"So," Henry said after the third course, his tone artificially light. "Shall we discuss the terms of the union? I assume ye're both eager tae understand what's expected."
"We ken what's expected," Harald said flatly. "A marriage. An alliance. Peace between the Isles and the Highlands."
"Yes, yes, of course. But there are... particulars." Henry dabbed at his mouth with a napkin. "His Majesty has granted ye ten days tae become acquainted before the ceremony. We felt it important that ye have time tae... adjust tae one another."
Ten days.
Enya felt something cold settle in her stomach. Ten days to learn Harald's secrets. To find evidence of his supposed plans againsther clan. To betray the man currently defending her honor to a room full of strangers.
"How generous," she heard herself say.
"Indeed. We want this union tae succeed, Lady Cameron. For everyone's sake." Henry's smile was thin. "After all, ye're the third such marriage under the Pact. It would be... unfortunate if this one were tae fail where the others succeeded."
"It willnae fail," Harald said. His voice was absolute. Final.
"I'm glad tae hear it. Though of course, we'll need proof of consummation after the ceremony. Standard procedure, ye understand. Cannae have questions about the legitimacy of the union later."
Enya's cheeks flamed. She stared at her plate, unable to look at anyone, as shame crawled up her spine.
They were going to demand the sheets, inspect them like livestock, looking for blood to prove she'd been a virgin, that the marriage was real.
The humiliation of it made her want to sink through the floor.
"That's enough." Harald's voice cut through her spiraling thoughts. "Ye've made yer point, Henry. We understand the Crown's requirements. There's nae need tae belabor them at the dinner table."
"I simply want tae ensure?—"
"I said enough." Harald's hand moved to rest on the table near Enya's—not touching, but close enough that she could feel the heat of it. Close enough that it felt like support. "Lady Cameronhas had a long day. She daesnae need tae hear ye discussin' her weddin’ night like it's a business transaction."
"Everything about this is a business transaction, Laird Harald." Henry's voice hardened. "The king commanded these marriages tae secure peace. That means certain... assurances must be given. Surely ye understand that."
"I understand that ye're enjoyin' this far more than ye should." Harald's grey eyes were ice. "I understand that ye've been here a day and already made the lady uncomfortable. And I understand that if ye keep speakin' tae her like she's a broodmare bein' inspected at market, we're goin' tae have problems. Daeyeunderstandthat?"
The threat hung in the air between them. Henry's face had gone pale, then flushed with anger.
"I am here on His Majesty's authority."
"And I'm laird of this island. In me hall, at me table, ye'll show the proper respect. Or ye can take yer authority and sleep in the stables."
Someone—Enya thought it might be Leo—coughed to cover a laugh. The rest of the hall remained frozen, watching the standoff with bated breath.
Finally, Henry inclined his head stiffly. "As ye wish, Laird Harald. Once again, I meant nay disrespect tae Lady Cameron."
"See that ye dinnae." Harald turned his attention back to his meal, effectively dismissing the envoy. "Now, if we're finished discussin' private matters in public, perhaps we can enjoy the rest of supper in peace."
The conversation gradually resumed, though the tension never fully left the table. Enya pushed food around her plate, her appetite gone, very aware of Harald beside her.
He'd done it again. Defended her. Protected her. Like it was instinct.
"Ye didnae have tae dae that," she said quietly, once the talk had shifted to other topics.
"Aye, I did." Harald didn't look at her. "He was bein' an arse."
"He's the king's man."
"I dinnae care if he's the king himself. He daesnae speak tae ye that way." Harald's voice was low, meant only for her. "Nae in me hall. Nae ever."
Enya's throat was tight. The words settled into her chest like hot coals—warming her, burning her, making it hard to breathe.
