Page 7 of A Highland Bride Disciplined

“Then this marriage will be a bloody long war.”

The road narrowed as they passed into the wild Crawford hills. Grey slopes rising like old bones beneath a pale sky. Heather whispered in the wind and the scent of pine crept into the carriage as Scarlett sat stiffly beside Kian, her arms crossed tight.

She could still see the woman’s pale face in her mind.

Nieve. What accent was that? Lowlands?

Her hands had been shaking. Clutching her belly like it might vanish if she didn’t hold on.

With child?

Kian hadn’t asked. Hadn’t needed to. Just handed her gold and sent her off into the wild.

Scarlett stole a glance at him.

He rode like a man born to it. Broad shoulders square, one hand steady on the reins, the other resting easy on his thigh. There was blood on his sleeve, but he hadn’t bothered to wipe it clean.

She looked away.

“Ye’re angry again,” he said without looking at her.

“Nae angry,” she muttered. “Just takin’ measure.”

“Of what?”

“Of the kind of man who gives a lass coin and then tells his wife to learn obedience.”

Kian let out a short laugh. “Ye’ve a sharp tongue, Lady Crawford.”

Scarlett turned to him. “Aye, and ye’ve a thick skull. Makes us a fine pair.”

That earned her a real chuckle. Deep. Rough. Too warm.

She hated how it made her stomach flutter.

He looked at her then, finally meeting her gaze, and something in his expression softened. Only for a heartbeat. But it was there. Clear as the sun.

“I daenae want a wife who bows and simpers,” he said quietly. “But Idoexpect a wife who’ll listen.”

“Iwaslistenin’,” she said. “I just dinnae like what I heard.”

He smirked. “Then it seems we’ll both have to get used to disappointment.”

Scarlett huffed a laugh despite herself and leaned back against the seat, letting the gentle sway of the carriage jostle her sideways.

In the distance, the great towers of Crawford Keep began to rise from the mist. Sharp, grey stone scraped against the sky like a warning. Scarlett had only seen sketches, but in person it was far bleaker than she imagined.

No gardens. No open fields. Just rock, battlements, and walls thick enough to hold back the world.

“Home,” Kian said, without a hint of affection.

Scarlett swallowed. “Looks cheerful.”

Kian quirked a brow. “Did ye expect ribbons and roses?”

“I expected nothin’.”

“Ye’ll make it yer own, if ye’re clever enough.”