Chapter 6
Malcolm pacedthe battlements while he waited for the priest to arrive. He’d received word in the morning that his father had attacked Dunvegan and the damage was extensive. Malcolm was not surprised. Apparently they had taken prisoners, including the chief’s oldest son, Alasdair. No good could come from any of it. He knew his father well enough to know that when he found Sheona, he would claim her for himself just to spite theMacLeod.
Not if Malcolm could helpit.
She was his responsibility and would have to see reason—marrying him today was the only logical and safe choice for her. She would be upset, but she would be protected from his father and that was his main priority. They were due back sometime today and so Malcolm had no time towaste.
Finally Keith’s horse came into view and Malcolm was relieved when he saw a second following close behind. Keith would take the man straight to the chapel as instructed. He had to go and break the news to his futurewife.
Malcolm took the stairs three at a time. Outside her chamber he paused with his hand ready to knock. The sound of laughter stopped him. Not big belly laughs, but like that of a woman engaged in a pleasant activity—or with a lover. But that couldn’t be. Sheona had only been here one night and didn’t know anyone. Or didshe?
He opened the door wide to find the room empty except for her small frame still in bed. He walked over to her and surveyed her sleeping form. Could she have been laughing in her sleep? It would be odd, but not unheardof.
She turned over and opened her eyes, blinked a couple of times, and sat up in bed, holding the quilts up as far as shecould.
“What are you doing here? I am notdecent!”
“Did you only justwake?”
“What?”
He must be losing his mind. She had clearly just woken. “You need to get dressed, Lady Sheona. We can waste notime.”
“No time for what,exactly?”
He drew a deep breath. “You must wed me this day. Your father’s castle was attacked and your clan has suffered much. My father is on his way here with prisoners including yourbrother.”
She threw back the covers and hopped out of bed. “No! Malcolm, what will they do withthem?”
Did she even realize she’d just used his given name? Malcolm considered it telling that in her moment of panic, she’d abandoned formality. If she despised him, she would have no doubt shouted “MacDonald.” He had to bite back a smile. Further to that, she had not responded to his mention of marriage. Did that mean she was notopposed?
Malcolm placed his hands on her shoulders and squeezed. “Sheona, listen to me very carefully. Your clansmen will not be harmed if I can help it. I detest this war as much as you do and will do everything I can to settle this once and for all. But the bigger problem is that if my father has taken prisoners and finds you here unwed, he will claim you for his own. You do not want that, lass. I am telling you that I will give you my hand and protect you, but this is the onlyway.”
She looked pale. When she swayed on her feet he was quick to catch her and place her back on thebed.
“I want you to get dressed quickly and come with me to the chapel. I have a priest waiting. We must do this. And we must do this right now. My father is due back here any moment and you must be wed when he arrives. It is the onlyway.”
Her eyes widened and she opened her mouth to speak, but nothing came out. He understood she had no way of knowing he would never harm a hair on her head so asking her to trust him was an enormous leap offaith.
Malcolm wrapped his hands around hers and stroked her palms with his thumbs. “You must trust me. I will protectyou.”
She drew a shaky breath. “I trust you, Malcolm MacDonald. I do not know why, but I do. Please give me a moment’s privacy and I will dress and come with you to thechapel.”
His breath caught. Within the hour, she would be his. This woman whom he’d known for only two days would be his wife forever more. He smiled because he couldn’t help himself—Malcolm was perfectly content with thearrangement.
He waited outside and moments later she emerged wearing the gown in which she’d ridden across Skye. Once they were wed and the danger had passed, he’d have a chest full of gowns made for her. One in every colourimaginable.
Offering his arm, he noted her guarded expression. They needed to consummate the marriage immediately, but he did not want to make her any more nervous than she already was. When she slipped her hand into the crook of his arm, he led her toward the chapel’s familyentrance.
“I cannot believe this is happening,” shewhispered.
“I assure you, Lady Sheona, this was not my intention when I took you from Bracadale.” He caught her eye and grinned. “Had I known you had plotted to drag me to the altar first chance, I might have left youthere.”
“You are truly insufferable,” she said with the hint of asmile.
“Aye, my lady. And you get to suffer me for the rest of yourlife.”
With that comment she bowed her head. He should have kept his mouth shut. They had a shaky understanding at best and he was daft to push herlimits.
