I have to take responsibility for this. He is right—I’m the one who caused this mess, and I will be the one who fixes it.
Scenario after scenario played out in her mind, each one more unfavorable than the last. She did not know how long she sat like that, with her head in her hands as the different ways she could handle this raced through her mind. But, eventually, she felt the tension in the air ease.
The chair across from her groaned as the Laird sank down into it, and she could feel the weight of those keen eyes on her. But still, she did not look up.
There has to be a way to solve this. A way to appease his council and solve me problems. There just has to be.
Suddenly, an idea popped into her head. Her heart sped up.
Slowly, Marissa lifted her gaze. Just as she’d suspected, the Laird was sitting across from her. His grey eyes had softened, and he was regarding her with unconcealed curiosity.
“I’ll take responsibility for me actions,” she began.
A flicker of doubt crossed the Laird’s rugged face. But before he could interject, she raised her voice to drown him out and continued speaking.
“Ye dinnae have to resort to threats,” she said, and his mouth snapped shut. “Nor do ye need to remind me that yer council willnae care if I tell them everythin’.”
His eyebrows, which had just seconds ago been knitted together into a firm line, shot up in interest. She’d gotten his attention.
“Mayhap there’s a way we can both have our needs met if we can come to an agreement.”
Marissa waited for a moment, giving him a second to weigh her words.
Finally, he spoke, his tone filled with intrigue. “What did ye have in mind?”
Marissa began to explain, imbuing each word with confidence. She did not want this man to sense any kind of hesitation in her. It was a good deal that she was about to propose. The more it took shape in her mind, the more she thought it made sense.
But she didn’t want him to get a big head, as men so often did, and refuse it outright simply because the idea was not his.
“First,” she began, “ye will need to become allies with Michael’s clan.”
Arthur cocked an eyebrow. “Who is Michael?”
“Me braither-in-law. Michael Hughes, Laird of Clan McEwan. They’re a strong clan and would make good allies. And it would make sense for me future husband to enter into an agreement with them.”
The Laird chewed on his lips, considering her demand. Finally, after what felt like too long of a pause, he nodded.
“Alright,” he agreed.
Marissa had to fight to hide the smile of triumph that wanted to tug up the corners of her mouth.
“Ye have a point. It would make sense for our clans to be allied, especially if we’re to wed. And I’ve heard of Clan McEwan. I think we would serve each other well.”
“Second,” Marissa continued, not wanting to leave too much time between her demands. “Before the weddin’, I would like for us to go on outings. I dinnae ken anythin’ about ye. And I dinnae want to marry a man I dinnae ken. I dinnae want to marry a stranger.”
A small, dark chuckle of amusement rumbled in the Laird’s chest, but he didn’t say anything as he considered her words once more. It didn’t take as long as the first time before he nodded.
“That’s easy enough to accomplish.”
She couldn’t help it. Relief washed over her, and with it came a long sigh.
Somehow, Marissa had done it. Even though she was going to have to marry the man sitting across from her, she had still managed to secure an alliance that would help keep her sister and the people she loved safe. And who knew? Maybe once they were wed and she’d carved out some space for herself, she would be left alone to pursue her interests.
It could be the best scenario for everyone if I’m being honest.
“It’s settled then?” Arthur asked, drawing her out of her spiraling thoughts. “We will be wed after five outings?”
Her lips curled into a grin. “Are ye nae worried I willnae want to marry ye after spendin’ time with ye?”
