Page 8 of A Laird and a Healer

“If this is tae be our last night, then we would rather bring things tae a swift conclusion. A last meal would only taste bitter,” Caroline explained.

Tara looked alarmed at this, while Nessa smirked, impressed by Caroline’s defiant attitude. Laird Knox seemed to be amused as well.

“This is nae yer last night, lass. I hae decided that yer name makes ye far tae valuable tae fritter away like a common trespasser. Oh nae, I hae much more important plans for ye. But ye should keep in mind that this land can be either a prison or a fortress, depending on what choices ye make. I wonder which way ye will lean by the end of the night?”

He sat back in his chair and picked out some nuts from a bowl. He crunched on them loudly, not bothering to close his mouth as he chewed, which would have been polite.

“I was nae aware we hae a choice,” Caroline replied.

“Ye always hae a choice. Such as now. Ye can gae hungry if ye are determined, but ye will only be harming yerself. What good is it gaeing tae dae ye tae starve yerself? And after all the hard work that hae gone intae this meal… It is a momentous occasion in a way. I cannae recall a time when members of the Gilmour Clan were entertained here.”

A thoughtful look came into his eyes for a moment, and then it passed like a wistful cloud. Caroline’s stomach clenched again, as though there was some beast inside her growling away. This feeling would have been as bad for Tara and Nessa as well. It didn’t feel quite right to deny them the opportunity to eat.

She cast a surreptitious glance their way and gave them a slight nod. Tara began grabbing things recklessly, piling them upon her plate. Nessa was more reserved, but she too gathered many things. Caroline was more methodical. She took things one at a time, not wishing to seem gluttonous, even though her instincts were pleading with her to stuff her face.

“That’s better,” Laird Knox rested his hands across his chest.

He rose from his seat and moved to stand behind Nessa and Tara. He stretched his long arms around them and leaned down so that his head was in between theirs.

“I hope ye are enjoying the food,” he said softly.

Nessa and Tara paused for a moment, the color draining from their faces. Caroline’s feet were pressed firmly against the floor, a sign of the tension that held her in a rigid grip. Laid Knox placed his hands on her sisters’ shoulders for a moment.

“They look at me as though I’m some kind of beast,” he growled. “But ye meet my eyes without flinching,” he rose to his full height and strode back towards his chair, his gaze fixed upon Caroline. “Is this a sign of bravery, or typical Gilmour foolishness?”

Caroline arched an eyebrow and then sliced through a piece of meat with a knife. She popped it in her mouth without breaking his gaze, wanting to show him that she was not intimidated by his crass bullying gestures.

She took the opportunity to study his face. He was older than her, although not by a lifetime. His features still clung to a semblance of youth. A smile kept trying to crack the hard line of his mouth, like the sunlight trying to break through a thick layer of clouds. His cheeks were defined, angular, as though he had been carved by an artisan, a skilled one at that, for she could not find any flaw in his appearance.

He smacked his lips together and then returned to his seat. They continued the feast in silence. Caroline tasted the different flavors, but she did not enjoy them. It was impossible with the unpredictable Laird sitting beside them. At any moment, he might rise up and slam his fist upon the table, declaring that it was time for them to die. She couldn’t take him at his word that no harm would come to them.

After some time had passed, Laird Knox rose from his chair and stood beside Caroline.

“Attend me for a private audience. There is a matter I wish tae discuss with ye, something that is best had without an audience,” he glanced towards Nessa and Tara.

“Dae I hae a choice?” she asked pointedly.

Laird Knox replied with a hint of laughter in his voice. “Oh aye, ye can either walk, or ye can be dragged,” he mused, and then ventured away from the table.

Caroline exhaled deeply and allowed her head to drop. Nessa shook her head warily, but Caroline made a calming gesture as she pushed her chair back and followed Laird Knox.

They left the chamber and entered a small side room. His presence and aura filled the room, making it seem smaller than it actually was. He placed his hands on his hips and widened his stance. A guard closed the door behind her, and then Laird Knox closed the distance between them. Caroline mustered as much courage as she could.

“For what I’m about tae discuss with ye, I need tae introduce myself formally. My name is Ryan Knox. And ye are?”

“Caroline,” she said meekly.

He then asked about her sisters, so she gave him their names as well.

“Last night, ye said that ye would dae anything tae keep yer sisters safe. Is that still true taeday?”

“Yes,” Caroline confirmed, the word bitter on her tongue.

“Good. Then I hae a proposition for ye. Marry me. In return, I will offer ye protection. If ye refuse, then I cannae guarantee yer safety from the threats outside these walls, and within.”

Marriage? The suggestion took her by surprise, and she momentarily lost the calm resolve on her face. Her brow furrowed, and she tilted her head to the side.

“Why would ye want tae marry a Gilmour?” she asked. It seemed an obvious question considering his action towards the clan.