Page 10 of His Runaway Bride
Chapter 5: Negotiations
An hour later, Ewanfound himself seated before the great fireplace in the abbey's main hall, a wooden cup of some vile-tasting but effective healing tincture warming his hands.The brew was bitter as sin and smelled like something that belonged in a stable, but he had to admit it was working.The throbbing in his head had subsided to a manageable ache, though his pride remained somewhat bruised.
Abbess Bethóc sat across from him in a high-backed chair, her expression carefully neutral as she regarded both him and Lileas.Her gray eyes missed nothing, and Ewan had the uncomfortable feeling that she could see straight through him to his very soul.
Lileas perched on a nearby stool like a bird ready to take flight at the first sign of danger.She had attempted to repair her appearance, but her hair was still escaping from its braid and there were still traces of charcoal on her fingers.She kept shooting nervous glances in his direction, as if expecting him to suddenly explode into violence.
Ewan reflected on what had transpired since first meeting his betrothed, and he had to admit he was even more determined to wed the stubborn lass.If that made him a daft fool, then he would willingly bear the title.Most men would have cried off by now, claiming insanity on the part of his bride, but for some reason Ewan could not walk away.Once a MacNeil chose a path, they never looked back.
"Now then," the abbess said, "let us discuss this situation like adults."
"There's nothing to discuss," Ewan replied.He set down his cup with deliberate care, but there was steel in his green eyes."Lileas and I are betrothed.We will be married, and that's final."
Lileas shot to her feet, her hands clenched at her sides and her eyes flashing with defiance."Ye cannot simply make demands..."
"I can and I will."Ewan's interruption was sharp and final.He reached into his leather pouch and withdrew a folded parchment sealed with red wax."Yer father has given me full authority in this matter."
He handed the document to Abbess Bethóc, who broke the seal and read the contents slowly, her eyebrows rising with each line.
"What does it say?"Lileas demanded, though dread was already pooling in her stomach like ice water.
The abbess looked up gravely."It states that yer father, Laird Duncan MacDonald, gives his complete permission and authority to Ewan MacNeil to wed ye immediately, by whatever means necessary.He grants full consent for the marriage to proceed without delay, and yer dowry has already been sent to the MacNeils."She paused, then added quietly, "He also mentions that the alliance between yer clans is of vital importance to the security of both."
"No," Lileas whispered, the blood draining from her face."He wouldn't.Not immediate marriage."
"Aye, he would and he has."Ewan's voice was hard as granite, but he did show some sympathy for her distress."I've seen yer work, lass, and I ken why ye ran away.What ye have done with the still is impressive, no doubt yer contribution has been valuable to the sisters.But now 'tis time to do yer duty for the sake of both our clans.Neither one of us has the freedom to escape this marriage when it will bring great benefit to us all.I've wasted enough time on this folly.Abbess, I require someone to officiate the ceremony.Tomorrow morn if possible, then we can be on our way."
"Now wait just a moment..."Lileas began, but Ewan cut her off with a sharp gesture.
"Ye've had three months to come to yer senses, lass.Three months of hiding when ye should have just come to me with yer concerns."He rose from his chair, his imposing height allowing him to tower over her."Ye are mine, Lileas, by right of betrothal and yer da's blessing.This marriage will happen."
Lileas found herself taking an involuntary step backward, suddenly aware of just how large and physically imposing the man was.
"While the document does appear to give such authority," Abbess Bethóc interjected carefully, "Lileas is still under the protection of sanctuary.She must consent to leave with ye of her own free will."
Ewan's laugh was short and harsh."Must she?"His eyes never left Lileas's face, his voice dropping to a dangerous whisper."Tell me, lass, what exactly is yer alternative?Hide here forever?Take up the order and spend yer days brewing for the sisters?Yer father has made his wishes clear.I've made mine clear.The only question remaining is whether ye'll be fair minded about this and put the needs of others above yer own."
Lileas opened her mouth to object, but something in his expression stopped her cold.This was not the man who had shown interest in her work or spoken gently about her fears.This was a Highland laird claiming what was his by right, and the steel in his green eyes brooked no opposition.
"I promise ye this," Ewan continued, his voice softening only slightly."I will take yer concerns into consideration.But make no mistake: ye will be my wife."
The air in the room seemed to thicken with tension.Lileas looked desperately to the abbess for support, but found only a measured, thoughtful expression that offered no immediate salvation.
"Perhaps," Abbess Bethóc said quietly, "Lileas and I might have a private word?"
Ewan stepped back, though his gaze remained fixed on Lileas with the intensity of a hawk watching a mouse."Aye.But I'll expect an answer within the hour."
