Highlander Untamed Read Free Page A

Rory offered, “and then we will resume our negotiations with Argyll for a more powerful alliance.”
    “Suggesting a handfast was a stroke of brilliance,” Alex agreed. “But repudiating the lass will not sit well with the king. I hear she is a great favorite of both James and Anne.”
    Rory understood Alex’s concern, but it could not be avoided. “’Tis a risk. But one that I’m willing to take. James demands an end to the feud, but the clan still thirsts for revenge against Sleat. And although I may be outlawed and our lands declared forfeit, the king has not sought to enforce his power against me. When the time comes, I will think of a way to mollify him.”
    “You always do,” Alex said ruefully. “For some odd reason, the king seems to show you favor—despite your being put to the horn.”
    Rory shrugged. “The lass will not be harmed. At worst, I will have to go to Edinburgh to explain.”
    “And if you are imprisoned?”
    “It won’t come to prison.” He caught Alex’s skeptical look. “This time. James is only flexing his muscles, and I’m fulfilling my duty. I agreed only to a handfast.”
    Alex thought for a moment. “I wonder why the king agreed?”
    Initially, Rory had wondered the same thing. “He seemed confident that a marriage would eventually take place. I did not dissuade him of his err.”
    “I don’t envy you your position,” Alex said. But his grave expression was broken by the grin that spread across his face. For a moment, Rory thought he was looking at the brother of his past. “Though perhaps I should,” Alex continued. “I hear she is a great beauty, charming, and witty. When our cousin Douglas was at court, he said that he had never seen her like. The courtiers even had a name for her, the Virgin Siren—luring men to death with her innocence and beauty. Our Scot improvement over England’s aging Virgin Queen. I for one am anxious to behold such a paragon of virtuous innocence and irresistible beauty. What will you do if you are attracted to her?”
    Rory quirked a brow. His brother should know better. “A beautiful face will not turn me from my duty.”
    “It would turn me.”
    Rory laughed. Alex had a well-known weakness for a pretty lass, but he knew his brother too well to believe that. Honor and duty were just as important to Alex as they were to him. “There is no requirement that I spend any time with her. I’m sure I’ll barely notice her,” he said dismissively. “Besides, no one could be as beautiful as the rumors suggest. Or as innocent. She’s spent the last year at court, after all. But it makes no difference to me what she looks like or how witty and charming she may be. When I marry, it will be for the clan.”
    As if on cue, a guardsman shouted, “A birlinn is approaching, Chief.”
    Striding purposefully with long, muscular legs toward the sea-gate entrance, Rory glanced back over his shoulder at Alex and brought an end to their discussion. “We shall see for ourselves if the rumors are true. My temporary bride has arrived.”

 
    Chapter 2

    First thou wilt reach the Sirens, who bewitch
    All human beings who approach their shore…
    — The Odyssey, 12:42
    The soft orange glow of the torches formed a long bright snake illuminating the dark night as the parade of MacDonald clansmen wound up the steep stone stairs of the sea-gate. Already aching from the uncomfortable boat ride, Isabel was well past exhaustion as she stumbled up the path behind a young clansman.
    “This way, my lady. Careful where you step. These rocks are sure to be slippery in this weather.” Willie of Dunscaith smiled at her, his blue eyes wide with admiration.
    Isabel shook her head with chagrin at Willie’s besotted expression. She could only hope the MacLeod was as easy to impress.
    She would never understand the ridiculous effect she seemed to have on men. It was always like this, she thought with considerable frustration. Silly gaping grins, shy fumblings, or sly,