Page 1 of The Icy Highlander's Bride
1
As soon as Daniel entered the room, all eyes turned to him. It was like the joy and excitement in the room suddenly ceased, as if he were a dark cloud shielding the sun. Daniel ignored the glances and strode forward to a table laden with food and drink. He lifted a glass and downed it, hoping to fade in the crowd.
He hadn't expected his presence to be shocking to people, though when he really thought about it, he couldn't blame them. Daniel had spent the past three and a half years locked away in his castle.
"Ye made quite the entrance," Cameron commented, stepping to stand beside him. He had just stepped off the dance floor, and a tall brunette was still glancing over at him with a smile. "I guess that's what happens when ye arrivelateto these things."
"Forgive me for nae caring about the wedding of some low-level Gunn soldier and our healer," Daniel groused, but his brother dug his elbow into his side.
"Be quiet," Cameron hissed. "Ye never ken who is listening. Any chance to strengthen the bond between our clan and Clan Gunn is a good one."
Daniel grunted, but when he looked around, several people were still staring in his direction, stealing glances at him as they sipped from their glasses.
He knew his brother was right. Any chance to strengthen the bond between clans was important for his people. But that wasn't Daniel's reason for attending tonight.
"What are ye doing here anyway?" Cameron asked, popping a sweet treat filled with cream into his mouth. "Ye hate these things."
"Aye," Daniel agreed. "But sometimes life requires us to do things we despise."
He scanned the room, though he had to admit he had no idea what he was looking for. Someone who looked kind? There were plenty of women smiling and laughing at the ceilidh. Someone who was good with children? He had no way of knowing these women's skills with young ones, not during a celebration that was only held for adults. Someone single?Thatwas an important criterion.
Daniel sighed, wondering if he had been stupid to come.
The wedding was one of the first celebrations his clan could enjoy now that peace had finally fallen over their land. After years of torment, capped by Daniel's victory over the two clans who opposed him, the world was finally starting to settle around Clan MacCrawford. No wonder so many of them had accepted the invitation to visit Gunn Castle for this wedding.
"If it isnae our host!" Cameron called, nodding toward Alexander Doyle, who strode toward them. "Laird Gunn."
"Welcome to Gunn Castle." Alexander nodded, shaking Cameron's hand before turning to his older brother. "We're pleased to welcome ye, Laird MacCrawford."
"Thank ye," Daniel said. He shook Alexander's hand, noting the scar that cut across the man's face. "Thoughpleasedmight nae be the word. Did ye notice how the mood darkened when I stepped into the room?"
"Certainly nae." Alexander chuckled, putting on his best Laird smile as he scanned the room. "People are simply surprised to see ye. Ye've been a bit absent at these gatherings of late."
"Aye." Daniel drained his glass. "Clan business is all-consuming, as ye must well ken."
"Indeed." Alexander nodded, though Daniel could sense the man's attention was no longer on their conversation in front of him.
Instead, Alexander's eyes were trained on a young, blonde woman with the most beautiful curves Daniel had ever seen, standing across the room. Unfortunately for her, the man she was speaking to was far less attractive.
"Are ye alright, Laird Gunn?" Daniel asked, hoping to end the niceties with his host.
Despite his initial hopes for this wedding, the only thing Daniel could think of now was finding a dark corner where he could sit and drink Alexander's fancy liquor.
Alexander looked over at him, a bit confused, but then he shook his head, as if reminding himself where he was.
"Aye," he replied. "Forgive me, Laird MacCrawford. Though we're enjoying one weddin', I have me thoughts on a ceilidh of the future. Ye'll excuse me."
Daniel gave a curt nod as Alexander walked away. He glanced again at the couple across the room, wondering if he had understood what Alexander was speaking of. If so, Daniel felt bad for the poor girl. The man she spoke to could easily have been her father.
"The dance floor is callin'," Cameron intoned, jolting his brother's out of his thoughts. He nodded toward the same brunette Daniel had seen him dance with earlier. "Will ye be alright?"
"Aye, Cam," Daniel sighed. "I have attended weddin's before. I can handle meself."
This was all that Cameron needed because he was suddenly off, headed for the smiling woman with the long, intricately arranged brown locks. Daniel shook his head at his brother and wondered if it was time to think about finding Cameron a bride. With all the war and unrest, it had been the furthest thing from Daniel's mind. Indeed, marriage in general had been, but now that was starting to change.
Daniel found his dark corner and a full glass of whiskey. He took a seat and surveyed the room, telling himself he would get up and speak to someone soon. Then, after he finished the drink in his hand, he told himself he could work up the nerve after one more drink, which quickly turned into two more.
The bodies spinning on the dance floor became a blur of color and motion that made him tired. The thought of getting up to dance was nearly exhausting, and he was starting to wonder how long he needed to stay before he could leave without looking rude.
