The Draig's Choice Read online

  “Sarah.” Her gaze slid up to Conall. Her name on his lips had her belly tied in knots. “While you dinna ken me, I will do naught to hurt any woman, much less one I am to marry. My brother jests rather than speaks as he should of Elspeth.”

  Her breathing that had been ragged as she bickered with Peter slowed and regulated with Conall’s reassurance. I believe him too easily.

  “Aye, Sarah,” Evan readily added. “My poor brother is to wed a lass who will nay even speak to him. If I tease any, ‘tis Conall.” More soft laughter left the younger man’s lips and shredded what was left of her diminishing composure.

  Sarah took a step closer to Evan. “What you are doing and saying is offensive. You joke about a woman having no choice and no say in her life. Where I come from, arranged marriages are viewed as morally bankrupt and likely mentally damaging to the woman involved who is viewed as chattel rather than a human being with rights.”

  Evan stilled and the hand that had raised the cup to his lips halted. “I had nay thought on it.”

  “Of course you haven’t,” she mocked. “Why would you bother to consider the ramifications to a woman you don’t know? Would you like to be tied to someone for the rest of your life that you had never met?”

  Evan’s head fell slightly down. “Nay, I would fight against such a match as ‘tis nay our custom.”

  Certain she had overstepped her role but unwilling to let the moment pass without a lesson, Sarah continued, “You should be ashamed of yourself. Have you done anything to make her feel welcome, to meet her and get to know her? Or have you been content to laugh at her expense?”

  “We have all failed on that account,” Conall added. “Even I have left her to hide in her chamber, making only feeble attempts to ease her worries.”

  The thought of offering guidance to Conall on relationship building made her chest ache in a way she thought should be impossible given they had only met that morning. “Then you need to be better. Don’t let everyone here make fun of her. Stop the incessant whispers that I’ve heard since I arrived. You are the leader here, so act like it. To even have the hope of a successful marriage, you need to get to know her, learn about her and share a piece of yourself with her. Treat Elspeth like a valuable person. Remember that she’s trapped and completely dependent on you.”

  “Calm down, Sarah,” Peter cut in. “Elspeth will be treated well despite the reasons for the marriage.”

  “Oh yeah, I can totally see that. Conall is going to marry her because someone ordered him to and then leave. You were kind enough to share the details on how he spent the afternoon bargaining for her like she was some type of goat. She isn’t a goat. She’s a real person who had hopes and dreams for the future. She has a family and friends and a life all her own. Now all of that is gone.” It was easier to take out her frustrations on Peter than on Conall. Too late she realized the last part of her diatribe held her personal insecurities and had little to do with the bride. Whoa, that was so about me.

  The room around her stilled to near silence and all heads turned to the base of the stairs where two people stood with mouths open in shock. First, Sarah noted the tall man and the hint of a grin on his face. Focusing on the woman at his side, she caught the resemblance. The same blonde hair, but his was roughly cut at shoulder length while hers flowed smooth and straight and had to fall to her hips.

  The young woman stepped into the hall first, her hands folded demurely in front of her. Sarah winced at the sight of perfection before her. Instinctively, she knew the woman was Elspeth and hated that she was gorgeous. While around her height, her reed-thin body would have made a cover model weep with envy. The face held up to the crowd held large brown eyes, petite nose and perfect symmetry. No freckles dared to mar her skin, much less any other sign of imperfection.

  But Sarah did notice how young she appeared. Not even a hint of lines showed around her eyes. No signs of her being more than a teenager and a new sense of disgust took over. She glanced back at Peter. “She’s a child.”

  “Not now,” Peter whispered.

  Elspeth stepped forward with shaky steps and curtsied before her. “None has ever spoken of concern for me in this keep. Why would you?”

  Stepping away from the men, Sarah felt all eyes on her as she approached to far-too-young woman. “Because I feel the situation is wrong and yet understand the necessity.” Even in her muddled mental state, she believed that clan warfare had to be a nasty state of existence.

