Total pages in book: 31
Estimated words: 30228 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 151(@200wpm)___ 121(@250wpm)___ 101(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 30228 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 151(@200wpm)___ 121(@250wpm)___ 101(@300wpm)
“We need to stay aware and be prepared,” Parlan said.
“Father and I have discussed sending Purity to the convent,” Bayne said. “This way if attacked, she wouldn’t be vulnerable to a forced marriage.”
“Someone could be dispatched to the convent to get her,” Arran warned.
“I’ve assigned a warrior the task to take his leave at first signs of an attack and get Purity to safety. Without her, no one would have clear claim to the clan or land,” Bayne explained.
“It might be wise to send Raven. God knows she could use some heavenly guidance,” Arran said with a grin.
Parlan rubbed the back of his neck, the thought weighing heavily on him. “I have given it serious consideration.”
“It might be best. At least until we can make sense of what’s going on,” Royden said.
“Purity leaves right after your wedding. I imagine she would be overjoyed if Raven joined her,” Bayne said.
Parlan appeared reluctant to agree. “I’ll give it thought.”
“Have you really spoken with my da about marrying Raven?” Arran asked, wondering why his da hadn’t mentioned it if it were true.
“I had hoped you would wed Purity and unite and benefit two powerful clans, but since you have declined, I have no choice but to seek marriage to your sister,” Bayne said and continued before anyone could voice their opinion. “And before you object consider my concerns. Unrest is custom in the Highlands. Kings come and go, but what remains, what always remains are the Highlands. The land is part of us. It’s what gives us purpose and power, to lose it is like losing yourself. We all were born and bred here. We have spilled blood for the Highlands and countless men and women have sacrificed their lives for the Highlands. This is our home, our hearts, our souls, and we do whatever we must to protect it. If I must sacrifice and wed Raven to see that we don’t lose our home, then I will do that.”
Bayne stood. “I have said enough. Let me know your decision on sending Raven to the convent and what you hear from your scout when he returns. My proposition to wed Raven can wait, but don’t dismiss it without considering what it would mean.”
“So the only eye he had for Raven was how beneficial it would be to him,” Arran said after Bayne was gone.
“He isn’t wrong in that aspect,” Royden said.
“Are you suggesting I should have wed Purity?” Arran asked.
“No. I can understand that she doesn’t suit you and as much as Bayne may be right, Raven will never agree to wed him. My thought is that Bayne talks of the Highlands being in his blood, being part of him. It begs the question—what would he do to keep his land, expand his land, gain more power, more wealth?”
“He would wed a woman for who he had no love,” Arran said.
“Aye, and would he join with the King to make sure he not only kept his land, but gained more?” Royden asked.
Arran turned to his da. “Do you know if Bayne sought a marriage with Chieftain Thurbane’s daughter?”
“What are you suggesting?” asked his da.
“If Bayne wed Chieftain Thurbane’s daughter and I wed Purity, that would make for a powerful union. There wouldn’t be anyone who would dare go against us. But if Chieftain Thurbane declined his offer and I declined to wed Purity, what’s left to him?”
“Raven,” Royden said.
“And if not Raven, what then?” Arran asked, looking from Royden to his da.
“Take what he wants,” Royden said.
Arran nodded. “And he’d know where to get Raven if she was sent to the convent with Purity.”
“I don’t know if I can agree with you on this,” their da said.
“Agree or not, it’s something that we need to keep in mind,” Royden said.
“I suppose you’re right,” their da reluctantly agreed. “It also helps with my decision about sending Raven to the convent. I think it is wiser and safer that she stays here with us.”
“While I think the convent would benefit her, I agree with you, Da. Raven is safer with us, at least for now,” Arran said.
Royden added his opinion. “I agree as well. Raven should remain home with us where we can keep her safe. And no marriage to Bayne should even be considered.”
Arran laughed. “Raven wouldn’t agree to wed Bayne anyway, so it doesn’t matter. She’s determined to choose her own husband, and Lord help the poor soul.”
Arran plunged into Flora repeatedly, her moans driving his passion, his need to fulfill a never-ending thirst inside him. Each time he’d coupled with Flora, or any woman, he thought he’d be quenched, but he’d always been left with an aching thirst that he feared would never be satisfied.
It wasn’t that he didn’t enjoy coupling. He did, though there was something missing that he couldn’t quite grasp. He wondered if it was the reason he coupled so often with different women. He couldn’t say what it was, but he damn well hoped to find it.