Page 81 of Captured By the Cruel Highlander
Emily’s grip on his arm was tightening by the second as the priest finally asked them to repeat their vows.
Adam spoke the words automatically, unable to believe that he was truly marrying his pixie from the moorlands.
As the priest bound their hands, Adam could see her fingers trembling violently. He took hold of them, and at his assuredness, she took a shuddering breath, visibly calming.
There was a long, ominous silence as the priest read the final prayer over their hands and then pronounced them man and wife.
Adam was stunned. They were truly married. There had been no whisper of Stewart’s presence anywhere. He did not understand it.
They turned to face the congregation, which was cheering and applauding now. He looked at his mother’s happy expression and Freya’s smile of pride and could not quite believe it had happened.
“Have ye heard anythin’ from Laird Orkney?” Emily whispered, for his ears alone.
He turned to her, placing a finger on his lips. “Ye willnae speak of another man on our weddin’ day, lass,” he said forcefully, pulling her to him and taking her mouth in a long kiss.
She melted against him, her arms going around his neck as the crowd cheered.
The guards and soldiers were tense in anticipation of trouble, but the world seemed to have allowed them a reprieve.
Adam was not going to miss an opportunity to hold Emily in his arms again.
I have claimed me bride. Now I must do what I can to keep her safe.
28
The feast at MacNiall Castle was a grand affair, and Adam’s mother had spared no expense with the decorations.
Merry banners lined the walls, and a group of players strummed a lively tune in one corner. Long tables had been placed in a horseshoe design all around the room, and there was a happy atmosphere. Wine flowed freely, and the guests were merry.
Adam did not drink any wine at all, but by contrast, Laird MacGordon appeared to believe the danger had passed and was enjoying himself a great deal. His brooding expression never faded, but Emily thought she saw him smile at one point.
Emily watched the room with a sense of amazement, her mind still reeling from what had taken place that day.
It doesnae seem real.I am married now.
Walking down the aisle had brought back unpleasant memories. Every step she took had felt like it was bringing her closer to her doom.
Adam’s face had been all she could focus on. He was so huge and strong, it felt like nothing could touch her in his presence. So far, that had proved correct.
But he hasnae spoken a word to me since we returned to the castle.
Adam’s eyes were fixed on the edges of the room. He looked at every guest as though they were a threat.
“He cannae get inside, surely,” Emily said in a low voice.
Adam clenched his fist around his fork and shook his head. “I dinnae ken. I dinnae understand what he is playin’ at.”
Adam always believed the weddin’ wouldnae take place. Perhaps that was what he was hopin’ for, and now he is disappointed.
She sat back in her chair, feeling dejected. Looking around at the revelry, she couldn’t muster any of the energy and happiness her guests seemed to possess.
The feast passed in a blur, with many clan members approaching the high table to congratulate them, and even Lady MacNiall was laughing and joking with everyone.
Emily felt numb to it all, and by the time she escaped to her bedchamber, she was glad of the silence.
Olivia helped her out of her dress and placed everything carefully back in the wardrobe. Emily watched as the sash and brooch were folded and put into a drawer.
I am married,she mused in astonishment.Adam is me husband.
