"Perhaps they should be." Donnan's smile widened slightly. "After all, ye're here because of him. Because he agreed tae the Pact. If the laird refuses tae honor the marriage, it reflects poorly on yer faither."
"Then ye should hope the laird honors it."
"Oh, I dae." Something in Donnan's tone made Ada's pulse quicken with unease. "I hope it very much. But if he daesnae..." He shrugged, his gaze lingering on her face. "Well. There are other ways tae ensure the alliance holds."
Ada stared at him, trying to decipher the meaning behind his words. Her father had sent Donnan with her specifically, insisted he remain on Barra to "ensure her safety." But standing there now, watching the way his eyes tracked her movements, Ada felt anything but safe.
Other ways tae ensure the alliance holds.
What did that mean? Forcing Magnus's hand somehow? Using her as bait? Or worse—something she didn't want to consider but couldn't ignore. The way Donnan looked at her had always felt hungry. Possessive. Like he believed he had some claim to her that no one else recognized.
Before she could respond, another knock sounded at the door.
"Me lady?" Isla's voice, cheerful and oblivious. "I've brought water and bread."
Donnan's expression shifted back to polite concern so quickly that Ada almost doubted what she'd seen. "I'll leave ye tae rest, me lady. But if ye need anythin', anythin' at all, ye ken where tae find me."
He slipped past Isla in the doorway, nodding politely to her as he left.
Isla entered with a basin and a cloth, a small loaf of bread balanced on top. She set everything on the chest, then turned to Ada with a frown.
"Was that one of yer faither's men?"
"Aye." Ada's voice sounded distant even to her own ears.
"He shouldnae be in yer chambers alone." Isla's frown deepened. "It's nae proper. I'll make sure he kens tae wait fer escort next time."
Ada nodded, though she doubted Donnan would listen. Men like him never did.
After Isla left, Ada forced herself to eat a few bites of bread, for her hunger had vanished after the man’s visit, and to wash her face in the cold water. Then she lay down on the bed, still fully clothed, and stared up at the ceiling.
Somewhere below, Magnus Haraldson was likely still with Brian, discussing the decree. Her. Whether the marriage was worth the price of refusal.
And somewhere in the keep, Donnan was watching. Waiting.
For what, Ada couldn't say.
But the unease that had settled in her stomach during his visit refused to leave.
She closed her eyes and tried to rest, but all she could see was Magnus's face on the dock; the shock when he'd recognized her, followed immediately by cold rejection. She had been as shocked as him when she had recognized him.
He knew who she was. Knew what she'd done at the festival.
And he clearly hadn't forgiven her for it.
But what had she expected? That the man she'd used as a shield would welcome her with open arms? That he'd forgotten how she'd kissed him without permission, used his protection without explanation, and vanished like a coward?
She'd had no choice then. She had no choice now.
And somehow, that made everything worse. At least when she'd run from her father, she'd been fighting for her freedom. Nowshe was trapped in a marriage to a man who despised her, in a keep surrounded by the sea, with her father's spy watching her every move.
That wasn't freedom. It was just a different cage.
CHAPTER FOUR
"Ye cannae be serious."
Torvald's voice followed Magnus down the corridor, away from the great hall where Brian was no doubt already composing his report to the king. Magnus didn't slow his stride, his boots striking stone with sharp, angry sounds.
