by an alliance wi’ our clan, the northern trade route will be greatly to the Mackenzies’ advantage.”
There it was again, that sinking, hollow, feeling in her heart. Was she naught but a bargaining chip, a mere object whose only worth was whatever benefit she could bring to a man’s ambition, to be weighed up like a firlot of barley?
She gave a sad nod. “Aye, there will be advantage fer both clans wi’ the union between us.”
Annora put out a gentle hand. “Tomorrow will be time enough tae talk of trade routes and clan agreements. Taenight, I wish tae be assured that me sweet sister’s heart is nae at risk.”
She cast her gaze over Tyra. “Will this marriage bring ye happiness?
Tyra gave a sharp, mirthless laugh. “I cannae predict such a thing, Annora. Ye may recall I once believed that marriage wi’ Harris MacDonald would be the source of lifelong happiness.” She turned to face her sister-in-law. “And ye will recall how utterly mistaken I was about him.”
“Ye could nae have kent what was tae come. He disguised himself with his handsome looks, his fine attire and his perfect manners. But both yer braither and meself were greatly pained tae see how badly ye took the discovery of his betrayal.”
Tyra clutched her hands together in her lap, remembering the devastation she’d felt as all her hopes and dreams had come tumbling around her ears when she learned the truth about her fiancé, Harris MacDonald. She blinked away the burn of brewing tears and shook her head.
“Dinnae fash. Me heart is nae at risk. I’ve been foolish fer a lad one time only. Ne’er again. Laird Ewan is an honest man. He’s nae filled me head with foolish lies as Harris did.” She felt a moment’s misgiving at not revealing the truth, that theirs was to be a marriage in name only. “Besides, I’ve grown more than fond of his kin, Isla and Duncan, and Eilean Donan is a most beautiful place with a splendid keep at its heart.” Her voice brightened. “How could I nae be happy here?”
Annora was smiling now. “I’ve seen ye look at him with such admiration. Yer eyes are filled with yer esteem fer him. And he,too, casts ye looks as if ye are more than just pleasing tae him.” Tyra shook her head disbelievingly and Annora gave a soft laugh. “Mayhap ye dinnae yet ken yer feelings fer each other. Yet I never saw such looks pass between ye and Harris, even when ye professed ye cared a great deal fer each other.”
Tyra felt her heart slipping. Was the strange fluttering inside her when her eyes met Ewan’s, and the shots of pure molten heat she’d experienced at the barest touch of his hand, so visible? If her feelings were so transparent, had Ewan observed them also?
All at once she felt exposed, fearful, and vulnerable. She must take care. To fall in love with the man she’d married could only lead to heartbreak.
Edmund, too, was smiling. “Ye have set our fears tae rest, dear sister.” He got to his feet and planted a soft, brotherly kiss on her forehead. “Tomorrow I’ll speak wi’ Laird Mackenzie of the terms of therèiteachand what plans we can make fer trade. Meanwhile, ‘tis yer wedding night, so ye must join yer new husband in his chamber.”
Annora walked with her to the door. As Tyra was about to leave, she dipped her head and spoke in a low voice.
“Go now tae yer new husband. Ye ken the marriage isnae legal until ye have laid together as man and wife?”
Tyra nodded, her heart pounding madly at Annora’s words. She knew only too well that the consummation her sister spoke of would never take place.
“I am happy ye and me braither are here now.” She turned and walked into the passage.
Tyra’s steps were heavy as she found her way along the passageway and ascended the stairs leading to her sleeping chamber. She was gratified that the conversation seemed to have satisfied Edmund’s and Annora’s questioning. Confident that they were now sure enough of what she desired and Edmund would not find it necessary to bring about an annulment. Yet, not only was she still burdened with the bedeviling question of what exactly it was about his first marriage that came between herself and Ewan. And also, what would happen if they ever were to consume the marriage? Would it just make her care all the more, and thus risk bigger heartbreak as time went on? After all he did look at her at times in a way that made her whole body quiver and burn, and his kisses communicated to her things that did not correspond with what they had decided. She tried to erase those thoughts, for they had decided it would not happen and she did not want them to lead her to hope otherwise.
She entered her bedchamber, hoping to find solace there. But it was cold and forbidding, without a fire and with only the candle she carried to give it light.
She was shivering in her chair, unsure of whether she should ready herself for bed or go in search of Ewan, when there was a soft, tentative, knock on the door.
