"And marryingme solves all of that?" Sophie asked skeptically.
"It sends a message,"Kenneth explained, his voice taking on the tone of a teacher instructing a particularly slow student. "By making ye me wife, I'm showing the other clans that we're united, that we willnae be intimidated by yer brother's threats. It also gives ye the protection of me name and title."
Sophie felther anger rising again. "So, I'm to be nothin' more than a symbol? A flag to wave in front of the other clans?"
Kenneth's jaw clenched."Ye're to be me wife, the Lady of Clan MacAdams. It's a position of great honor and responsibility."
"But nae love,"Sophie said quietly, her heart aching. "Nae affection or companionship."
For a brief moment,something flickered in Kenneth's eyes - a hint of the warmth she had once seen there. But it was gone so quickly, Sophie thought she must have imagined it.
"As I said before,"Kenneth replied, his voice cold, "love is a luxury we cannae afford. This marriage is about duty, about protectin' our people and securin' our future."
Sophie stood,her hands clenched at her sides. "And what of me future, Kenneth? What of me dreams, me hopes? Do they mean nothin' to ye?"
Kenneth's expression softened slightly."Sophie, I?—"
But Sophie cut him off,not wanting to hear whatever platitudes he might offer. "Nay, daenae. I understand now. I'm to be yer wife in name only, a pretty ornament to hang on yer arm at clan gatherings. Well, let me assure ye, me laird, I'll play me part perfectly. I'll be the very model of a proper lady, a credit to yer name and title."
She turned to leave,but Kenneth's voice stopped her.
"Sophie,"he said, and there was something in his tone that made her pause. "I ken this isnae what ye wanted. But I hope... I hope that in time, ye'll see that this is for the best. For both of us."
Sophie looked back at him,her heart breaking anew at the conflict she saw in his eyes. For a moment, she allowed herself to hope that perhaps, deep down, he cared for her as she cared for him.
But then sheremembered his cold words in the garden, the way he had dismissed her feelings so callously. And she knew that hope was a dangerous thing indeed.
"I'll seeye at the wedding, me laird," she said, her voice devoid of emotion. "I trust ye'll inform me of the date once it's been decided."
And with that,she left, closing the door firmly behind her. As she walked away, her steps echoing in the empty corridor, Sophie felt as though she were leaving a part of herself behind in that study. The part that had dared to dream of love, of a future filled with happiness and affection.
For in theworld of clan politics and arranged marriages, there was no room for the foolish dreams of a young girl. Sophie had learned that lesson well, and she vowed never to forget it again.
CHAPTER SIX
Sophie stood at the window of her chamber, her gaze fixed on the distant hills but her mind a tempest of conflicting emotions. The past few days had been a whirlwind, each moment more confusing than the last. She had agreed to marry Kenneth, despite the doubts that gnawed at her heart. But now, in the quiet of her room, she found herself grappling with a realization that both thrilled and terrified her.
I havefeelings for Kenneth Elloway.
The thought hither like a physical blow, leaving her breathless and angry. How could she have let this happen? How could she have fallen for a man who saw their marriage as nothing more than a political arrangement?
"Fool,"she muttered to herself, pressing her forehead against the cool glass of the window. "Ye're a fool, Sophie Allen."
A soft knockat the door interrupted her self-recrimination. "Come in," she called, her voice sharper than she intended.
Colette and Arabella entered,their faces etched with concern. "Sophie, dear," Colette said gently, "how are ye holdin' up?"
Sophie attempted a smile,but it felt more like a grimace. "I'm fine," she lied, her voice brittle.
Arabella raised an eyebrow."Ye're a terrible liar, ye ken that?"
Despite herself,Sophie felt a harsh laugh escape her lips. "Aye, I suppose I am."
Colette crossed the room,reaching for Sophie's hands, but Sophie pulled away. "Tell us what's troublin' ye, lass. We're here to help."
Sophie resumed her pacing,unable to stay still. "I... I think I care for Kenneth," she admitted, the words tasting like ashes in her mouth.
Arabella and Colette exchanged a glance."And this is a problem because...?" Arabella prompted.
