Highlander's Beautiful Liar A Scottish Medieval Highlander Romance Historical Novel - Adamina Young Page 0,34

night.”

That was even more perfect. More support for this ridiculous idea of a love match.

Kane suddenly cleared his throat, and Alec whipped his head around. Cora was dressed in a gorgeous green silk dress that dipped low over her bosoms and fit to every curve in her body. Her auburn hair was coiled in a braid around her head, and when she walked, she commanded the attention of everyone in the room. Never had Alec seen anyone look more beautiful in his entire life. At that moment, he couldn’t imagine anyone in England not thinking that she was a lady.

She looked like a goddess.

“Miss Claire,” Stephen said as he bowed. “Ye look breathtaking.”

“Actually, since you have all magnanimously agreed to attend my wedding, you should know that my name is Cora. Cora Isles.”

Alec watched Kane’s expression closely, but there was no surprise. The man had no idea that Duncan had a daughter.

Father Donnelly walked over and took her hands. “Lady Isles, I am Father Devin Donnelly. I will officiate your wedding, but first I must have a private word with you.”

“Father, if you are concerned that I am here against my will, I can assure you that I am not. From the moment I laid eyes on the Laird Sinclair, I was drawn in by his kindness. He rescued me from dire circumstances, and I have adored him ever since. He is a gentle, kind, and fair man. I am overjoyed to be his wife.”

Her loud declaration was followed by a deafening silence. Even Alec could only stare at her. She slipped into the role so well that even he believed it for a moment.

“That must have been some night last night,” Stephen whispered in his ear.

Growling, Alec pushed his friend away. “Father, I trust that will suffice to satisfy ye?”

Apparently not. “Lady Isles, I really must insist that we speak in private.”

“’Tis all right, darling,” Alec said as he nodded. “We’ll be right here waiting.”

He didn’t mind giving Cora some time alone with Father Donnelly. He trusted that she’d make the right decision.

A few minutes passed, and he began to doubt his decision. What if she loved Innes? She could deny everything she’d just claimed and ruin his whole plan in one fell swoop. With a scowl, he crossed the hall and opened the door into the kitchen. Startled, Cora jumped. “Laird Sinclair. So impatient,” she said with a fake smile. “What did I tell ye, Father? We are meant to be together.”

“But Lady Isles, don’t you think he has the right to know?”

“My father is dead, Father Donnelly. If he cannot explain his actions, I certainly cannot. In this regard, I am making my own decisions. You will marry us this morning.”

The priest sighed and stood. “Very well. We’ll get started right away.” He walked back into the hall leaving Cora and Alec alone.

“Problem?” Alec asked quietly.

“It appears that Father Donnelly recognized my name. My father told him of my impending marriage to Innes Campbell, but he doesn’t know why.”

“Ye could have told him.”

“But I did not. Next time you think me devious, remember this moment.” She swept past him with her head held high, and he followed. There was a hollow feeling in his chest, and he began to wonder if he was making the right decision.

In the hall, Stephen, Jamie, Shane, and Kane waited for Alec. Cora stood in front of the priest. That irritating smile was still plastered on her face, but she twisted her fingers around themselves, giving her away.

“Laird Sinclair?” Father Donnelly asked nervously. “Are you ready?”

Alec took his place next to Cora and wed himself to the woman he knew he would never love.

It had only taken minutes for Cora Isles to become Cora Sinclair. Seated at the head of the table, next to her husband, she waited in terror as the rest of the MacKays began to trickle in to break their fast. Alec hadn’t said a word to her since the ceremony, much to the distress of Father Donnelly.

“Child,” he whispered to her urgently. “If you have any hopes to annul this marriage, you must not consummate it! I will not be able to help you after that.”

“Father Donnelly,” Alec interrupted coldly, “ye have traveled far to join us this morning. We have a chamber prepared for ye, and no one will think twice if ye choose to rest for the day.”

“But—”

“Shane, could ye please escort Father Donnelly to his room? I’m sure he is verra tired, and I would