Page 4 of Intrigued By A Highlander

Dru had no choice but to choose the lesser of two evils. “I will wed Knox.”

CHAPTER 3

“Obey your husband, woman, and be a dutiful wife,” Cleric Freen ordered Dru sternly once the vows were spoken.

Dru had a few choice words for the cleric but a sudden tight hug from her husband prevented her from speaking, though not him.

“Dru will be a good wife,” Knox said, feeling the wee woman who was now his wife tense in his grip.

That was left to be seen, though Dru was overjoyed when the cleric announced.

“I must take my leave shortly if I am to reach my destination on time.”

Unfortunately, her joy was brief.

Cleric Freen turned a stern look on Knox. “You will consummate the marriage, sealing your vows permanently before I take my leave.”

“I will see it done,” Knox assured him.

Dru learned out of necessity to keep a watchful eye on people. Their actions, even the smallest ones, usually said more than words. A sharp lift of the cleric’s chin was enough to see he would not budge on his decision.

“I will not be played the fool and see you both part once I am gone. The union will be sealed now.” Cleric Freen turned to Mother Abbess. “Show us to an adequate room.”

Mother Abbess’s cheeks flushed as she directed Knox to follow her. “Come this way.”

Knox didn’t hesitate, but Dru could tell by his firm steps and stiff shoulders, drawn back tightly that he was annoyed. Yet he followed the abbess, and the cleric followed behind him.

Dru, on the other hand, felt trapped. Trapped by how tightly Knox held her, forcing her to keep pace with him, and trapped by the forced marriage. And now, trapped in consummating a union she wanted no part of. She grew more upset when Mother Abbess stopped and opened the door in front of her.

The cleric stepped around them and entered the room to look around. “Small but adequate.”

Dru wanted to protest but Knox nudged her into the room with strength she couldn’t fight. She should have fled when she had a chance, but Knox seemed determined for her to help him, which meant he would have searched for her. At least she would not have been trapped in an unwanted marriage.

“Leave us, Mother Abbess,” the cleric ordered. “I will watch and make sure the union is consummated.”

Dru couldn’t believe it. This was not happening. It couldn’t be, not after all the precautions she had taken, things she had suffered to keep any man from touching her. She turned, ready to unleash her tongue and was met with her husband’s broad chest and when she tilted her head back to look up at him, he mouthed,Quiet.

Normally, she would pay no heed to such a command, but something warned her to do as he said and so she clinched her lips showing him that she would do as he said, at least for now.

Knox turned, his voice taking on a strong command. “You will not witness our union, Cleric.”

The cleric sputtered as if searching for words or strength to challenge the large, commanding man.

“Mother Abbess can confirm the consummation once we are done,” Knox said. “Until then, you both will remain outside the door.”

“A reasonable solution,” Mother Abbess said, hurriedly shooing the cleric to the door. “Come, Cleric Freen.”

The cleric muttered beneath his breath but stepped out of the room and Mother Abbess shut the door.

Dru kept her voice low but firm. “There is no way?—”

Knox whispered as well, his voice just as firm, “Aye, there isn’t. You are too small for the likes of me and consummation would seal our marriage, something neither of us wants.”

Again, why it should bother her that he did not find her appealing made no sense. It should be a relief to her and yet it troubled her. She pushed the ridiculous thought from her head.

“Speak up, saying you don’t want to do this,” he whispered.

Dru had no trouble calling out and adding her own thought on the matter, “I want no part of this. You are too big. We will never fit.”

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