Chapter 33 #2
She let out a quiet breath. “But he will hear ye out,” she added. “And I will nae leave until he does. Me brother is fair. There is somethin' reassurin' in that,” she said.
Ian met her gaze, a faint, steady confidence in his expression. “I mean to set this right,” he said simply.
And this time, there was no doubt that he would.
He looked at her, sitting opposite her in the carriage, though every instinct in him urged him closer.
The gentle sway of the wheels and the quiet rhythm of the journey seemed only to heighten his awareness of her presence.
His gaze drifted, unbidden, to the curve of her bosom, the soft fall of her hair over her cleavage, the way her hands rested so calmly in her lap.
A memory stirred, unwelcome in its intensity, of another carriage, another moment, where restraint had not stood between them.
I want her.
The truth of it burned low and steady within him, not merely desire, but something deeper, something that had only grown stronger since nearly losing her.
He remembered the heat of her, the way she had responded to him, the fragile trust that had begun to bloom between them before it had been shattered.
And now, though that trust was mending, he knew it was not yet whole.
I willnae take what is not given freely. She has nae granted permission to consummate the marriage.
Ian shifted slightly, forcing his gaze toward the window, though it did little to quiet the thoughts in his mind.
“God help me,” he muttered under his breath, more to himself than to her. For all his strength in battle, this quiet restraint tested him in ways no enemy ever had.
The carriage rolled through the gates of Castle McDonald beneath a sky brushed with pale light, the banners of Arianna’s clan snapping proudly in the breeze.
Ian stepped down first, his boots striking the stone courtyard as his gaze lifted to take in the gathered figures awaiting them.
Arianna followed close behind, and in an instant, her family surged forward to greet her.
The warmth of their welcome stood in stark contrast to the tension Ian had carried with him on the journey.
“Arianna!” her mother, Eilidh, cried, her voice thick with relief as she gathered her daughter into a tight embrace.
“Oh, Mother. I missed ye. There is much to discuss,” Arianna said softly, though she held her just as tightly.
Hugh stepped forward then, his expression both guarded and welcoming as his gaze shifted to Ian. “Ye’ve brought her back to us in one piece,” he said, his tone measured but not unkind.
Ian inclined his head slightly. “Aye,” he replied. “And I intend to keep her that way.”
Hugh studied him for a moment longer before nodding. “Then ye are welcome here, Laird McGuire,” Hugh said, extending his hand with Anna at his side.
Ian took it firmly. “I thank ye.”
Marcus lingered nearby, his sharp eyes flicking between them.
“Brothers, Anna,” Arianna hugged each of them.
“Arianna, I'm so glad to see ye,” Anna said.
“Let us go inside,” Arianna said. “This is nae a matter for the courtyard.”
They moved together into the castle, the heavy doors closing behind them as they were led to a sitting room warmed by a low-burning fire. The family gathered. Ian remained standing beside Arianna, his presence steady, his resolve clear. He did not delay.
“I will speak plainly,” Ian said, his voice firm as it filled the room. “I have come here to set matters right between our clans.”
Hugh crossed his arms slightly. “Then speak,” he said.
Ian met his gaze. “I have torn up the marriage agreement.”
The words landed heavily. Eilidh’s hand rose to her chest, Marcus’s brows lifted, and Hugh’s expression sharpened.
“Ye’ve done what?” Hugh asked, his voice edged with disbelief.
“I have made it void,” Ian continued. “I want it kent that I am married to Arianna because I wish her to be me wife, nae for any debt owed between our clans.”
Hugh’s eyes narrowed slightly. “And what brought this on?”
Arianna stepped forward before Ian could answer.
“There was a page missing from the contract,” she said, her voice steady. “One that was found in the McGuire archives.”
The room stilled. “It stated that if I didnae bear an heir within a year,” she continued, “then Clan McDonald would owe land or wealth to Clan McGuire.”
Eilidh gasped, “Hugh… did ye ken of such a thing?” she asked, her voice shaken.
Hugh shook his head immediately. “I didnae,” he said firmly, his gaze darkening. “I would never have agreed to such terms.”
Marcus stepped forward slightly, his expression grave. “Indeed.”
Ian spoke again. “Nor would I,” he said. “I kent nothin' of that clause when I agreed to the marriage.”
The weight of his words settled over them. “I came here to tell ye this meself,” Ian continued, his voice unwavering. “Against the wishes of me council, I have declared the contract void on behalf of Clan McGuire.”
Silence followed. Arianna turned to Hugh then, her gaze steady and resolute. “Will ye do the same for Clan McDonald? Declare it void?” she asked.
Hugh hesitated, his eyes shifting briefly to Marcus.
Marcus studied Arianna carefully. “Are ye truly happy at Castle McGuire, sister?” he asked, his tone quieter now, though no less serious.
Arianna did not falter. She stepped back to Ian’s side and slipped her arm through his, her fingers resting lightly but firmly against him. “I am happy,” she said. “And I am happy in me husband as well.”
Ian felt the words settle deep within him.
“Let this alliance be one of me own choosin',” she continued, “not a debt between clans.”
Hugh watched her for a long moment. Then, slowly, he stepped forward. “Then I shall void the contract on behalf of Clan McDonald,” he said. “Yer happiness warrants such an action, sister.”
Relief moved through the room like a quiet breath. Ian stepped forward at once, extending his hand. Hugh took it firmly, their grip strong and certain. No more words were needed in that moment.
It was done.
Eilidh moved first, drawing Arianna into another embrace, while Anna followed close behind. Marcus clasped Ian’s shoulder briefly, a silent acknowledgment passing between them. The tension that had once lingered dissolved, replaced by something steadier..
And for the first time, both clans stood united not by obligation, but by a truthful bond.