"I cannae dae that."
"Because ye need me fer yer political games?"
"Because lettin’ ye go back tae yer faither willnae solve anythin’.”
She was quiet for a moment, considering this. "So what happens now?"
"Now ye accept that ye're goin’ tae be me wife whether ye like it or nae."
"And if I refuse?"
"Ye'll refuse anyway. But since ye tried tae escape once, I cannae risk ye tryin’ again."
"What daes that mean?"
Instead of answering, he brought out a rope from his little backpack. "I didnae want tae dae this lass, but ye give me nay choice."
"Dae ye carry ropes around? What are ye daein’ with that?" She backed away from him as he approached.
"Makin’ sure ye cannae slip away again while I'm sleepin’."
"Ye're goin’ tae tie me up?"
"Just our hands taegether. So I'll ken if ye move."
"Nay." She shook her head vehemently. "Nay, I willnae be bound like some hostage."
"It's nae about treatin’ ye like a hostage. It's about keepin’ ye safe."
"Safe? Or keepin’ me from inconveniencin’ ye?"
"Both."
His honesty seemed to catch her off guard. "I willnae dae it."
She tried to dodge around him, but he caught her wrist easily. "Please dinnae make this harder than it has tae be."
"Let go of me!"
"I will, once ye're secured fer the night."
She fought him as he tied the rope around her wrist, but gently, carefully, making sure the bonds were secure but not tight enough to cut off circulation or chafe her skin. She was strong for her size, but no match for his greater strength.
"This is how ye protect me?" she demanded as he finished the knots. "By treatin’ me like a prisoner?"
"This is how I keep ye from getting’ yerself killed in a misguided rescue attempt." He tied the other end around his own wrist, testing the length to make sure she'd have enough freedom to move comfortably. "Ye're nae a prisoner, lass. Ye're a womanunder me protection who happens tae have terrible judgment about her own safety."
"Me judgment is perfectly fine!"
"Is it? Ye were about tae wander off intae Highland wilderness, at night."
"At least I was willin’ tae try!"
"At least I'm willin’ tae think before I act."
They glared at each other, both breathing hard from their struggle, connected now by three feet of rope that might as well have been a chain.
"I hate ye," she said quietly.
