Page 45 of The Highlander’s Savage Vow

"And ye? What did ye dae during those years?"

"Mostly tried tae stay out of trouble." She picked at the grass beside her, not meeting his eyes. "Hard tae make friends when yer family is in disgrace. Most people wanted nothing tae dae with the MacNeills."

"That must have been lonely."

"Aye." The simple acknowledgment of her isolation made her throat tight. "It was a relief when the king finally accepted Faither's apology a few years ago. At least then we could show our faces in public again."

"And that's what led tae the betrothal with Murray," Ruaridh said quietly.

The mention of Murray's name was like a cloud passing over the sun. All the warmth and playfulness of the morning seemed to drain away, replaced by the familiar weight of fear and regret.

"Aye," she said softly. "Faither thought it would restore our family's standing. A strong alliance with a powerful clan."

"Instead, it brought ye here."

She glanced at him, trying to read his tone. Was he regretting their marriage? Wishing he'd never agreed to take on her troubles?

"I'm sorry," she said quietly. "I ken this isn't what ye wanted when ye agreed tae marry me."

"Isn't it?" He turned to look at her then, his green eyes unreadable in the dappled sunlight.

"Is it?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

But he didn't answer, just leaned back against the tree trunk and closed his eyes, leaving her question hanging in the warm air between them.