Page 62 of Taken By the Highland Villain

“Go have my horse saddled—the fastest and strongest one we have. I’ll be in the stables as soon as I’ve changed my clothes and strapped on my sword.”

I dinnae ken what I’m going to do, but I willnae hide behind a woman’s skirts, nor will I let Valerie sacrifice herself for me.

I dinnae ken what I will do when I arrive, but I willnae fail her again.

The blue-green dress was as lovely as it had been the first time Valerie wore it, but seeing herself in the mirror, wearing the flowing silk, made her want to burst into tears.

She couldn’t help remembering the last time she’d worn it. If she’d had a choice, she would have worn another dress. But there was no time to make a new wedding dress, and this was the most suitable dress she owned.

Besides, for all that it hurt, wearing the dress felt like having Jude’s shadow at her shoulder. If she could never have him, it at least brought her some comfort to feel as if some small part of her happier memories was accompanying her down the aisle.

A soft knock sounded at the door, which opened to admit Lily.

Valerie smiled at her older sister—the person she’d chosen to walk her down the aisle and give her away, in place of a father figure. She had considered asking Oliver, but in the end, she had chosen the only parental figure she had.

Lily came to stand behind her and started braiding her hair back. “It is a beautiful dress.”

“Jude bought me the silk. I saw it, and I wasnae plannin’ to buy it, but he insisted. And when I set it aside for other work, he demanded that I make the dress, and arranged a dance for me to wear it to.” Valerie gave her sister a weak smile.

“He sounds like a good man.”

“He is.”

Lily’s hands slowed, then hesitated. “Valerie… there’s still time. We can help ye leave. Ye can go somewhere—anywhere ye like. There are some of Faither’s men who would spirit ye away, and ye’d be happier as a pirate maid than ye would be married to that man.”

“But I gave my word.”

“I ken, but defendin’ us isnae yer job, little Val. Little Valiant Valerie.”

The two of them smiled at the mention of their father’s old nickname for her.

“But it is, at least this time. The first time, it was Brigid who stepped forward. Now, it is my turn.” Valerie reached up and clasped her sister’s hand. “Dinnae be so worried. I’ll make things work out, somehow.”

“Och, my bonny sister… so brave and so strong.” Lily squeezed her shoulders, then returned to brushing and braiding her hair.

Another knock, and Oliver opened the door. “The priest is here, and everythin’ is ready when ye are.”

Lily finished putting the ribbons in Valerie’s hair. “Are ye ready?”

“As ready as I can be.” Valerie forced a brave smile on her face and looped her arm through her sister’s. “We should go. I’m certain Laird MacOlley doesnae want to be kept waiting.”

Together, the two of them made their way downstairs to the Great Hall, where everyone else was waiting. Brigid and Megan met them at the door and took up positions behind them.

Beyond the doors, soft music played. Oliver gave them all a small, tight smile and then stepped inside.

Moments later, the music changed, signaling her entrance.

The doors opened, and Valerie began the long walk up the marked path to the dais, where the priest waited with Laird MacOlley and a man she didn’t recognize.

That must be Laird MacAllister, the man who hurt Ailsa so badly.

She swallowed down her rage. She had never wanted to strike a man so hard, not since her first encounter with her grandfather’s soldiers just over a year ago.

Together, she and Lily made their way to the dais, where Laird MacOlley descended to offer her his hand, along with a smug, cold smile of avarice and triumph.

The music faded away, and the priest stepped forward as Brigid and Megan took their places beside Conall, Oliver, and Emily.

The priest cleared his throat. “We are gathered here today to witness the union of two souls. Who comes this day to be wed?”