Highland Persuasion (The MacLomain Series- Early Years) Read Free Page B

marry Scottish royalty to whomever he pleased.
    As king Edgar slowed then stopped in front of him, Alexander bowed then met his cousin dead in the eye. “You pay us a great honor, my king.”
    Edgar took in his attire, his face turning red. “You might have dressed properly.”
    “Had I known of your arrival,” he began but was cut off.
    “Is this to be my husband then?”
    The carriage curtain slid aside. Completely improper according to every Scottish decree, a woman stepped out unescorted. Though the king huffed he made no move to stop her.
    Despite protocol, Alexander’s eyes slid from the king to the lass. While his senses slightly registered that she wore a Broun plaid, they were far too consumed with the rest of her to be rightfully infuriated.
    Long and thick, blue-black hair flowed around a figure so alluring it was sinful. When she sauntered his way, Alexander stood straighter, reared up some might say, almost as though he were a wild horse first meeting she who would master him.
    He didnae like the feeling.
    Not at all.
    When she stopped before him and looked up, Alexander reached for the sword at his side only to realize it wasn’t there. Forced to meet her blazing sky blue eyes and exquisite face, he said not the proper thing but, “You came to steal my soul.”
    While clearly she’d been poised to say something haughty her expression wavered—as if as confused as him—but she quickly regained her composure. “I am Iosbail Broun, she who is to be your wife.”
    Despite the fact his King watched and tradition said he bow, Alexander did not. Instead he took her gloved hand and brought it to his lips where he made a point of giving it a cherished kiss while his eyes stayed locked with hers. Soft, so that it’d be barely heard, he said, “In name only will you ever be my wife.”
    Unphased by his rudeness, she offered a small smile, thick black lashes lowered, full pink lips curled slightly. With a whisper light word she said, “Sinclair.” It was like she was tasting his name for the first time.
    Alexander wanted to catch the single word and hold it against his heart.
    Mortified, well aware the Devil was at work, he squeezed her hand a little too harshly. Her eyes rounded slightly. He lowered his head but never removed his eyes from hers.
    ‘Twas all that needed be said between them.
    With a look meant to scathe, Iosbail turned and climbed into the carriage. Alexander watched the red velvet curtains shut behind her. In fact, he’d watched until her foot vanished inside the vehicle. If there ever did exist a truly lethal weapon against his defenses, the King had found her. He’d seen her but minutes and already…
    Instantly on guard, Alexander made his expression flat and turned his regard to the King.
    Edgar, naturally, was no fool. He’d seen precisely what he’d intended.
    With a smug nod, he said, “Make welcome your king and bride to be.”
    Alexander bowed and nodded. With that his men sprung to action. Horns trumpeted. Fiddles played. Even his kitchen had started to cook, so said the smell of fresh baked bread on the wind. While there had been a celebration planned for tonight now it’d become a grand, royal event. Old straw was hauled and new rushes laid in an instant. After all, this was Sinclair territory, a royal Highland clan.
    Alexander and Shamus exchanged a wry glance as they fell in alongside Edgar’s guard. He knew now that the remainder of the night would be one made of old traditions. While he ruled this clan, Edgar ruled above him. As was proper, all would attend the king first.
    “You came to steal my soul?” Shamus said under his breath.
    Alexander narrowed his eyes.
    Shamus grinned. “Your words, Sinclair, not mine.”
    “She’s an unnatural creature,” he muttered.
    “Bonnie one at that though.”
    “She’s who we’ve been waiting for,” Shamus said.
    “Aye, she is,” he said.
    “Then we will see this through,” the Irishman said.
    When Alexander scowled