The Highlander's Lady Knight (Midsummer Knights #2) - Madeline Martin Page 0,36

lord knew you would decline any offer of marriage to Brodie, and intentionally put you in a position where you had no choice but to accept.”

“By tarnishing my honor.” An angry sob erupted from deep within Isolde. “My own brother betrayed me to get the support he needed to engage in treason. He sacrificed me intentionally for his own gain. Not just me, but my integrity.”

The news shattered her heart. She had known her brother did not hold much love for her. But what he’d done had been cruel. Beyond cruel. It had been wholly self-serving and hateful.

The worst part of all was that there was no solution now to avoid the challenge Brodie had laid at her feet. She would still need to fight Edmund the Braw. And she would certainly lose.

Cormac was no longer plagued by guilt regarding Isolde. Not since he made up his mind about his intentions.

Especially when he knew she was not inclined to wed Brodie. The very thought of the man left Cormac scowling. And, frustratingly, neither he nor any of his men had any luck with uncovering more information about the Ross clan’s involvement with an attempt to overthrow the rightful king of England.

Though Cormac tried to push away such thoughts, he could not help but be burdened by them as he dressed with great care for the feast that evening. It wasn’t until he caught sight of Isolde across the Great Hall that all thoughts of Brodie completely fled Cormac’s mind.

For how could he even think of the rival clan, or anyone else for that matter, when his gaze fell on such beauty? Her auburn hair was bound back in a single braid with slight wisps framing her face. She hadn’t seen him yet, and he used that moment to study her.

Her head was tilted at a slight angle as though in consideration. Her blue gaze swept toward him as he approached and held. All at once, a smile of recognition lit her face and warmed in his chest. Matilda offered him a curtsey from where she stood behind the seat next to her mistress, clearly holding it for him.

He nodded his thanks to her maid and took the saved seat. Isolde’s rose scent teased at his memories, igniting the heat of passion anew. His arms ached to curl around her, and he longed for the caress of her sweet lips.

He sank into the seat and drew her hand to his mouth for a kiss. It was a courtier’s move, one he’d seen Graham use on ladies. It was never one he had thought he would personally indulge. Until Isolde.

“I have news to share with you,” she said in a voice low enough to fade into the din around them. “I cannot say it here.”

Cormac nodded, grateful they would have cause to leave the feast and a chance to be alone so that he might ask for her hand in marriage.

For the time they were there, however, he was content to be at Isolde’s side amid the other attendees. The blanket of awkwardness he’d always harbored around women seemed to fall away as he jested with her and enjoyed the easy flow of conversation between them. Every now and then, however, he would catch flashes of tension in her eyes.

That was what brought the most concern. Whatever she needed to tell him, away from prying eyes, was most assuredly not good.

The feast finally ended with their stomachs full of hearty food. Tables were pushed aside for dancing, a perfect opportunity to lead her from the Great Hall to somewhere they might speak privately. “Lady Isolde, I believe the rain has finally stopped falling.” He extended his arm to her. “Would ye, and yer maid, of course, care to join me for a walk?”

Isolde flushed and slid her hand in the crook of his arm. He loved how she gently rested her hand on his forearm, featherlight.

Cormac led her from the Great Hall outside, beyond the servant’s tables and to the outskirts of the village with Matilda several paces behind, her presence to ensure no one overheard their conversation more so than to protect her mistress’s virtue.

Isolde gazed up at him, beautiful in the wash of moonlight. Her skin gleamed like a pearl, and her auburn hair shone with a luxurious sheen. “I had Matilda ask about the Ross clan during the joust today.”

Cormac ground his teeth in frustration at himself. He never should have mentioned looking into the Ross clan to her.