Page 29 of Trapped by the Wicked Highlander (Lairds of the Loch Alliance #2)

CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

H unter entered Elias' meeting chamber. His face unreadable as he glanced up from his papers.

Hunter cleared his throat, his voice low and steady, though there was a nervous edge to it. "Laird McAllister… Elias" he began, "I've asked Cassandra to marry me, and she’s accepted." He paused, letting the weight of his words settle between them, his hands tightening into fists at his sides.

Elias remained silent for a long while, his piercing gaze studying Hunter. Hunter's stomach churned, unsure if the silence was a sign of approval or impending disapproval. But no matter what Elias said, Hunter was committed—he would fight for Cassandra with everything he had.

Finally, Elias spoke, his deep voice calm but firm. "Ye've asked me healer to be yer wife," he said, his eyes narrowing just slightly. "Do ye ken the weight of that request? Ye takin’ her means takin’ someone vital to the clan." His gaze remained steady, his thoughts clearly calculating the impact of Hunter’s words.

"I cannae deny ye what ye seek, but ye must ken, the value of Cassandra’s skills in the healin’ arts is far greater than ye might realize."

Hunter swallowed hard, feeling a pang of guilt twist in his chest. He had known that asking for Cassandra's hand would come with consequences—Elias was a true leader of his people, someone who cared deeply for their welfare, and Cassandra was integral to his clan's wellbeing.

"I ken," Hunter said quietly, his voice thick with emotion. "I dinnae want to take her from ye. Somethin’ so important to McAllister." He paused, his eyes meeting Elias’ with sincerity. "But I love her. And I’ll do whatever it takes to make her me wife, even if it means fightin’ every battle necessary."

Elias stared at him for a moment longer, then leaned back in his chair, the lines of his face softening. He let out a long breath, his posture relaxed but his eyes still sharp.

"Ye’re a stubborn one, Hunter McDougal," he muttered, shaking his head slowly. "But I see the truth in yer eyes. Ye care for her. Aye, ye love her, and that counts for a great deal." He let out a soft grunt, then added, "And I cannae deny ye that either."

Hunter felt his heart race, unsure whether Elias was about to turn him away or give him permission. Elias continued after a long silence, his voice steady as ever. "Ye’ve got me blessin’, Hunter. But there is one thing I ask in return."

Hunter exhaled sharply, his chest tightening with relief and anticipation. "Anythin’," he said without hesitation, his gaze never leaving Elias. "Name it, and it’s done."

Elias sat up straighter, his gaze now turning more calculating. "If ye take Cassandra away, ye’ll have to provide for the clan in some way," he said slowly, his voice thoughtful. "I’ll allow ye to marry her, but ye must promise me this, I'll send two apprentices to McDougal castle. Cassandra needs to train them. Ye’ll be takin’ me healer, so it’s only fair I send others to her to be trained. And if we have a bout of illness too dire, she must come back to help mend the clan."

Hunter stood silently for a moment, the weight of the request settling into his bones. The thought of Cassandra being so far from him was a bitter one, yet he understood Elias’ position. If he were in Elias' shoes, he would feel the same way—protecting the healer who had saved so many in his clan. He thought of Cassandra and how she would excel in teaching the apprentices, and with that, his decision was made.

"Aye," Hunter said with a firm nod, meeting Elias’ gaze. "Agreed. I’ll make sure she has all the help she needs." His voice carried a sense of finality as he spoke, a promise he would keep no matter the cost. "I willnae take her from ye without givin’ somethin’ back."

Elias studied him for a moment, his expression softening. A small smile tugged at the corner of his lips, though it was brief and fleeting. "Ye’ll make a fine husband for her, Hunter," Elias said, his tone low but genuine. "Ye’re willin’ to sacrifice, to make sure she’s taken care of, and that’s what matters. She’ll need that strength from ye."

Hunter’s chest swelled with a quiet pride at the praise. It had been a long journey, full of struggles and uncertainty, but now that he had Elias’ blessing, he could finally begin to build the future he wanted with Cassandra.

"Thank ye, Elias," he said with sincerity.

