And with each passing day,Kenneth found it harder and harder to imagine Sophie with anyone else. The thought of another man touching her, kissing her, making her laugh – it was enough to drive him mad with jealousy.
But he couldn't haveher. He had made a vow to Colette, and he was a man of his word…
Kenneth stalkedthrough the corridors of his keep, his footsteps echoing off the stone walls. For days now, he had been avoiding Sophie, taking his meals in his study and burying himself in work.
As he rounded a corner,he caught a glimpse of golden hair and quickly ducked into an alcove. His heart pounded as Sophie walked past, her brow furrowed in thought. She looked pale and tired, and Kenneth felt a pang of guilt. He knew he was the causeof her distress, but he couldn't bring himself to face her. Not when he was still so conflicted about his feelings.
Once Sophie had passed,Kenneth emerged from his hiding spot, cursing under his breath. He was the Laird of Clan MacAdams, for God's sake. He shouldn't be skulking about his own castle like a thief in the night. But the thought of confronting Sophie, of seeing the hurt and confusion in her eyes, was more than he could bear.
As he madehis way to the council chambers, Kenneth steeled himself for the meeting ahead. He knew his advisors were growing impatient with his inability to find Sophie a suitable husband. And with the threat of Laird Allen looming over them, they couldn't afford any distractions.
Kenneth pushed openthe heavy oak doors, his face a mask of calm authority as he strode into the room. The council members rose to their feet, bowing their heads in respect.
"Be seated,"Kenneth commanded, taking his place at the head of the table. "What news?"
Old Fergus,his most trusted advisor, cleared his throat. "Me laird, we must discuss the matter of Lady Sophie's marriage. It's been a week since ye brought her here, and still nay husband has been chosen."
Kenneth's jaw clenched,but he kept his voice level. "I'm well aware of the situation, Fergus. But I'll nae rush into a decision that will affect the rest of the lass's life."
"With all due respect, me laird,"another councilman, Hamish, interjected, "we cannae afford to delay much longer. Laird Allen grows more restless by the day. There are rumors he's gathering his forces, preparing for war."
Kenneth's handtightened on the arm of his chair. "Let him come," he growled. "We'll send him back to his keep with his tail between his legs."
"But at what cost?"Fergus asked softly. "Our clan is still recovering from last year's floods. We cannae afford a prolonged conflict."
Kenneth knewthe old man was right, but he couldn't bring himself to admit it. The thought of handing Sophie over to another man, of watching her build a life with someone else, made his blood boil.
"What of the Highland Assembly?"he asked, changing the subject. "Have we received word from the other clans?"
Hamish nodded,shuffling through a stack of parchments. "Aye, me laird. Most have confirmed their attendance. It's a prime opportunity to forge new alliances, particularly with Laird MacDean. His lands by the sea could open up new trade routes for us."
Kenneth leaned forward,his interest piqued. "Aye, that could be just what we need to replenish our coffers. We'll need to make a strong impression if we're to secure his support."
"Allthe more reason to settle Lady Sophie's marriage quickly," Fergus pressed. "We cannae afford any distractions during the assembly. The other lairds will be watchin' us closely, looking for any sign of weakness."
Kenneth's temper flared."And ye think marryin' Sophie off to the first available man is a sign of strength?" he snapped. "She's nae a piece of cattle to be bartered away!"
The council members exchanged glances,clearly taken aback by their laird's vehemence. Kenneth took a deep breath, trying to regain his composure.
"Me laird,"Hamish said hesitantly, "we understand yer concern for Lady Sophie's welfare. But surely ye can see the need for a swift resolution..."
Kenneth's mind raced.He knew they were right, that he needed to make a decision. But the thought of Sophie in another man's arms, bearing his children... it was more than he could bear.
Before he could stop himself,the words tumbled from his lips: "I'll marry her meself."
A stunned silencefell over the room. Kenneth could hardly believe what he'd said, but as the shock wore off, he realized it was the only solution that made sense.
Hamish wasthe first to recover. "But me laird, think of the consequences. If ye marry Lady Sophie, ye'll be making anenemy of Laird Allen for certain. He'll see it as a direct challenge to his authority."
Kenneth's eyes flashed dangerously."Let him. I'd rather face him on the battlefield than hand Sophie over to that bastard or any other man who doesn't deserve her."
The council membersexchanged worried glances. They had never seen their laird so adamant about anything, let alone a woman.
"Me laird,"Fergus said gently, "we understand ye feel protective of Lady Sophie. But is this truly the wisest course of action? Ye barely ken the lass. And there's nay guarantee she'll agree to the match."
Kenneth's jawclenched at the thought. What if Sophie rejected him? What if she couldn't forgive him for avoiding her these past few days?
"She'll agree,"Kenneth said, his voice cold and unyielding. "She has nay other option."
