She saw Donnan twice. Once in the corridor, where he'd offered his usual concerned smile and asked if she was well. She'd managed to nod, to mumble something about being tired.
The second time was just before midday, when she'd been crossing the courtyard. He'd been standing near the stables, watching her with those assessing eyes.
Ada had looked away quickly, her heart pounding. Did he suspect? Could he tell something was different?
Magnus found her in their chamber as the sun reached its peak. "It's time."
Ada nodded, smoothed her skirts with trembling hands. "I'm ready."
"Remember the plan. I'll start it. Ye just react naturally." Magnus's expression was grim. "And Ada? I'm sorry. Fer what I'm about tae say."
"Dinnae be. It's nae real." But her voice shook slightly.
They made their way down to the courtyard together. People were milling about—servants finishing their midday meal, guards changing shifts, villagers who'd come to trade at the keep's small market.
And there, near the well, stood Donnan. Watching.
Perfect.
Magnus's hand tightened on her arm, harder than necessary. Enough to make her wince. "We need tae talk. Now."
"Magnus, ye're hurtin' me."
"I said now." His voice was cold. Harsh. Nothing like the gentle tone he usually used with her. "I'm tired of yer complainin'. Tired of yer constant demands fer more."
Ada felt tears spring to her eyes, not entirely from acting. Hearing him speak to her like that, even knowing it was false, hurt more than she'd expected. "I havenae demanded anythin'."
"Ye want tae be a healer. Want tae ride around the island like some common woman instead of actin' like the lady ye're supposed tae be." Magnus's jaw was tight, his eyes flat. "I've given ye everythin'. A home. A title. Protection. And still it's nae enough."
"That's nae fair—" Ada's voice broke convincingly. "I just want tae be useful. Tae help yer people."
"Me people dinnae need help from a Highland lass who daesnae even want tae be here." Magnus released her arm with a slight push that made her stumble back a step. "Ye made that clear enough when ye arrived. When ye looked at me like I was some monster from yer nightmares."
People were staring now. Conversations had died. Ada could feel their eyes on her, could hear the whispers starting.
"I never said that."
"Ye didnae have tae say it. I could see it in yer face." Magnus's voice carried across the courtyard. "Ye're here because the kingcommanded it. Because ye had nay choice. Well, neither did I. But at least I've tried tae make this work."
"I've tried too!" Ada let the tears fall now, let her voice rise. "I've tried tae be what ye need. What yer people need. But ye—ye're so cold. So distant. Ye barely even look at me most days."
"Because lookin' at ye reminds me that I'm trapped. Bound tae a woman who'll never see me as anythin' more than the monster everyone says I am." Magnus's hands clenched at his sides. "Maybe they were right. Maybe I should have refused this marriage from the start."
The words landed like physical blows. Ada gasped, took another step back. "How can ye say that?"
"Because it's the truth. This marriage was a mistake. We both ken it. We're just too proud tae admit it."
"Fine." Ada's voice shook with genuine emotion now. "If that's how ye truly feel, then maybe—maybe I should just leave. Go back tae the Highlands where I belong, tae me faither."
"Ye cannae leave. There is a Pact."
"I dinnae care about the Pact!" Ada was shouting now, tears streaming down her face. "I dinnae care about any of it! I just want—" She choked on the words. "I just want tae be somewhere I'm actually wanted."
Magnus's expression remained hard. Cold. "Then perhaps ye should have thought of that before ye agreed to this marriage."
"I didnae agree. I was forced. By me faither. By the king. By everyone who decided me life fer me without askin' what I wanted." Ada turned away, her shoulders shaking. "I hate this. I hate bein' here. I hate?—"
She couldn't finish. Just ran toward the keep, one hand pressed to her mouth to muffle her sobs.
