Page 16 of The Cursed Highland Bride

“Life is nae always kind. I believe ye have already learned this the hard way as well.”

She nodded. “And we that survive must continue with whatever pieces are left tae us.”

A sense of sisterly warmth washed over them both, bonding them in an unexpected way. Katarina had not expected to be treated with such consideration. Yet, she knew that it would not be how most people within the clan received her. She had not known about Alistair Morgan and his predecessors killing both Dunn’s father and grandfather until he and Adamina had told her. Laird Morgan had said nothing of it. For all he knew, he could have been sending her to her death at the hands of his enemies.

Hence his procuring a decoy bride in place of his beloved daughter. The pieces began to fall into place as if woven into a bloody tapestry. She, for all intents and purposes, was this family’s mortal enemy and now their lady. It will be a miracle if I am not murdered before the last course is served this very evening.

—

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CHAPTER SEVEN

In the great hall, Dunn sat next to his grandmother, attempting to make her see reason. “It was the king’s command. Was I tae refuse him and forfeit all that we have remaining tae us?”

“She is a Morgan, Dunn! Death is preferred tae merging our blood with theirs.”

“She had nae part in what befell grandfaither or faither. She was raised in a nunnery far from the machinations o’ men.”

“It is in the blood, like a poisonous rot. She cannae be trusted.”

“I have nae intentions o’ trusting anyone. Ye o’ all people should ken that o’ me.”

“Aye, I taught ye well.” She patted his knee affectionately, then her face turned stern once more. “But nae well enough, it would seem.”

“I had nae choice, and ye ken it well. When the king gives an order, ye obey. It is that simple.”

“And that terrible. Ye dinnae intend tae give her a pup, do ye?”

Dunn closed his eyes and prayed for strength. “I dinnae wish tae discuss it with ye. I will do as I see best in this, as in all things. Ye will have tae trust me.”

“I will nae have her blood rotting through what yer grandfaither built.”

“It is nae my intention tae give her children. I will leave the creating o’ heirs tae Tor.”

“Can ye nae annul the marriage? Ye need a good Orkney lass tae wed and bed.”

“Grandmaither,” Dunn chastised gently. “I will nae discuss this with ye further. She is my wife. I have nae choice. We will all simply have tae make the best o’ it.”

“Perhaps ye can pup with one o’ those strumpets.” She waved her hand in the direction of Dunn’s bevy of lovers.

Sighing, Dunn arose, kissed the top of her head, and went upstairs to bathe. He wanted to be back before his wife returned so that he might judge his people’s reaction to her. He needed to know just how much danger she was in within his own clan. There were many who still held a hatred for all Morgans, himself included. All but one, his heart whispered what his mind dared not acknowledge.