“Speak carefully, lady. To insult me is to insult the Bruce. And he now rules Dunstaffnage—and you.”
Her face blanched and she reached up to pull his hand away. Although her touch sent shivers down his spine, the look of hatred in her eyes shocked him. Was it meant for him or for Robert? Sebastien released her and sent her stumbling back a few paces.
“I would see my brother and sister.” It was a demand, with no acceptance in her tone that he was the victor here.
“I think not.” They had business to conclude before he would surrender his leverage.
“You think to keep them prisoner? Will you throw them in the cell that opens to the ocean’s winds? Will you keep them wrapped in chains…?”
He grabbed her once more. She challenged him with every word she spoke and, in spite of a certain exhilaration he felt because of it, he could not allow that to happen. This time he used both hands to take her by the shoulders.
“Until we finish our business, you will go nowhere but where I take you, and do nothing that I do not tell you to do.”
He drew her closer until only inches separated their faces. Suddenly he was fighting an urge to kiss her instead of threaten her. Tamping down that desire, he gritted his teeth and forced out the words of his orders from the Bruce.
“The Bruce has taken your father prisoner and I hold your siblings and this castle for Robert. You have the choice of what happens to them.”
“I have the choice?” Her voice came out as a stuttering whisper. He could see the fear in her eyes now.
“You will be wed or dead by nightfall—it is up to you.”
All the color left her face and she looked as though she might faint. After a few moments, she spoke.
“Wed or dead? Who will carry out this sentence?”
“You will wed me or be dead by my hand, lady. Choose now.”
Lara MacDougall could not speak. As most of those living at Dunstaffnage knew, that did not happen often. She stared up at the face of her enemy and could not believe the words he had just said. Wed him or die? Today?
She shook her head, simply not able to comprehend the reasons behind his supposed orders from the Bruce. Pah! The Bruce? How dare he think he had the right to rule Scotland and especially this area! Her father had held power here for so long she could not remember it ever being any different. And who was this Sebastien of Cleish to think that he was deserving of the hand of the Maid of Lorne? Blinking, she shook her head again.
“Is that your answer? You would choose to die?”
He released her and she watched in horror as he stepped back and pulled a long sword from its sheath. His brows gathered in a mighty frown, but his intent was clear—her death. Before she could protest or say anything, the sounds of screaming emanated from the castle. Lara reacted as she always did when her family or people were threatened—she turned to run back inside to determine the reason. Could the Bruce’s men be killing those within? Her young maid and some cousins had remained inside when she’d left. Were they being attacked?
Her captor’s arm wrapped around her waist and pulled her back against his body. She tore at his hands and called out her maid’s name, trying to get free, but the brute’s strength was impressive. He hardly even moved as she struggled. When she stopped for a moment, intending to try again, he took her braid in his fist and pulled her head toward his. His breath was hot against her neck and his words were just as heated.
“You will get back inside either as my wife or in a wooden box. No other way. Until you decide, you stay here.” She finally realized he meant what he said. She shivered in fear as the words sank in. Before she could think about her own situation, she must get his agreement to keep those inside safe during his stay here.
“But the women inside…? What is happening to them?” She almost feared asking the question, knowing what men in battle did to their enemies’ women afterward.
“They will not be harmed as long as they do not resist my control over the keep. That is more than I can say for your father’s methods of occupation.”
They stayed in this position for a few moments as she considered his words. At least alive she could continue to fight for her family. Alive, she could find a way to get her brother and sister away from Dunstaffnage and to the safety of her uncle’s lands. Alive, she would…have to marry a man who cared not if he took her as wife or took her head for the Bruce.
But she would be alive, and that was all that mattered now.
“I choose…” She struggled to get the words out. In her wildest imaginings and worst nightmares she had never pictured this as her future—married on the orders of her father’s bitterest enemy. What kind of life would she have to endure as this man’s wife?
He eased his hold of her and she turned to face him. Her gaze moved over his face and body. He was well-formed, with a warrior’s build. Although he was covered with sweat and blood, she could not see any signs of disfigurement or disease.
“I see no other way than to choose marriage to you.”
Lara did not know what she had expected as a response to her words, but the grunt and nod, followed by him walking off toward the chapel, was not it. He called out orders to those under his command who stood nearby as he strode away. When he realized that she remained where he had left her, he turned back to her.
“Come, lady. The priest awaits us in the chapel.” With barely a pause and a wave at her, he continued down the worn path toward the stone building set off some distance from the castle.
“Priest?” she called out. “Surely you do not mean to carry out the wedding ceremonynow.” Lara put her fists on her hips and waited for him to answer.
