She had to admit that the whole thing had gone very smoothly so far. There seemed to be no doubt in Sophie’s mind that Megan and Ryder really were betrothed, and since she already seemed to like her, that was a good start.
Alaina would likely be harder to convince. She’d be more suspicious of a new betrothed coming out of thin air and wouldask questions. She’d want to know where Megan and Ryder met, how their “love story” had progressed, and so on.
Megan would have to come up with satisfactory answers to these questions. From what she’d heard of Alaina, the girl was just an ordinary teenage lass. She was moody, confused, crippled by ordinary teenage embarrassment, and unsure of her place in the world. Megan remembered watching each of her younger sisters go through that uncomfortable stage, so that when it came for her, she knew what to expect.
I have to be her friend,she reminded herself.If Alaina is the sort to resent any restriction of her freedom, I imagine she views honesty very highly.
Which, of course, is even more reason to keep her from findin’ out the truth.
This thought sent a shiver of unease down Megan’s spine. Their little scheme wasn’t going to last forever. Once the people who meant harm to Alaina had been dealt with, Megan would leave. How would they manage it? Maybe she could just slip away, and Ryder could tell them that she simply broke off the betrothal.
Would they be disappointed? Nay, I’m sure they willnae. Their braither is the one they love. Sophie is sweet and very friendly, but she’s so young. She’ll forget me in nay time. And as for Alaina, I might nae even earn her friendship in the first place.
“Ye should go and meet Alaina now, then,” Ryder said, sounding disinterested. He’d wandered over to his desk and had begunshuffling through various papers. “I’ll check on ye later, and order a room to be made up for ye by Alaina’s. Unless, of course, Alaina invites ye to stay with her.”
Megan didn’t think that was very likely, but if she could stay close to her charge, that would be suitable.
“Aye, I’m sure that’s right,” she answered, a thrill of nerves rolling in her stomach.
At that moment, Sophie reached up and grabbed her hand, tugging gently.
“Come with me; I’ll show ye where to go,” the little girl said reassuringly. “Ineverget lost in the Keep, but newcomers do, all the time.”
“Well, then, I’m glad I have ye with me,” Megan laughed, allowing herself to be towed toward the door.
“Oh, and one last thing,” Ryder called as Sophie opened the door.
Megan glanced back at him, lifting her eyebrows questioningly.
He met her gaze, and a slow grin spread across his face. He put his fingertips to his lips and blew akissat her.
“I’ll see ye soon, me darling bride,” he said, chuckling.
Color flooded Megan’s face. She turned away as soon as possible, but it was too late—he’d seen it. She could hear him laughing to himself as Sophie tugged her out of the study and into the hallway.
This had better all be worth it,Megan thought grimly.
CHAPTER 6
I’ll see ye soon,me darling bride.
He was mocking her, that was all. He wasmockingher, and yet his words had burrowed into her mind and echoed there. She could still see his wry, teasing smile, and could hear his light voice in her head. When had his voice and face imprinted themselves so firmly in her mind? It was a thoroughly unsettling realization, one that made her feel quite uncomfortable.
Stay calm. Nae everythin’ means somethin’. He is just mockin’ ye. He doesnae mean anythin’. His words are just… just words. Let them go. Ye had better learn not to care what he says if ye intend to make it through the next three months.
Three months really seemed like a lot of time, but alsonotenough. What was she supposed to think about that? What was that supposed to mean?
Ye are nae thinkin’ straight. That’s all it is.
Megan swallowed thickly, giving her head a little shake. He was playing a part for his sister’s benefit, clearly with the hope of upsetting Megan, too.
So why was there a flutter in her gut that would not go away?
It’s annoyance,she told herself firmly.It’s because I do nae like him, but I’m forced to be near him anyway.
If he weren’t so handsome, I would have nay trouble dislikin’ him plainly. It’s just because he’s handsome that I’m findin’ meself confused. That’s all. Good looks really are a curse. Ye struggle to see through a person’s handsome exterior to the person underneath. And the person underneath isnota good man. He is annoying, unpleasant, andmore.
“I amnaeafraid,” she muttered.