  Elspeth leaned closer and whispered, “Mayhap we will talk later or on the morrow. It pleases me to make your acquaintance.”

  Forcing a smile to her lips, Sarah nodded. “I would enjoy that.” Abruptly, Elspeth stepped back as Bella stood against Sarah’s legs. “This is Bella. Don’t worry, she’s sweet.” On cue, the dog dropped her precious bone, the tennis ball forbidden in the crowded hall, and moved forward to nuzzle her head under Elspeth’s hand. The giggle Sarah heard had her again silently questioning age.

  The man at Elspeth’s side gave her a quick nod. “My thanks for your protection of my sister. I am Tearlach, Laird of the Campbell clan.”

  Before she could utter a word, Peter answered for her. “My cousin, Sarah.” When she narrowed her gaze at being held mute, Elspeth gave her an understanding nod. Peter is sneaky and brilliant. He just took away my power to make me even more likeable to Elspeth.

  Her irritation fled as Conall stood at her other side, his nearness a balm. “Greetings, Elspeth. May I escort you to the table?” He held out his arm for her to take in a gesture of courtly manners. Tearlach practically pushed his sister toward Conall and Sarah could only watch as the stunning and beautiful couple crossed the room. Unfortunately, she was also aware that Conall had complimented her and only greeted his fiancée. Not good and yet I’d be lying if I said it didn’t thrill me.

  “Well done.” Peter beamed at her. “Elspeth likes you.”

  Sarah stared at him and shook her head in disbelief. “That wasn’t for your benefit. And if you ever attempt to take away my ability to answer again, we’ll have a problem.”

  “Got it. But keep in mind that in this time I am expected to protect you, even at dinner. Speaking of dinner, allow me to escort you to the table. The show is about to begin.”

  Sarah took his arm and Bella followed, not quite certain how she would react to Conall publicly announcing his marriage when her body recognized him as if she had always known him.

  But in the books, the heroine lost in time always gets the laird. Reality sucks.

  Conall ate without tasting and savoring the bounty that graced his table. From those gathered, he gleaned that all praised the grand efforts of the kitchen. Yet to him, it could have been nothing more than the simple rations of battle. Taste eluded him as his gaze constantly fell to Sarah. Even her hair screamed of her passionate nature. The vibrant fire of her curls was wild and untamed much as her spirit.

  Seated across the table from him, he listened as Peter told her what she ate and how it was prepared. Sarah asked questions and tried all she was offered, though Elspeth merely picked at her food. He knew why his bride appeared as if a strong wind would knock her off her feet, she ate little. In every way, Elspeth reminded him of a starving woman; he had seen many during his years of war, and when he glanced at her he was reminded of the years of brutality. He fought to recall that he sat in his hall and not in a field post-battle. Why must these thoughts plague me?

  When Evan leaned against Sarah and whispered in her ear, Conall felt rage tickle his spine. That his brother had the luxury of sitting next to her sat poorly with him. It rankled him that she laughed and nudged his elbow with each jest. While he saw no signs of interest from her toward his brother, he knew that lad would attempt to have her. Evan had a knack with women that he envied.

  “Would you speak first?” Tearlach asked from his other side. For the first time in generations, a Draig laird sat between those of the Campbell clan. While it would be pleasing to end the feud, he loathed
how it needed to be done.

  “I had nay thought about who goes first,” Conall admitted. “If you take no offense, I will start.” His clan would need to hear his willingness to shoulder the task even if his heart had no desire.

  When Tearlach nodded, Conall rose and called for silence. “My thanks for joining me for the meal. It gives me great joy to see my clan and be here amongst you.” Given that those words held truth, they were easy for him to speak. For too many years he had been away. Only in returning had he realized how much he missed his ancestral home.

  “We are honored to have the Campbell clan with us as we enjoy the bounty of our lands. For too long our clans have been divided. Once again we will see the other as kin.” Conall held out his hand and prayed that Elspeth would take it. Though it took her several heartbeats, her thin hand reached out to clasp his. Her trembling said all she did not. His marriage would be only for peace, with no other meaning.

