With every word, MacDonald exposed himself as a wicked and corrupt traitor.
She clutched Tyra’s hand as the full import of the hateful words that his betrothed was nothing more to him than the drab tool he was using to make the clan his, struck with all the killing force of an arrow shot from a longbow.
Her grip tightened as she heard Tyra’s sharply indrawn breath and felt her shoulders shaking, wracked by silent sobs as the man she loved was exposed for the rogue he was.
They sat, silent as mice, not daring to move until the men’s disappearing footsteps told them they had headed toward the stables.
Tyra was still holding tight to her hand as they rose and began to make their way back to the keep.
“I have been such a fool,” Tyra began, her voice shaking.
“Hush, lass, ‘tis a simple enough thing tae believe lies that ye’re longing tae hear.”
Tyra’s shoulders slumped and she leaned against Annora, sniffing away the threatening tears as Annora reached an arm around her shoulders.
“Fer so long, me faither had retreated intae himself. I admit I was lonely, and when Harris began courting me it was easy tae overlook his bad temper and his impatience.”
“Aye. We can be fools fer love, Tyra. Ye’re by nay means the first lonely lass who’s been taken in by an unworthy lad.”
Tyra pulled up with a wail. “Edmund! Me half-braither. I have wronged him and I must speak wi’ him.”
Annora, already desperate to find Edmund and warn him of what she’d learned, could only nod.
Tyra’s face was alarmingly white, even her lips had been robbed of color. They made their way to the solar where Annora at once rang for some wine and nourishment.
The maid scuttled in with a tray and goblets and Annora poured two glasses of wine. Tyra’s hands were shaking so hard she could scarcely keep the goblet steady as she took a sip.
They sat in silence for a few minutes, each with their thoughts and the comforting wine. Annora glanced at Tyra, aware that the lass’s heart had been broken by what they’d heard. Yet, her tears had dried and she sat straight in her chair, her shoulders stiff and her head up.
Finally, Tyra turned to Annora. “I am deeply hurt at what I’ve learnt of my fiancé Harris. Yet, of late I had become aware that he had little regard fer me. I am nae altogether surprisedtae learn that he would let naething stand in his way tae take the power of the lairdship.” She looked up in alarm. “But I must speak tae Tormod and let the Elders ken what Harris is planning. Ye’re both in grave danger.”
Annora took a deep breath, steadying herself. “’Tis fortunate we’re aware of his plan. I’ll keep safe within the castle.” She poured them both another goblet of wine.
By the time Edmund found them, both Annora and Tyra were feeling somewhat mellow and their initial distress caused by the shock of their discovery had softened a little.
“What did the Elders say?” Annora asked as soon as Edmund walked in.
He gave a sharp laugh. “They were far from happy, yet I believe they understood. There will be a Council meeting tomorrow and their final decision will be announced.” He looked closely at both lasses and knit his brows. “But what is it that has ye looking so strangely at me?” He glanced at the empty wine flask on the table. “The wine?”
Tyra shook her head. “Aye, the wine has settled our fears, Edmund. Yet we have a dreadful tale tae tell.” She went on, describing what they had been privy to. “And Harris has made a pact with Annora’s faither tae force her return.”
Edmund gasped. “What…?”
“Aye, ‘tis so.” Annora nodded. “We overheard him conspiring wi’ me faither’s messenger. He requests me faither tae use his men tae end yer life, while Harris MacDonald has vowed tae abduct me.”
Edmund placed a hand to his forehead and shook his head.
“Good God in heaven, I kent the lad was a villain, yet who would have thought he was capable of such evil?”
Tyra jumped to her feet. “I will see Tormod and tell him what we heard. The castle must be roused tae protect ye both.” She turned to Edmund. “I owe ye the humblest of apologies. Ye are me half-braither yet I’ve nae acknowledged ye as such. Harris worked his wickedness on me, convincing me ye had nay right tae what is yers by birth.” She bowed her head. “I hope ye can forgive me fer me rudeness and the many slights and snubs I have afforded ye.”
Edmund took her small, cold hand in his. “Dinnae fash, Tyra. I understand how badly ye were taken in by the lad who held yer heart.”
She drew her lips in a tight line. “I regret that I was ever so foolish as tae believe his words.” Striding to the door she looked back. “I’ll seek Tormod without delay so he may be aware of Harris’s betrayal.”
Once they were alone, Edmund took Annora in his arms. She collapsed against him, her fingers entwined in the fabric of histunic as if holding onto him this way would somehow lessen the impact of MacDonald’s shameful and avowed conspiracy.
“Ye must stay safe, Annora.”
