Page 23 of The Cursed Highland Bride

“This is true.” Dunn nodded in affirmation.

“I am nae saying that we trust her blindly. What I do propose is that we give her the opportunity tae prove herself,” Tor offered, leaning back against the wall to allow the council time to think on his words.

“Are ye saying that we test the lass?” Fergus asked, his eyes glittering with an idea.

Tor shrugged. Dunn could not read his brother’s expression.

“Perhaps.” Fergus nodded in approval. “Let us give Tor’s words some thought.”

The other elders nodded in agreement. They parted ways, each with their own thoughts about the laird’s new wife.

“What did ye mean by that?” Dunn asked Tor after the others had gone.

“We cannae ken for certain that she is one o’ us until she is truly tested. The elders will never welcome her intae the clan without kenning where her loyalties lie. Nae only do the elders need tae be reassured, but so do ye, brother. I can see it in yer eyes. Ye care for the lass but are afraid o’ what that could mean. Ye need tae ken the truth o’ her, or ye will nae find peace.”

“I dinnae care for her. I cannae care for her,” Dunn stubbornly refused.

“She is nae our maither,” Tor murmured softly. “Nae all women will leave ye or hurt ye in that way.”

Dunn’s heart thudded in his chest, then began to race as anger took over. “Dinnae speak o’ it.”

“I lost her too, ye ken. It does nae mean that we cannae love or trust the right woman.”

Dunn sighed, placing a hand on his brother’s shoulder. “Forgive me for my anger. I did nae mean tae say that ye did nae feel her loss as well. I have a burden tae protect our family and our clan. That is where my heart must lie.”

“Aye, but the love o’ family and clan is nae the same as the love o’ a woman, and ye ken it well.”

“I am never at a loss o’ women tae warm my bed, nor are ye. I dinnae see ye in search o’ a wife.”

“My time will come.”

Dunn laughed. “Aye, well, let us pray that the king allows ye tae make yer own choice on the matter and nae make it for ye.”

“Ye did well in the bargain,” Tor reminded him. “A more beautiful lass I have yet tae see.”

“Aye, it is true,” Dunn begrudgingly admitted. “When I am with her, I cannae think, Tor. All I can do is feel, and that is dangerous. Whether she is a spy or nae, she is still a danger tae me and tae the clan. Alistair Morgan’s blood runs in her veins, and he will find a way tae use this union tae his advantage. Fergus is right about that. We must be ready. I cannae be distracted by raven black hair and emerald-green eyes, nae matter how bonnie.”

“Then test her and let us be done with this business. Ye cannae spend yer life in distrust o’ the woman who shares yer bed.”

“Aye, I can.”

Tor sighed in exasperation at Dunn’s stubbornness. “I pray that one day ye will find peace within yerself tae love. Nae all ends in tragedy as our parents did.”

Changing the subject, Dunn arose. “I must go in search o’ Adamina. She was angry with me as we were breaking the fast. I fear my wife may have told her o’ Brigid, and I cannae have both women o’ the house staring daggers at me the whole day through.”

Tor laughed. “I wish ye well.”

“Aye, I suspect I will need it.”

Dunn went in search of his sister and found her in the stables feeding an apple to her favorite horse. He did not waste time and got straight to the point. “She told ye?”

Adamina’s head snapped up at the sound of his voice, and she frowned at him in disapproval. “Aye, she did.”

“Nothing happened.”

Doubt creased her forehead as she studied his face. “Tell me what did happen.”

Sighing, Dunn turned over a wooden bucket and sat down. “After I left Katarina’s bedchamber, I returned to my own and found Brigid waiting for me on my bed. I sent her away. I did nae touch her.”