  “Three nights from now I will marry Elspeth and our clans will be united. All should come for the feast and to witness the future unfold, a future with a strong ally on our border.” Conall had always dreamed his wedding would be for more, and the reality stung. I imagined standing before my clan to share my bliss at a bride that called to my heart, nay one who obeys the dictates of a king.

  Instead of deafening cheers, his clan merely made polite sounds. When Tearlach cleared his throat and stood, Conall raised his hand to keep the attention of those gathered. His eyes drifted from the crowd to Sarah. No smile or good wishes left her lips. Her eyes closed, and he wondered if she felt the loss of what might have been as keenly as he did.

  “The Campbell clan is honored to be considered guest and kin to the Draig clan,” Tearlach began. “Once again, we are joined, or will be three days hence. I shall tell all of my pleasure at calling Conall my brother by marriage.” Tearlach turned to face him. “My sister, Elspeth, is given to you to bind us for generations to come. Your children will be mine to protect. Let us toast the Bruce whose wisdom guides us and sets our course for a peaceful morrow.”

  Tearlach held up his cup and all dutifully drank. Conall sipped his wine while he watched Sarah empty hers. Her head fell back slightly and her mass of curls glowed in the candlelight. His eyes watched it flow and settle around her face and knew he would never find out if it were soft or coarse. His bride lifted her cup, but he never saw her drink.

  He leaned closer to Elspeth and whispered, “Is there aught you would speak?” Her eyes rounded in horror and her head shook away his offer.

  From the back of his hall, he heard the call for a kiss to seal the betrothal. He knew the voice; it was one of the Bruce’s men, Logan, doing his duty. Or rather making certain all went as commanded.

  Summoning his courage, Conall lifted his hand to Elspeth’s cheek and he could practically smell her fear. In his time, he had seen a few arranged marriages announced. At most of them, the man had taken the bride forcefully and smashed his mouth to hers. Such behavior had long appalled him and had disgusted his father. Conall strove to be better.

  Leaning down, he touched his lips to hers and pulled back immediately. His only goal to convince her he would be a kind husband. Elspeth immediately shook his hand loose and fell back into her chair. There was no relief on her face at his attempt to be sweet, only abject fear at what would come. Never has a kiss inspired less.

  The Bruce’s men filled the hall with cheers and calls for more, but Conall waved them off. He had done his part and he wanted no more from her. Tearlach clasped his shoulders and pulled him in for an embrace, jesting as his sister’s expense.

  “She will do what ‘tis required. Have no fear the marriage will be consummated. Like all women she simply needs to be taken in hand.” That Elspeth heard him made no difference. He raised his cup and toasted again. “To the marriage and future bairn.”

  All cheered though without wild abandonment. Too many recalled the years of cattle raids and the handful of deaths. Conall nodded and reclaimed his seat, grateful his obligation for the night had ended.

  “Well done,” Peter said from across the table.

  “To my sister,” Evan lifted his cup and tipped it in Elspeth’s direction. “I pledge my service to you and my sword to keep you safe.”

  Those at the table drank and Conall caught Peter’s nod. Evan had been prompted and had succeeded.

  Conall felt warmth on his feet and then weight as Bella curled around him under the table. He sighed at the affectionate nature of the great beast and wondered if her mistress had the same type of open heart. But Sarah never looked directly at him.

  Peter and Tearlach discussed pastures and grazing. Evan even jumped into the conversation. But Conall kept his eyes on the vibrant hair that his hands craved to explore. Her fire in the hall earlier had dampened to quiet. He preferred the outspoken lass, rather than the one who said naught.

  “Sarah, have you enjoyed the meal?” he asked if only to hear her voice.

  Finally, her head lifted to hold his gaze and he wished he had left her alone. Her blue sparkle had dimmed and left only sad haunted eyes. “It was lovely.” Even her voice sounded flat and defeated.

  Peter turned toward her. “If you are tired after the long day, I would be happy to take you upstairs. We could talk if you wanted.”

