Total pages in book: 107
Estimated words: 99593 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 498(@200wpm)___ 398(@250wpm)___ 332(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 99593 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 498(@200wpm)___ 398(@250wpm)___ 332(@300wpm)
“Is that what his fate will be… drawn and quartered?”
Torrance shook his head. “I have yet to decide his fate.” He let the issue end there for now. “A message arrived while I was at Clan MacLodder, securing its allegiance to me, an invitation from Chieftain Stuart of Clan Rennoch to attend the celebration of his son, Roland’s betrothal.”
“He is not one to be trusted,” Brack said. “He has thoughts of gaining power of his own.”
“I am aware, but it would be good to avoid another battle if possible.”
“The men are ready to fight and mercenaries standby eager to fight for you again.”
“Because I pay them well,” Torrance scoffed.
It is a sizeable army nonetheless,” Brack reminded. “And you would be wise to take more than a small group of your warriors with you when you go to Clan Rennoch.”
“I thought the same myself,” Torrance agreed.
“I should go with you.”
Torrance shook his head. “Nay. I need you here. It could be a ploy to attack Clan Glencairn.”
Brack’s annoyance had him speaking bluntly. “Stuart believes he can defeat Clan Glencairn.”
“Him and how many others believe such foolishness?” Torrance snapped. “Have you ever known me to be a fool?”
Brack hesitated for a moment too long.
“Speak your piece,” Torrance ordered, sharply.
“When a person is close to death, as your father was, they can make foolish demands. His mind was not right near the end. I never expected you to honor his foolish demand about your half-sister Autumn—Dru as she now calls herself. I believed you would keep your word and see her in a marriage that would benefit the clan, not wed to some mercenary.”
“Whether my father meant it or not, he asked for my word, and I gave it. Dru will remain wed to Knox.” He waved Brack away. “Leave me. I have much to think about.”
“Think on a wife for Hakon,” Brack advised. “He is not a man you want to keep waiting.”
“Then bring me some possibilities besides, Una. Evil women who would suit Hakon.”
“All women are evil,” Brack said as he headed to the door, “but I will do my best to find the evilest among them.”
Torrance remained focused on the closed door. It was important he remained focused, clear-headed with all the issues he faced. He couldn’t allow himself to be distracted and have the smallest detail slip past him.
So, why did Esme stand out in his mind? Why did she intrude on his every thought? In the scheme of things, she was unimportant. But he knew otherwise, and it haunted him.
CHAPTER 6
Esme paced the floor of Torrance’s bedchamber. He had ordered her there shortly after she had climbed into her own bed. She had remained in her room since he had sent her there and had had her supper sent to her. She didn’t mind, though after the incident in the woods she had expected to be summoned to his bedchamber, and she had waited for it. When the time grew late, and she thought he’d forgotten about her, the summons had come.
The door suddenly swung open. Her husband stood staring at her, his eyes roaming slowly over her from head to foot. She realized the fire’s light behind her allowed him to see the shapely silhouette of her body beneath her nightdress. Passion flared in his eyes and her breath caught for a moment, knowing what that meant. She prayed she would not fail him this time.
“Go to sleep,” he ordered with a snap of his hand.
His command puzzled her. She had become familiar recognizing desire when it flared in his eyes and having felt his hard shaft pressed against her in the woods, it confirmed it. She thought for sure this time might be different. But it was Una’s warning about Torrance searching for another wife that worried her. She knew what it meant… her sudden death.
She didn’t know if it was fear or foolishness that made her blurt out, “I heard you search for another wife. If you tell me what I do wrong, I can—”
“Where did you hear that?” he demanded with a flare of anger.
“Whispers amongst the servants and villagers,” she said, not wishing to see Una punished for revealing such information.
He stared at her hesitant as if trying to decide on a response, then it came sharp and menacing. “Be a good wife and I will not need to search for your replacement.”
There was barely anything left of her courage to hold onto, but she tried. “I will be a most dutiful wife.” She swallowed down her fear. “Please, my lord, plant your seed inside me so that I may give you the heir you deserve.”
He crossed his arms over his chest and lifted his chin a notch after he took steps toward her and stopped in front of her. “You have failed thus far. Why would this time be any different?”