Free Bride of Vengeance (Highland Romance Series Book 1) by Anna Pruitt

behind. Nathanial stopped and turned back to her for a moment.
    “Angus,” Nathanial commanded. There was no way Duncan was ever being out on Lydia duty again. Angus sighed and walked towards the girl.
    “James is a day’s ride from the keep.” Margret started.
    “We’re only a half day. We’ll get there first.” Duncan broke in.
    Margret shook her head. “Father Langley arrived at the keep this morning. Quinton stayed behind to watch him.” Nathanial tried not to show his true worry. Father Langley was Fane’s and Lydia’s father right-hand-man. “Langley’s come to take her home, Nathanial.” Margret did show her worry.
    “She cannot go back to him.” Duncan’s words seemed pathetic in comparison to what everyone was feeling. Fane would kill her if he got her back. Nathanial had expected to have a fight to keep her. Time was just not on their side. Had they been back and married by now, Nathanial would have a fighting chance to keep her. Nathanial looked back and saw Lydia sitting on the fallen tree. Father MalCanney sat by her jabbering away.
    “Is MalCanney willing?” Nathanial kept his gaze on Lydia as he spoke.
    “Is Lydia?” Margret followed his gaze. “MalCanney came of his own volition. He understands the situation. Does Lydia?” She could tell by her Laird’s expression that the girl did not. “Let me talk to her.” She suggested. “I can make her understand, Laird.”
    Nathanial did not answer her, he just walked away.
    Lydia was feeling awkward. She had never meant to breakdown like that in front of all the men. She was just never expecting to see a friendly face again. Now, as she sat next to a priest who held onto her hand and told her all about God’s plan, she wanted to run away.
    Lydia was watching the Priest’s face as he explained to her the mysteries of God. She saw his face turn a little darker as he stared at something coming closer. Then he turned back to her and seemed to frown at her in pity before looking ahead again.
    Lydia was lucky she looked up right as he was reaching for her. Nathanial was right in front of her, grabbing hold of her hand and then dragging her beside him, away from the group. The frightened girl couldn’t help but wonder what she had done now. Lydia had to run to keep up with his long strides. After walking for long enough that Lydia thought he might be taking her to end her life away from the group, Nathanial let go of her hand, walked a few more steps and then turned to her.
    Lydia could not help but stare at him, even though she was terrified. “I’m sorry.” She said. Nathanial narrowed his eyes in question. “I’m not sure what I’ve done, though I’m sure it’s quite heinous. I can only promise not to do it in the future.”
    Nathanial, completely confused, could only stare for a long while. He started to wonder what she had done. God, this woman was going to get him killed one day.
    “Lydia,” Nathanial started, hoping his voice sounded sincere and calming. “You’re going to have to marry me tonight.”
    Her eyes went wide as she slowly shook her head.
    “You don’t get to say no.” The sincerity and calm vanished from his voice. This was already off to a stellar start. “I am Laird, my word is law.”
    “I believe I can say no, Laird .” Lydia instinctively took a step backwards. She was gauging her possible exits. If she backed up fast enough she could run straight through—
    “You wouldn’t make it.” Nathanial brought her eyes back to him. “Trust me.” Nathanial was frightening her, he knew. He decided to take a less threatening stance. He took a step back and leaned against a large tree. He could immediately see her calm. Her shoulders seemed to relax ever so slightly.
    “Have I ever told you about my mother, Lydia?” Nathanial waited for her to shake her head before he continued. “Her name was Miranda. I was six years old when she was killed.”
    “I’m very sorry.” Nathanial knew she meant it. She