Wed to a Highland Warrior Read Free

people, we are husband and wife.”
    “A few words, and we are sealed as one? No documents to sign? No arrangements made? Simply an exchange of words?” He found it difficult to believe, but, surprisingly, he was not troubled over the situation. No doubt it could be rectified.
    “A few words can hold so much more power than people know. Just think of the tremendous power of the three words—I love you.”
    His heart jolted with the memory of once not only hearing those words but speaking them. “You’re right. Three small words can bring tremendous happiness—or great pain.”
    Bliss smiled. “To say I love you means you will surely taste of happiness and pain. That is why it is so important to choose carefully the words you speak, for often they cannot be rescinded.”
    “What of Pict wedding vows?”
    “A few clearly stated words, and our wedding vows can be rescinded as easily as they were made.”
    One did not take wedding vows lightly, even if spoken in haste. And he needed time to consider this. “I don’t believe it would be wise of us to rush and do that. It may be better to remain husband and wife until I deliver you safely home.” It was a sensible decision not to separate from her just yet. She needed protection, a woman on her own, and if being wed to him brought her that, then married they would remain until he was certain she was safe from harm. And he could sort this strange situation out for himself.
    Perhaps this tug he felt to protect her was nothing more than indebtedness for what she had done for him though she did intrigue him. She was a pagan, her beliefs far different from his, and she was beautiful. Tall and slim, with long hair that shimmered as if spun with gold. A pale, smooth complexion, a round face with lips the color of a pink rose at first bloom. She startled his eyes, tightened his groin, and tempted him to abandon all sound reason—and kiss her.
    The thought jolted him, and he realized she had yet to respond though he couldn’t recall what he was waiting for her to respond to. When he remembered it concerned not rescinding their vows just yet, he wondered what caused her delayed reply.
    Was she regretting her actions and anxious to correct them? Or was she weighing what was best for her? Then he recalled that she was a seer and wondered what she knew that he didn’t.
    “Is there something you’re not telling me?” he asked with distinct firmness to his tone.
    “I share the truth with you.”
    “What of your visions?”
    She nodded understanding what he asked. “I knew that a powerful warrior would emerge from the woods to help me.” She did not share the part about his being her future husband.
    “So you would have claimed any warrior as your mate?” he asked with a shred of annoyance.
    “You are not any warrior. You are one of four brothers, though not blood related, one of which is the rightful king of Scotland.”
    He grew annoyed at himself for not having realized the implication of her skill and grabbed her arm. “We have to get moving. That young soldier will realize soon enough that you can foresee the true king’s identity, and no doubt he will gather more soldiers to come find you.”
    “The king has a seer of his own, so claimed one of the soldiers. She could provide the answer he seeks.”
    “Evidently, she’s not as skillful as you or else the true king’s identity would be known by now.”
    He hurried her along, keeping tight hold of her arm as thunder rumbled in the distance, gray clouds gathered in force overhead, and chilled air nipped at their skin.
    “We need to find shelter before the storm hits,” he said. “Old Jacob’s cottage is not far.”
    “It blusters, but little rain will fall. And I must make use of what daylight is left. An ill woman, a friend, needs tending,” she said, and eased them to a stop. “I do appreciate your help, but it’s a good day’s journey I must make, and you should not delay your task any longer. Tell me