Page 64 of Captured By the Cruel Highlander
Doughall nodded. “And ye intend to go through with the weddin’?”
“Falseweddin’, yes.”
A weighted silence followed that statement, and Adam frowned as he glanced at his friend. Doughall’s brow was furrowed, his eyes focused on the horizon.
“What is it?” Adam asked.
Doughall shrugged a shoulder, looking uncomfortable.
Adam’s hackles rose instantly. “Ye dinnae think I should go after Stewart, do ye?” he said impatiently.
“What? Nay! Of course, ye should,” Doughall protested. “But have ye thought about whether a weddin’ is the wisest course?”
Adam scratched his chin, confused by the sudden turnabout. Doughall had agreed to the scheme only a few days ago, and now he was questioning things when Adam needed his support more than ever.
“Why would I nae? A weddin’ will draw him out. He’ll want to punish her.”
“Are ye nae doin’ that yerself?”
Adam’s stomach turned over. “What do ye mean by that?”
“Listen, ye ken I dinnae wish to interfere. I’ll do as ye need me to, like I always have. But this isnae just about yer sister anymore.”
“Of course, it is. I’m doin’ this for Laura.”
“And what about what Emily wants?”
“She has agreed to it.”
“Aye.” Doughall’s voice was almost wistful. The afternoon sun beat down on the lands behind him, surrounding him in a golden light, but he looked uneasy. “But have ye seen the way the lass looks at ye?”
Adam scoffed. “She looks at me like she hates me most of the time. We cannae be in the same room without arguin’.”
“Is that how it was when ye stayed in the woods all night?”
“Ye hold yer tongue.”
“Ye see?” Doughall said reproachfully. “I kenned somethin’ was up with the both of ye. This cannae just be about Laura when ye are plannin’ to wed someone.”
“It willnae come to that,” Adam said firmly. “Stewart willnae be able to help himself.”
“And if ye’re wrong?” Doughall pulled on the horse’s reins, and they came to an abrupt halt. “I dinnae ken the lass, but she looks at ye like this isnae a game. If ye are goin’ to go through with this, ye have to plan as ye do for a war. What might happen—all eventualities. She’s a kind lass. She doesnae deserve for ye to marry her and then cast her aside.”
He raised his hands defensively at Adam’s expression.
“I ken better than anyone why ye dinnae want a wife. Of course, I do, but this is different. Ye’re draggin’ her into yer history. That isnae Emily’s fault, and she has come here and agreed to help ye despite yer kidnappin’ her durin’ her weddin’. Now ye’re draggin’ her into another one.”
“I have treated her well since she came to the castle and will continue to do so.”
“Aye. So ye arenae goin’ to expect her to stay out of council affairs, then? Ye arenae just goin’ to secure yer line and make her live separately from ye as if she isnae even there?”
Doughall let out a humorless laugh at Adam’s expression.
“I love ye like a braither, ye ken that, but ye arenae bein’ fair to the lass.”
“This isnae about fairness, this is about gettin’ me little sister back. Emily can make her own choices just like the rest of us.”
Doughall shook his head. “Aye, that’s true.” He fell silent and shook his head. “I’ve said me piece. I willnae say more on it.”
