“Aye, and they would’ve ensured Ronan’s injuries healed without issue.” His gaze softened as he tucked a lock of her golden-red hair behind her ear. “You’ve yet to tell me exactly what’s worrying you. I wish only to chase your sadness away.”
“I—” How she wanted to tell Duncan of the soul bond that had taken form between her and Ronan during his captivity, only doing so would be fruitless. Colin’s threats remained in force, whether she was soul bound to another or not, and if she didn’t abide by his will then her parents would pay dearly for it, something she’d never allow. With her silence, she’d been protecting them for the past twenty years and would continue to do so, for however long it took. Her future was set. She’d wed either Coll, Duncan, or Jeremiah. The MacKenzie’s decree that she would rang strong in her ears, as it had since the day he’d issued it.
No one shall ever learn who you are, and if you wish for your parents to live then you’ll forget your village and all who remain within it. From this moment forth, you’ll no longer be Christina Matheson but instead Kyla MacKenzie, my foster daughter. You have no fae blood, no kin, and I’ve taken you in, a poor urchin I found abandoned in the forest. You’ll join me, be raised within my household and even though you remain unskilled, in time I’ll ensure your revered fae blood mixes into my direct line. You’ll wed one of my three sons, whichever I please. Do you understand?
Aye, she’d understood his decree well, would rather he choose between Coll or Duncan. She certainly shuddered at the thought of ever having to join with Jeremiah, Colin’s one and only son by Cait. During his younger years, Jeremiah had lived both at Rhue Castle to the far north of his father’s lands and also with them at Loch Alsh. He was cut from the same cloth as his father and she’d done her best to steer clear of him, however possible. At the age of ten, Colin had thankfully sent Jeremiah away to be fostered with the Chief of MacLennan and now Rhue belonged to him, a stronghold Jeremiah ruled with an iron hand.
Heart heaving, she clutched her aching chest. She had to take every advantage of this time she’d been given here, because if she wished even a little say in her future then she needed to take action.
“I can see your sadness grows.” Duncan rubbed her arms, stroking slowly up and down with his gloved hands. “A burden shared is a burden lessened.”
“Jeremiah has no knowledge of my fae blood, would take every advantage of it if he did.” Colin had kept that a secret, never wishing for one of her kin to hear of the news and suspect who’d taken her.
“I agree, although neither Coll or I would ever share the truth about your fae blood with Jeremiah. In time, Father though might if he believes he’ll gain from doing so.” A slow nod. “I believe I understand where your sadness is coming from.”
“May I tell you something?”
“Of course, anything.”
She dragged in a deep, fortifying breath, the wind whipping around them. ’Twas time for all honesty. “If I had the chance to choose the man I’m to wed, then it would be you.”
“Are you certain?”
“Very.” Her throat dried out. “I wish to marry you.”
“Then consider yourself betrothed.” No hesitation.
“Pardon?”
“I’ve no wish to see you wed to Jeremiah, will do anything to ensure that never happens.” He gripped her shoulders. “We’ve been foster brother and sister these past twenty years and of course I hold a brotherly love for you, but if we’re both willing then we can change that.”
“You truly think so?”
“Anything is possible.” He smiled, one brow rising. “Come. We’ll see if we can make the change. Permit me a kiss, to seal our agreement to wed.”
“Is this a test?” She gulped.
“Aye, and you’ve gone a little green, Kyla.” He stepped her backward into a nook where none could see them, his smile turning cheeky. “I promise no’ to slobber all over you, provided you promise the same.”
She laughed. “I promise.”
“Now that’s better. It hurts my heart to see you forced into a corner and to accept what must be, but I give you my word I’ll be a good husband, to ensure you want for naught. And you’re right to speak to me about all of this. We need to take the choice out of my father’s hand and into ours then once we’ve wed and consummated our marriage, he’ll be able to do naught about it.”
“All I want to do is keep my parents safe, to make certain Colin never lays a hand on them.”
“Then marrying me will ensure it, and upon my return from Ardan House, we’ll speak our vows afore a priest. We’ll be man and wife and when I lie with you, you’ll give me your complete submission.” His cheeky smile doubled. “Which means you’ll allow me to win every game of chess to come.”
“Never.” She slapped his chest and he broke out into loud laughter. “Hurry up with that kiss. Slobber away and I shall do the same.”
“Och, that’s my lass, my devoted betrothed.” He leaned closer and brushed his nose against hers, his breath warm and soft against her cheeks. “Close your eyes.”