Elysia’s cheeks flamed red.
Annis grinned. “Those glowing cheeks of yours prove my point.”
“That is not so,” Elysia argued.
“There is nothing wrong in favoring a man,” Bliss said. “A marriage is better off if a man and woman at least favor each other. It is a chance for them to fall in love and be happy. And that is something I very much want for you, Elysia, and you as well, Annis.”
A sudden shout and loud voice from outside had them jumping. “Chieftain Emory has ordered everyone to gather in front of the keep for an announcement. Do not delay.” He repeated it, his words fading as he continued on.
The three women reached out to grab hold of one another’s hands. Not one of them said a word, too fearful to voice their thoughts.
The three did as ordered and left the cottage without delay and followed along with other villagers who made their way to the keep. Whispers were shared and worries seen on most faces as the crowd moved forward. Many stared at Annis, and though many thought she was the one chosen to wed Lord Brogan, none dared say anything.
Bliss held tight to her sisters’ hands. A plan had been brewing in her mind ever since the possibility of Annis being chosen had proved likely. She did not know if it would work, but she had given it much thought and had even prepared for any objections that might surface. She was ready to see it through if necessary, no matter the consequences.
The three sisters remained in the middle of the crowd, waiting along with everyone else for whatever announcement was to be made.
“It could be something entirely unexpected,” Elysia whispered.
“Do not be naïve, Elysia,” Annis scolded.
“Not naïve, hopeful,” Elysia said.
“You are far too thoughtful and kind,” Annis scolded again and smiled. “But I love you anyway.”
“And I, you,” Elysia assured her, tears tickling at her eyes.
“All will be well,” Bliss reassured them as she had done so many times when needed since they had been young.
“Now who is naïve?” Annis asked.
“Hopeful,” Elysia repeated again with a smile that showed more worry than confidence.
Chieftain Emory stepped out of the keep, Lawler and Cadell following behind him.
Chieftain Emory was a man of wide girth and moderate height. His long gray hair was secured away from a face that had aged well for more than sixty years. He stood with his shoulders back and his chest wide and he kept his eyes straight ahead, not looking at anyone in particular.
His voice boomed out across the crowd. “A decision has been made concerning a wife for Lord Brogan.”
Silence hung heavy, breaths were held, hearts pounded in chests, and fear churned stomachs.
Chieftain Emory kept his voice loud and strong. “I am pleased and proud to announce that Lord Brogan of the Clan MacRae will take a woman from our clan as his wife. The lucky lass is… Annis!”
Chapter 9
Cheers and shouts of joy rang out. All were relieved that it was finally done, not so Annis or her sisters. Bliss and Elysia huddled protectively around her. The crowd spread apart making room for Cadell as he hurriedly approached Annis.
“You will come with me,” Cadell ordered.
Bliss and Elysia stepped forward with her sister.
“Only Annis,” Cadell ordered curtly.
“We go with her,” Bliss said, her tongue as curt as Cadell’s.
Cadell’s tongue remained abrupt. “You will say your goodbyes and leave.”
Annis wondered if this was what it felt like when being taken to the gallows? Her every step was so heavy she did not think she could take another. She had thought of a hundred ways to avoid this moment and none were even remotely possible. A powerful lord had issued a command and it would be obeyed.
Brogan’s words greeted her upon entering the Great Hall. “I will not marry her!”
Annis’s heart felt as if it leapt in her chest. Was there a chance this would not happen? Did his refusal to wed her mean anything? The thought sobered Annis to the problem. He did not want her as a wife. What then would their marriage be like if they were both forced on each other?
Her strength returned to her, perhaps a bit too strongly. “I will see him dead before I wed him.”
“If only you could end my hell,” Brogan retaliated.
“ENOUGH!” Lawler shouted. “This will be done, whether either of you want it or not. You will be joined as husband and wife. How you fare after that is up to you both. Your father, Lord Balloch, signed the necessary documents for you to wed as soon as a woman was found. I need only add your name and the cleric who waits in Lord Emory’s solar will conduct a quick ceremony.” He turned a sharp glance on Annis. “You need not say a word since everything was already completed by proxy.” He looked from Annis to Brogan. “This is done, nothing can change it.”