Highland Shadows (Beautiful Darkness Series Book 1) by Lily Baldwin Read Free Book Online

customary about her, and as she looked once more into the blue and green eyes of her betrothed, she knew there was nothing customary about him either.
    “Are ye certain, Father?” Sweat beaded her forehead. They were asking her to leave the safety of her room, not just her room but her home. They were asking her to bind herself to a man she’d never met and to leave her father. She looked at William and swallowed the knot that suddenly filled her throat. Nothing could keep her by her father’s side now. After all, he was leaving her and this world behind. His time was short, and she knew he wished to see her safely wed before his death. But what of Alex’s safety and that of his clan? Should her own security come at the potential sacrifice of so many?
    “I’m going to call for the priest. Cora, perhaps ye’d like to show Alex your tapestries. As ye can see, my daughter is very accomplished. Cora,” William said, glancing back at her from the doorway. “Take some deep breaths. Ye don’t want to upset yourself too much.”
    She nodded, unable to speak.
    Jamie cleared his throat. “I’ll help ye see to the necessary arrangements,” he said to William and bowed to her before stepping through the door, leaving her alone with her betrothed.
    Her betrothed.
    Cora closed her eyes and fought to master her racing heart. If her father was right, this could be her only chance to escape her fate, but she could not lose control now. This strange man beside her would never marry her if he knew the truth.
    She glanced up at him through her lashes. Why him? Other suitors had called, but her father had trusted none. What made Alexander MacKenzie so different?
    She took another deep breath and won the hard fight for calm. Then she realized she was alone with Alexander in her room. Her father must have a great deal of faith in her, or she thought eying Alexander thoughtfully, mayhap his faith lies in ye .
    She cleared her throat, trying to think of what to say. She really had no experience talking to men. What was she thinking? She had little experience making conversation with anyone other than her father.
    “Do ye drink? Och, of course, ye drink.” Her heart started to pound again. “Saints above! I’ve wine over by the hearth. Would ye care for some?”
    He raised a curious brow at her, but the corners of his lips lifted in a smile. “Some wine would be nice,” he said gently.
    He stepped around her to stand on her right side, which she knew instinctively he did so to present his unblemished profile. She accepted his offered hand. His eyes widened slightly. “Ye’re so warm.”
    She blushed and fought the desire to tear her hand away. “I’m often warm. Ye won’t have to worry about having a wife who complains about our Highland winters.” She really needed to stop talking.
    His rich laughter rang out, making her feel more at ease. He poured them each a glass of wine. She managed to sip at her cup, although she longed to drain the contents down her throat.
    “Forgive my nerves,” she said. “I did not know the day would begin with my being betrothed.”
    Without turning to look her straight on, he smiled a sideways smile. “Neither did I.” He drained his cup, which she took as permission to do the same. Filling their cups once more, each drained them again. Then they stood together, side by side, staring into the hearth.
    At length he said, “Should ye not have a fire?”
    She smiled but continued to stare at the bare, clean stones. “I’ve no need of a fire.” She considered how ridiculous that might sound to him. Her eyes scanned her room for a distraction. “Would ye like to view my tapestries?”
    He looked at her curiously, but then he nodded. “Have ye ever seen the merfolk?” he asked as he considered her newest image.
    She smiled. “Once, when I was just a wee lass.” She loved the magical beauty of the fae. To her they were a promise that not all who were different or magic were bad. Some were