“That is very kind of you, Moray.” She took advantage of the moment to spend more time with him and see if a marriage to him might fit her. “I was about to return home. Would you be so kind as to walk with me?”
A broad smile captured his face. “I would be pleased to do so.”
He offered his arm and Elysia slipped hers around his.
They took only a few steps when a shout stopped them.
“Get your hands off Elysia. She is to be my wife.”
Elysia cringed hearing Clyde’s threatening voice and she did not blame Moray for hastily stepping away from her.
Clyde continued to threaten, swinging his fist as he approached them. “You want me to break your nose again?”
Elysia did not hesitate, she stepped in front of Moray. “I am not now nor am I ever going to be your wife. I would never marry a brute like you and Chieftain Emory agrees.”
Clyde’s face flushed so red, he looked like he would explode.
Elysia did not like that they had drawn the attention of the crowd, though she was glad she did not see Saber among the curious people.
Clyde finally spoke, his words filled with anger. “We will see about that.” He took quick steps to Elysia, his hand out, ready to grab her arm.
“Touch her and you will find yourself on your arse.”
Clyde turned and backed away at the sight of Bram and kept backing away as Bram walked toward him.
“You are not among the three men Elysia is to choose from for a husband. Keep your distance from her or you will answer to me and it will not only be your nose I will see broken,” Bram warned.
“I am going to speak to Chieftain Emory about this,” Clyde threatened as if it would make a difference.
Bram laughed. “By all means go and waste your time.”
Clyde stomped away, muttering beneath his breath.
“Return to your business,” Bram ordered, sending a menacing glance at the crowd.
Elysia stepped closer to Moray who appeared frozen in fright. “Moray is walking me home.”
“Not anymore,” Bram said, turning a scowl on the trembling man.
Moray shook his head and ran off.
“That was not very nice of you,” Elysia scolded.
“And it was not nice of you making the man think he had a chance with you,” Bram said and offered his arm to her.
Elysia ignored the gesture. “I will decide who I wed.”
“You have three choices, no more. Chieftain Emory made that clear to you. Do not be foolish and cause an innocent young man to suffer for your stubbornness,” Bram accused.
Elysia’s breath caught in her throat for a moment, though it seemed longer. It was almost as if a hand was at her neck squeezing the life from her, waking her to the truth of her situation. Chieftain Emory had issued an edict. She would be forced to wed one of the three warriors. Nothing would stop it. Nothing would change it.
“I see by the shock on your face that you finally realize your fate is set,” Bram said and nodded to his arm for her to take it. “I will walk you home so we may talk and come to know each other, since I intend to be the warrior you pick for a husband.”
Elysia shook her head. “I prefer to be alone.” She hurried away from him only to be grabbed roughly by the arm and brought to an abrupt halt. A spark of anger had her saying, “You dare touch me without permission.”
He let go. “Be careful of your words with me, Elysia, and remember when you are my wife, I won’t need permission to touch you. A good wife submits.”
“You are right. A good wife submits to her husband,” she said. “But I will not need to submit to you since I will not choose you to be my husband.”
Bram took a step back and what he did surprised her. “My apologies. I have been rude and have not considered how upset you must be with all that has happened to you and your sisters. Let me walk you home so that we may talk, and you can discover for yourself that I would make you a good husband.”
Elysia recalled what Lendra had told her about Bram. Bram cares for Bram and no one else. He loves to win and you are a prize to win. That meant he would do anything to win, including lying to her.
She decided it was best to appease him. “You may walk with me, but I will not take your arm.” She caught a spark of annoyance on his face, but he complied.
“What would you like to know about me?” he asked as they walked.
A question came quickly to her. “Will you be a faithful husband?” Her own question surprised her but it evidently shocked him, since his steps faltered and he looked as if he searched for a response. “Your delay in responding is answer enough.”