Page 118 of Intrigued By A Highlander

But even that didn’t ease the dread curling in her chest. Torrance hadn’t acknowledged their marriage. Hadn’t asked how she fared. He’d looked right through them, as if they meant nothing to him, only what benefit they might bring him.

She could feel Knox’s tension just as strongly as her own—his frustration simmering under the surface, his instinct to fight only barely contained. They had survived ambushes, betrayal, and bloodshed. But this… this waiting in the hands of a man who ruled with his temper and without an ounce of kindness… felt unbearable.

Quint leaned against a far wall, arms folded, gaze sharp. He hadn’t spoken either, but his eyes missed nothing.

A goblet clattered to the floor, the sound ringing through the Great Hall.

Torrance didn’t flinch, but he stopped pacing to lash out. “If another sound disturbs me, I will see the fool put in the stocks.”

The room went still. Only the crackling fire failed to obey him.

Torrance turned, his scowl falling on Dru. “So, you’re my half-sister. You’re nothing like I expected. Barely pretty. Far too skinny and petite?—”

Dru refused to let him speak to her as if she was worthless, her rapid-fire words striking him like well-aimed arrows. “Yet I managed to avoid you long enough.”

“And a sharp tongue that needs taming,” Torrance concluded, lunging forward and pointing his finger at her when she went to speak. “Not another word from you.” He turned to Knox, pinning him in place with a glare, his voice low and laced with fire. “The mission was simple, bring my half-sister to me. And what do you do, you unleashed a hornet’s nest.”

Dru wasn’t about to see Knox blamed for what wasn’t his fault. She ignored Torrance’s order and spoke. “He didn’t create the hornet’s nest, but he was brave enough to rescue me from it.”

Torrance pounded the table with his fist. “Hold your tongue, woman, or suffer for it.” He glared at Knox. “You had no right to wed her!”

Knox wasn’t about to argue with him or explain anything to him, none of that mattered. He met his glare with one of his own. “It is done. We are wed, and I will not be parted from her.”

“Bold,” Torrance said with a sneer. “Some would call it arrogance. Or idiocy.”

His eyes swept to Dru, lingering, daring her to speak but she held her tongue—barely.

Silence settled over the room once again until Torrance broke it.

“You are of my blood,” he said. “And your father was far fonder of your mother rather than my own, but who could blame him, she was a spineless woman.” His voice trailed off, brow furrowing. Then he dropped heavily into the great chair, its frame groaning beneath him. “My father’s last wish surprised me. It was that you wed a good man. A strong one. One who would keep you safe.”

Dru’s breath caught.

Torrance let the silence stretch.

“You killed Callan without hesitation. You’ve fought bravely alongside my warriors,” Torrance said, continuing to glare at Knox. “It would be foolish of me to lose such an exceptional warrior.”

Dru and Knox held their breaths not sure what they were about to hear.

“I won’t undo my father’s wish or what fate has already blessed. No matter how much it vexes me. My father’s wish will stand. You are wed and shall remain so.”

Dru let out a shaky breath and turned to Knox, tears gathering behind her eyes. He leaned down and touched his forehead to hers, his relief as profound as hers.

Torrance grunted. “You will get no land. You may have completed the mission, but not in the intended way.”

“It matters not to me,” Knox said, hugging Dru close to his side. “All that matters is that Dru and I are together.”

“It matters to me,” Torrance snapped sharply. “Your marriage secured me a skilled warrior who will serve me when commanded to do so. And your first duty is to rule as chieftain of Clan MacFadin until I direct otherwise.”

Shock had Knox saying, “I know nothing of ru?—”

“Learn,” Torrance ordered. “And see that you secure enough warriors to keep this area safe and ready to fight for me.” He stood abruptly. “We will speak in the morning before I leave for home. Though why I return to a useless wife is beyond me.” He summoned a servant with a snap of his hand. “Bring food and drink to my bedchamber.” With that said, he strode to the door but stopped and called out without turning, “Harm my sister and I will kill you myself.”

Torrance left then… to everyone’s relief.

Knox lifted his wife and planted a happy kiss on her lips, her arms going around his neck to hold him close.

“Congratulations,” Quint said, interrupting the pair. “You’re lucky with Lord Torrance’s decision. I never knew him to be so generous. Not many who stand before him to meet their fate walk away without punishment. I am pleased for you both.”

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