Elias nodded, his eyes softening as he rose from his chair. "Take care of her, lad. She’s a rare one, that healer of mine." His gaze lingered for a moment longer before he gave a final, approving nod. "And may the both of ye find happiness together."

With those words, Hunter left Elias’ office, his heart lighter than it had been in days. He had received the blessing he had so desperately sought, but he knew that his journey with Cassandra was only beginning.

The great hall of McAllister Castle was alight with warmth and cheer as candles flickered in their holders along the high stone walls. The massive hearth crackled in the corner, casting a golden glow over the gathered guests, and the long wooden tables groaned beneath the weight of the evening's feast.

Hunter looked around the room, taking in the rustic grandeur—the tapestries hanging from the walls, the polished shields reflecting the firelight, and the banners of the McAllister clan proudly displayed overhead. The air was filled with the rich aromas of roast meats, fresh bread, and spiced wines, and the sound of laughter echoed throughout the hall as friends and kin celebrated into the night.

As Hunter settled into his seat beside Cassandra, he couldn’t help but glance at the array of dishes before him. There was venison, freshly roasted and dripping with juices, bowls of root vegetables and greens, and wedges of creamy cheese alongside hearty loaves of bread.

He watched as Elias, ever the gracious host, made sure that his guests were well-fed, his booming voice calling for more meat to be brought out for those who had eaten the most. The evening was a testament to the McAllister clan’s strength and unity.

Hunter’s gaze shifted to Cassandra across the table, who was deep in conversation with Holly. Hunter couldn’t help but smile as he watched her, the woman he had asked to marry him, glowing with life and joy.

He saw Holly pull her into a tight embrace, whispering something in her ear before turning her gaze to him, offering him a smile and a nod of approval. The warmth of their happiness seemed to fill the hall, and Hunter felt his heart swell, knowing that the woman he loved had found not just a future with him, but also the acceptance of those closest to her.

The noise in the hall died down as Elias, standing at the head of the table, raised his goblet to catch everyone's attention. His deep voice boomed through the hall, steady and commanding.

"Lads, lasses, gather round and listen," he called, his thick Scottish brogue resonating in the stone chamber. "Tonight, we feast and we celebrate the strength of our clans and the bonds that hold us together."

He paused for a moment, looking over the gathered faces of the clan, his gaze settling on Hunter and Cassandra.

"For it is nae just strength of sword that holds us strong," he continued, his tone growing more serious, "but the strength of alliances, the strength of kinship, and the strength of those who stand beside us. And tonight, we stand beside a woman who has brought great healin’ to both our clan and to McDougal, and for that, we are forever in her debt."

Elias turned his eyes to Cassandra, a proud smile on his face, before raising his glass higher. "Cassandra, healer of McAllister, ye have saved many of us with yer skill and yer heart. We owe ye a debt that cannae be repaid, but it willnae go forgotten."

Hunter watched as the hall fell silent, every eye on Cassandra. She blushed at the attention, her gaze lowering modestly as Elias spoke her praises. She had been more than just a healer to the McAllister clan—she had become a beacon of hope for all who had suffered.

The strength of her heart, her devotion, and her skills had earned her a place in McAllister history, and Hunter couldn’t be prouder of the woman she had become. He had known from the moment they had first met that she was special, but hearing Elias speak those words out loud made the depth of her impact undeniable.

Elias took another step forward, his voice rising with the excitement of the announcement. "But that’s nae all, me friends," he said, his eyes gleaming with a mischievous sparkle. "There’s news tonight that willnae only bring joy to this hall, but will also strengthen the bonds of two great clans. It’s me honor to announce that Laird McDougal, brave and true, has asked Cassandra to marry him, and she has accepted!"

A cheer erupted from the clan as Hunter stood, his hand gripping Cassandra’s with pride. The room rang with laughter, applause, and congratulations as the realization of the announcement set in. The clang of glasses and the stomping of feet echoed through the hall, and Hunter, though overwhelmed by the moment, felt a deep satisfaction in knowing that his love for Cassandra was celebrated. The warmth in the room only grew, and he shared a look with Elias, who gave him a nod of approval.

