Page 75 of The Cursed Highland Bride

“Aye, he does at that,” Dunn agreed, releasing Tor’s shoulder. “I must tell Katarina o’ the contents o’ the letter. This will nae be an easy journey for her. I would nae wish for her tae relive the events o’ her family’s deaths any more than she already does, but there is nae choice in the matter. Morgan must answer for his crimes, and the only way tae ensure that it happens is by the testimony o’ those whom he has wronged.”

“Ewan and I will prepare the men,” Tor promised, handing Dunn his wooden sword, then turned to leave the training field.

Dunn put the training swords away, then turned back to the castle. When he entered the hall, he found Katarina, Adamina, and his grandmother all sitting by the hearth working on various pieces of the men’s clothing that had been in need of much mending after the battle. Some pieces had even been beyond repair. The ladies of the clan had been busily working away at it ever since. He smiled at the warm and cozy scene that his family made, sitting together safe and sound. He prayed that it remained that way for a long time to come.

Crossing the hall, he bent to give his bride a kiss on the forehead. “Wife,” he greeted warmly.

“Husband,” she greeted back with a smile.

“I have received a letter from the king’s regent on behalf o’ the king.”

All three women’s faces turned to him with worry in their eyes. “What did he say?” Katarina asked, concern creasing her features.

Dunn reached out a hand and smoothed the worry from her brow. “He has commanded that we deliver Alistair Morgan tae him in Edinburgh with all haste. And that ye and Tor accompany me. He wishes tae hear yer testimony against Laird Morgan.”

“And Tor?” Adamina asked, fear in her voice.

“The king has selected a bride for our dear brother.”

Surprise arched Adamina’s brow. “Who?”

Their grandmother snorted. “Someone the crown can control.”

Dunn nodded. “Aye, that is my guess as well. I dinnae ken who it is, but I can only assume the marriage is tae control us through Tor’s future wife’s family.”

Understanding dawned in Katarina’s eyes. “Because they could not control you through our marriage.”

“Aye, love. I do believe that is the very reason.” He kissed her on the forehead once more.

“Poor Tor,” Katarina sighed. The look in her eyes was one of sorrow and empathy. “Does he know?”

“Aye, I just told him.”

“What did he say? How did he seem?” Adamina asked, wringing her hands at the thought of how upset her brother must be.

“He kens his duty, but he is nae well pleased.”

“Nor should he be,” their grandmother grumbled under her breath. “There is nae doubt it will be tae the daughter o’ a snake.”

“Tor could have his choice of women. He cannot be pleased to have that choice taken from him,” Katarina remarked, surveying the hall for some of the women that she had seen him show interest in over her time with the clan.

“Aye, he is nae shy o’ lovers,” Dunn agreed. He squeezed his wife’s hand in reassurance at the mention of it. “He will adjust, as I did.”

All three women laughed aloud. “It took ye some time as I recall,” Adamina snorted in amusement. “And nearly losing yer bride.”

“Aye, that is true, but I got the better end o’ the deal with this one.” Dunn smiled down at Katarina, pulling her up from her chair and into his arms. “The crown may have attempted tae imprison me by their choice o’ bride, but they failed. Instead, I am a better and freer man than I was before.”

Katarina smiled back at him and nestled her head against his shoulder. “We were fortunate indeed.”

“Tor may nae be so fortunate,” their grandmother pointed out. “We should be prepared for the worst.”

Katarina sobered and looked up to meet Dunn’s eyes. “Speaking of the worst, has there been any word about Andrew or retrieving Bran’s body?”

“Andrew is alive.” A sigh of relief swept through the women, and he felt his wife relax against him. “He is being held tae ensure that we deliver Alistair Morgan tae the king. Once we have done so, Andrew will be delivered back tae us. Andrew will ken more about Bran’s body when we speak with him.”

“Praise be to God,” Katarina whispered. “I could not stand the thought that another of our own had perished.”

Dunn nodded. “It will be good tae have him back home where he belongs.”