Page 5 of Highlander’s Evil Twin

Do not trust him and do not fall in love!

She could hear the scream of her fears inside of her own head, louder and louder until the dull thud of her headache returned and engulfed her. But she said nothing, just clung to him and fought back tears of desolation.

2

Heather watched sullenly as Laird MacGregor shook hands with her father. Her fate was sealed. She felt a shiver run through her body. It was so final. Her body given to him, not even on a silver platter, but a contract. What could be worse? Their union was settled, whether they hated each other or loved each other, they would be tied. Even though she had been drawn to Hiram, deep down, there had still been hope that they would wake up and realize that it had all been a horrible mistake. A dream. No, a nightmare.

She was sure he had played some vital role in her dreams, but he’d been the shadowy figure who had enticed her to love him and then had betrayed her. Her dreams had been foreboding. She’d woken up covered in sweat and felt the chill of her premonition. There were so many things that could go wrong with this union. He would want children and that meant she would have to accept his body within hers. Heather blushed at the thought. She didn’t know if she could be intimate with him, or if she even wanted to be intimate. He might not want her in that way. What if she couldn’t give him children? She wished fervently that she could ask for a long engagement so they could get to know each other slowly. That would be okay, wouldn't it?

She opened her mouth to speak.

Laird MacGregor paced in front of the roaring log fire. “So, it is decided. The wedding will take place in two weeks.”

Heather’s parents nodded and smiled at her. Heather felt sick inside. Two weeks! It was no time at all.

Laird MacGregor was jubilant. “I knew this would be a good match. I would rush the wedding through sooner only I hear that there is a problem brewing on one of the outer regions and this needs to be stamped out quickly. If you, Lady Douglas and Lady Heather, would like to make my castle your home for now, you are more than welcome. Unless you wish to travel all the way home?”

Her mother turned to her. “Your father is riding to the borders also, as a show of respect, so, if we went home, we would be traveling alone. Your father has requested that we wait here instead, and I agree. We can both help with the planning of your wedding this way!” Her mother smiled.

Heather swallowed the hope that had risen within at the prospect of going home. “Sounds perfect.” Her voice was curt, but she said no more, knowing that her parents would be angry if she made a fuss in front of the Laird.

Her father smiled at her, but she could see the ice in his eyes before he turned back to Laird MacGregor.

“Splendid. I look forward to riding with you. I am glad that has been settled.”

Her mother slipped her arm through Heather’s. It was a sign of warning. For all that Heather was feisty, her mother was equally as strong-minded, and she had learned not to cross her. Heather recalled the one time her mother had slapped her father. It had been such a shock and neither of them had made the mistake to upset her again.

Heather rested her head on her mother’s shoulder hoping for some support.

“Sweetie we told you before you don’t have a say in this. I am very sorry. I know you had this dream of finding a man and being in love, some sort of happy family but, it doesn’t always work out like that. You have a duty to do. It is that simple. It was lucky that your father and I fell in love. But we had several rough years at the start. I hated him, and I would have left him if it was allowed. But we couldn’t divorce and were stuck with one another. So one day we talked. We decided that we were not happy, and we hated life. Instead of fighting, we chose to try and work together to meet our goals. He wanted to build the clan up to be stronger, and for our tenants to be happy. Your father is a very good man. However, at first he was a lot like Hiram is now,” her mother explained.

“Hmm, so you settled for—” Heather began.

“That is enough,” her mother told her firmly.

“So, how long must I suffer before I fall in love with Hiram?” Heather asked out of curiosity. “Did it really take years for you both to love each other?”

Her mother contemplated. “It really did take time. There was respect, of course. That’s important. And there was something about him, but he had a few rough edges that needed to be smoothed off.” She laughed. “After that, it was plain sailing.”

Heather gazed from the window. With the clouds low overhead and seemingly skimming the tops of the trees, they formed an effective border which felt, to Heather, yet another boundary that kept her trapped here. It was impossible for her to explore and she felt as if her mother watched her every move. Even so, the terrace was stunning with sculptures and floral displays that seemed to be inviting and yet, Heather did not feel as if she belonged. She was a stranger in this place but somehow she had to settle and make it her home.

The cloudy grey skies above seemed to intensify the vibrancy of the grasses near the house and beyond. The border of dark trees appeared like brush strokes, leading to rolling hills and mountain peaks. Alongside the terrace, neatly landscaped gardens displayed the talents of their experienced gardener whereas beyond, the ruggedness of nature dictated the scene. It seemed incredible that one day this would all be hers. At least, it would if she could tolerate living with the man who had been promised to her. Could she like him...or even love him? She knew only time would tell, but inside her, a deep knot refused to budge and no matter how much she tried to relax and to talk herself into this union, she could not.

“What are you thinking about?” her mother asked.

“How I am trapped here,” Heather admitted with honesty.

“You know, I saw a young man who could not take his eyes away from you when you met. Once you went outside, I couldn’t see how he behaved,” her mother commented.

“He was very kind,” she admitted. “He seems to accept our fate.”

“Can you not accept it too? I thought I saw a connection between the two of you last night. Am I wrong?”

Heather shrugged. “We danced and we talked, and he was pleasant. What more can I say? It feels like the time now is a respite from the moment my life is truly taken over. Could you have found worse suitors? Aye, of course, but I can’t help but feel I have lost out now on real love.”

“You don’t have a say in this. I think you should just realize this and do your best to be a good wife to this man. You can look past his flaws, as all married couples must do,” her mother said with finality.

“Yes mother.” She sighed and felt the distance between them grow once more.