Chapter 4 #2
"With all due respect, me laird," another councilman, Hamish, interjected, "we cannae afford to delay much longer. Laird Allen grows more restless by the day. There are rumors he's gathering his forces, preparing for war."
Kenneth's hand tightened on the arm of his chair. "Let him come," he growled. "We'll send him back to his keep with his tail between his legs."
"But at what cost?" Fergus asked softly. "Our clan is still recovering from last year's floods. We cannae afford a prolonged conflict."
Kenneth knew the old man was right, but he couldn't bring himself to admit it. The thought of handing Sophie over to another man, of watching her build a life with someone else, made his blood boil.
"What of the Highland Assembly?" he asked, changing the subject. "Have we received word from the other clans?"
Hamish nodded, shuffling through a stack of parchments. "Aye, me laird. Most have confirmed their attendance. It's a prime opportunity to forge new alliances, particularly with Laird MacDean. His lands by the sea could open up new trade routes for us."
Kenneth leaned forward, his interest piqued. "Aye, that could be just what we need to replenish our coffers. We'll need to make a strong impression if we're to secure his support."
"All the more reason to settle Lady Sophie's marriage quickly," Fergus pressed. "We cannae afford any distractions during the assembly. The other lairds will be watchin' us closely, looking for any sign of weakness."
Kenneth's temper flared. "And ye think marryin' Sophie off to the first available man is a sign of strength?" he snapped. "She's nae a piece of cattle to be bartered away!"
The council members exchanged glances, clearly taken aback by their laird's vehemence. Kenneth took a deep breath, trying to regain his composure.
"Me laird," Hamish said hesitantly, "we understand yer concern for Lady Sophie's welfare. But surely ye can see the need for a swift resolution..."
Kenneth's mind raced. He knew they were right, that he needed to make a decision. But the thought of Sophie in another man's arms, bearing his children... it was more than he could bear.
Before he could stop himself, the words tumbled from his lips: "I'll marry her meself."
A stunned silence fell over the room. Kenneth could hardly believe what he'd said, but as the shock wore off, he realized it was the only solution that made sense.
Hamish was the first to recover. "But me laird, think of the consequences. If ye marry Lady Sophie, ye'll be making an enemy of Laird Allen for certain. He'll see it as a direct challenge to his authority."
Kenneth's eyes flashed dangerously. "Let him. I'd rather face him on the battlefield than hand Sophie over to that bastard or any other man who doesn't deserve her."
The council members exchanged worried glances. They had never seen their laird so adamant about anything, let alone a woman.
"Me laird," Fergus said gently, "we understand ye feel protective of Lady Sophie. But is this truly the wisest course of action? Ye barely ken the lass. And there's nay guarantee she'll agree to the match."
Kenneth's jaw clenched at the thought. What if Sophie rejected him? What if she couldn't forgive him for avoiding her these past few days?
"She'll agree," Kenneth said, his voice cold and unyielding. "She has nay other option."
The council members looked at each other, clearly unsure how to proceed. They had never seen their laird so determined, so... ruthless.
He stood, his decision made. "Me mind is made up. I'll marry Sophie, and that's the end of it. Any man who objects can take it up with me personally."
The threat in his voice was clear, and not a single councilman dared to speak against him. Kenneth nodded, satisfied. "Now, if there's nothing else, I have a proposal to make."
Without waiting for a response, he strode out of the council chambers, his heart pounding with a mixture of determination and dread. He had no idea how Sophie would react to his decision, but he knew one thing for certain: he wasn't about to let her go without a fight.
As he made his way through the castle, searching for Sophie, Kenneth's mind raced with all the things he needed to say to her.
He had been a fool to push her away, to deny the feelings that had been growing between them since the moment they met.
But now, he would make her understand that this was the only way forward.
He found her in the garden, sitting on a stone bench with a book in her lap. The sight of her took his breath away. The afternoon sun caught the golden highlights in her hair, and her brow was furrowed in concentration as she read.
"Sophie," he called out, his voice gruff and commanding.
She looked up, startled by his sudden appearance. "Kenneth? I... I didn't expect to see ye here."
He moved closer, his face a mask of stern determination. "We need to talk."
Sophie's expression grew wary. "About what?"
Kenneth took a deep breath, steeling himself for what he was about to say. "The council has been pressing me to find ye a husband. They believe it's the only way to secure our position against yer brother's threats."
Sophie's eyes widened. "And have ye... have ye chosen someone?"
"Aye," Kenneth growled. "I have. I've decided to marry ye meself."
Sophie gasped, her book falling forgotten to the ground. "Ye... what?"
"Ye heard me," Kenneth said, his voice cold and unyielding. "We'll be married as soon as possible. It's the best solution for everyone involved."
Sophie stood, her eyes flashing with anger. "The best solution? Ye cannae just decide this without even asking me! I thought... I thought ye were going to let me choose."
Kenneth's jaw clenched. "That was before I realized how dire our situation is. We daenae have the luxury of choice anymore, Sophie. This is about survival - for both of us."
"But what about love?" Sophie asked, her voice barely above a whisper. "Daenae I deserve to marry someone who loves me?"
For a moment, Kenneth felt a pang of guilt. But he quickly pushed it aside. "Love is a luxury we cannae afford," he growled. "This is about protection, about securing our future. Ye'll be me wife in name and in deed, but daenae expect anything more than that."
Sophie's eyes filled with tears, but Kenneth hardened his heart against the sight. He couldn't afford to show weakness, not now.
"Ye cannae do this," Sophie said, her voice shaking with anger and hurt. "Ye cannae force me to marry ye."
Kenneth's eyes flashed dangerously as he stepped closer to Sophie, his body radiating heat and raw power. He reached out, his calloused hand cupping her cheek with surprising gentleness.
"I can, and I will, Sophie," he murmured, his breath hot against her ear.
"I am the laird of this clan, and me word is law.
" His thumb traced her lower lip, "Ye'll be me wife, in every way, whether ye like it or not.
" His eyes, dark with desire, locked onto hers.
"And I think ye'll find ye like it very much indeed. "