Page 46 of Captured By the Cruel Highlander
The need was so powerful that it consumed her entirely. Bruce’s letter burned against her skin as she stared with determination at the gates.
The last few days had been a mad swirl of decisions and choices, and now she was finally taking control of her fate.
If she married Adam, there would still be no guarantee that her family would be safe. If she returned to them, at least they would all be together, and that’s what mattered.
She quickened her pace as she slipped past the stables and edged around the back of a wagon, listening to the rumbling voicesof the guards above her. It sounded as though they were facing outward and would not see her.
She continued on, holding her breath, expecting to hear a shout from behind her with every step.
In another minute, she reached the gates.
Looking back, there were no guards chasing her, and everything was quiet. She was almost disappointed that Adam was not watching her every move. A tiny part of her wanted him to march out of the castle, throw her over his shoulder again, and carry her back inside.
She closed her eyes, taking a deep breath as she turned back toward the wide world before her.
She had no knowledge of which direction to head in, but she knew that she would be hidden in the woods, and it could not be long before she found her bearings again.
With renewed determination, she set off, only certain of one thing—that she was going back to her family and that was where she needed to be.
The wind picked up as she walked along the path away from the castle. Clouds gathered above her head, heralding the arrival of another storm.
As she reached the woods, she looked back at the silhouette of the castle against the dark sky. There was no movement, no sign of anyone coming after her, and bitter disappointment rushed through her.
Dinnae be so foolish, Emily Murray. Ye were there against yer will. Now ye can return to where ye are wanted for who ye are, nae what ye can be used for.
As the rain started to fall, she hiked up her skirts, holding them high enough that they did not tangle in the branches below her. The folds of her dress were getting soaked from the boggy lands around the castle already, weighing her down.
She made her way deeper and deeper into the woods, the sky only darkening further as she did so.
The rain began to fall in heavy sheets, the canopy of trees barely holding it at bay. She came to a halt, listening to the gentle patter of the rain as it fell from the sky. Closing her eyes, she allowed the sound to surround her. It was a peaceful moment in the midst of a world that seemed to be falling apart around her.
Emily opened her eyes, determined to keep going, but when she turned around, she could not recall from which direction she had entered the woods.
She trudged on regardless, soaked to the bone and tired, wishing she had never laid eyes on Adam Kane.
“What do ye mean she isnae in her chambers?”
Olivia bobbed another curtsy nervously and shook her head. “She hasnae returned, M’Laird.”
Adam glared at his mother. They were all seated in the dining hall for supper. He had prevented anyone from eating until Emily had arrived, but she was extremely late.
He turned to his sister. “Do ye ken where she is?”
“Nay, the last time I saw her was with Maither.”
Adam’s gaze flicked to Lady MacNiall, who raised her hands defensively. “I didnae do anythin’ to her, I merely showed her the Lady’s chambers and offered her me weddin’ dress. I am doin’ as I am told—treatin’ her with respect. As M’Laird commanded.”
Adam’s jaw clenched. “Theo!” he hollered.
The outer door opened, and Theodore strode in at once, a hand on his sword, his eyes watchful and guarded.
“M’Laird,” he said immediately. He walked to Adam’s chair and stood beside it, as though there were a threat to his life inside the room.
“Have ye seen me bride-to-be? We cannae locate her.”
Theo frowned. “Nay, M’Laird. The last I saw her was this afternoon. I will check the rear passages.”
Adam’s eyes narrowed. “And why would a stranger, who has only just arrived at the castle, ken of the rear passages?”