  “I can find my way,” Sarah said and rose. Her gown of deep blue had the fire of her hair glowing. She should always wear blue. Her highlighted figure spoke of a woman with curves and flesh and all a man could ever want. When he looked at her, he forgot he had ever seen those starved from wars. When he looked at her he felt want and desire and the ache that it would never be.

  “I would accompany you.” Elspeth spoke for the first time. She rose and waited.

  “You may leave,” Tearlach said with a wave of his hand, dismissing her from the meal.

  Conall was not pleased with the meek showing. He needed a strong wife who would lead, not follow. He recalled his mother and how the woman had run the keep and those within it with a firm but loving hand. She would never have waited for approval. She would have likely berated any who would have commanded.

  “Elspeth has no need to wait for your consent. As the Lady of the Draig, she is in charge of the household and her movements.” He glanced up at his bride, who blinked rapidly. “You may do as you please.”

  For the first time, a hint of a smile graced her features. “Laird.” She curtsied and walked with her head held high until she reached Sarah at the end of the table. Elspeth took Sarah’s arm and led her upstairs.

  Conall heard the quick whistle and Bella rose to follow. He missed the dog’s warmth at his feet and disappointment flooded him that his bride hadn’t called him by name.

  “Be careful, Conall,” Tearlach teased him. “A wife is better served by a strong hand.”

  No longer in the mood to humor the man, Conall retorted, “My wife will be my concern. She will move about as she sees fit.”

  Tearlach slapped his back. “You ken so little about women.”

  Silently, Conall admitted the man was right.

  Chapter 7

  “Where are you going?” Sarah stilled at the deep baritone voice behind her that mixed with pleasant tingles racing up her spine. There would be no need to turn to know that Conall had spoken. But her stance shifted and even in the dim torchlight of the night-darkened corridor, her gaze met his as he stepped out from behind his chamber door.

  Mussed black hair tumbled to his bare shoulders and her heart nearly forgot how to beat as he stepped out from the shadows wearing only untied leather pants. Her eyes drank in the sight of his sculpted chest and rock-solid abs that ended visually into a waistband that hung low on his hips. Too bad for her, most of him remained hidden in the dark shadows.

  Feeling Bella waiting at her side, she sighed at his perfection before speaking. “I can’t sleep, so I thought I’d take the dog outside. Maybe the fresh air will help.” The fib fell smoothly. She doubted sleep would come given the ni
ght spent tossing and turning with her mind full of her new world. Her body clock had missed a night’s sleep, had a day that lasted forever and had no clue how to reset. “I’m sorry if we woke you.”

  His head shook. “I also had trouble sleeping. But you will nay go out of doors alone.” If there were more to that thought, Conall never finished it. Instead, he turned away, giving her a lovely view of tight male ass encased in leather before he disappeared into the dark of his chamber. She envied Bella as the dog followed into the forbidden space to sniff and explore.

  Rustling met her ears and lacked the soft swearing she had mumbled while attempting to dress in archaic clothing with only light from the fading fire. Peering into his chamber, pale moonlight shone in the window and revealed the chaotic remains of his bed, linens and furs even more disheveled than on hers.

  “What kept you up?” Sarah asked to prevent herself from arguing over his need to join her. Company hadn’t been a part of her equation, only quiet with her and Bella. Plus, it would have been a huge lie to say she didn’t want him with her.

  Emerging from the darkness, Conall handed her a bunched wad of fabric. “The air will still be chilled. Take it and wrap yourself.” Before she could fully obey, his hands pulled the plaid around her shoulders, but his gaze fell across the corridor to Elspeth’s door. Unwilling to be lost in the touch with his distraction, she forced herself to take a step back.

  Immediately, Conall mirrored her movement with his electric eyes boring into hers. A rough but achingly gently palm cupped her jaw, his hard body only an inch or two away. “My choices have been stolen from me. I lay awake wishing it were nay so, that I had the freedom to court whom I wanted.”