"Everythin’ about ye is me concern now. We've established this."
"Ye've established it. I never agreed."
"Ye said vows yesterday. That's agreement enough."
"Vows I was forced tae speak."
"Forced." He looked up at her. "Was there a knife at yer throat?”
"There might as well have been."
"That's nae the same thing." He finished cleaning the cut and reached for a strip of linen to bind it. "But ye're right. Ye didnae choose this any more than I chose tae want ye here."
The admission seemed to surprise her. "Ye didnae want me here?"
"I wanted tae prevent an alliance. I wanted tae protect me clan's interests." He wrapped the linen around her finger with efficient movements. "What I got was a wife who looks at me like I'm the devil himself."
"Dae ye blame me?"
"Nay. But I can wish it were different."
Rain pattered against the window, the sound filling the sudden silence.
He released her hand, and they both stood, the broken glass forgotten at their feet.
"We started poorly," he said finally.
"That's an understatement."
"Aye. But we're stuck with each other now, fer better or worse." He moved to the window, watching water stream down the thick glass. "I'd prefer better."
"What are ye suggestin’?"
"A truce. Of sorts." He turned to face her. "Let me show ye the land. Help ye see that this place could be more than a prison."
"Now?" She glanced at the window. "It's rainin’."
"Once it clears." He studied her face, trying to read her thoughts. "Unless ye'd prefer tae spend the day locked in our chamber, tryin’ tae avoid me."
"That daes sound appealin’."
"I'm sure it doas. But it willnae make any of this easier."
She was quiet for a long moment. "If I agree tae this... ride, what dae ye expect in return?"
"Naethin’. Just yer company. Yer willingness tae see what I'm offerin’."
"And what are ye offerin’ exactly?"
"A chance tae understand each other. Tae find some common ground before… " He stopped himself.
"Before what? Before ye decide yer patience is exhausted and ye claim yer rights?"
His jaw tightened. "Before we destroy whatever small chance we have at makin’ this bearable."
She stared at him, those remarkable eyes searching his face for whatever it was she sought. Finally, she nodded.
"Fine. When the rain stops, we'll ride."