Cassandra stood beside him, her cheeks flushed with both happiness and surprise. She was clearly overwhelmed, but the joy radiating from her made her beauty shine even brighter in the flickering light of the hall. Hunter took her hand in his, squeezing it gently as he looked around at the faces of the clan.

"Ye've made a fine choice, Hunter," Elias called, his voice carrying over the din of the celebration. "Aye, a woman of great skill and heart, and a fine match for ye. May yer marriage bring both clans strength and prosperity. And may we all raise our glasses tonight in honor of this union that will last far longer than this feast!"

The toast was met with raucous cheers, and goblets were raised high in the air. "To Hunter and Cassandra!" the crowd shouted, their voices blending into one joyous roar.

The musicians, who had been playing lively tunes throughout the evening, struck up a faster rhythm, and the clan began calling for Hunter to take Cassandra for a dance. Hunter could feel the weight of their expectations, but there was no resistance in his heart. He turned to Cassandra, his hand outstretched, and flashed her a grin.

“Come, lass,” Hunter said, his voice warm with affection and a hint of mischief. “Ye've captured the attention of this hall. It's only fair ye share yer beauty with us on the dance floor.”

Cassandra’s eyes met his, a glint of amusement in her gaze as she placed her hand in his, allowing him to lead her toward the center of the great hall.

As they reached the floor, the other dancers stepped aside to give them space. The firelight flickered around them, casting shadows that danced along with their movements. Hunter took Cassandra in his arms, guiding her with ease as the music picked up its pace. His hand settled low on her back, and his breath quickened slightly, though he kept his composure.

Cassandra tilted her head and gave him a sly smile. “I dinnae think ye had such boldness in ye, Hunter,” she teased, her tone playful as she matched his steps. “Nae one to shy away from the crowd, eh? Ye’re nae so bashful after all.”

Hunter chuckled, his eyes twinkling with amusement. “Aye, lass,” he replied, his voice low and tinged with flirtation. “I’ve learned that ye cannae be too shy if ye want to hold a woman’s attention. But I’ll tell ye this much—ye’re the only one in this room I want to dance with tonight.”

Cassandra raised an eyebrow, her smile widening. “Oh, aye?” she quipped. “And what makes ye so sure I’m worth yer time, Laird McDougal?” She tilted her chin up in mock defiance, challenging him with her playful question.

Hunter’s grip on her waist tightened just slightly, a subtle move meant to draw her closer. “I’m nae one for guessin’ games, Cassandra,” he said, his tone low and teasing. “But ye’ve already captured me heart, so I’d say ye’re well worth more than me time. Ye’ve got me full attention, and I’m nae about to let anyone else steal it.”

Cassandra’s cheeks flushed at his words, though she maintained her composure. “Flatterer,” she muttered with a small laugh, her fingers lightly grazing his shoulder. “I’ll be expectin’ ye to prove it, then. Let’s see how well ye dance, Hunter.”

Hunter grinned, a mischievous glint in his eyes. “I’ve nay need to prove meself, lass,” he said with a wink, twirling her once before drawing her back in. “But if it makes ye feel better, I’ll do me best to impress ye. I’ve nay doubt ye’re in for a good time.”

The music swelled around them, and Hunter led Cassandra through the intricate steps with ease, his movements confident and sure. He could feel her soft laughter reverberate against his chest as they spun and twirled, their feet keeping time with the rhythm. Each glance between them, each touch of their hands, seemed to deepen their connection, and Hunter found himself lost in the way Cassandra moved, so effortlessly graceful.

“Ye’ve taken me by surprise, Cassandra,” Hunter admitted, his voice barely above a whisper now, just for her ears. “I never thought I’d find someone who could match me step for step, but ye… ye’ve done more than that. And I daenae speak of dancin’."

Cassandra leaned in closer, her breath warm against his ear as she replied with a teasing smile. “Well, ye should have known, Hunter,” she murmured. “I’m nae one to be outdone. I’ll always keep ye on yer toes.”

Hunter chuckled, feeling the surge of affection for her growing even stronger. “I wouldnae want it any other way, lass,” he said, his voice filled with genuine admiration. “Ye’ve made me the happiest man in this hall.”

As the music began to slow, so did their steps, the dance drawing to an end. But the warmth between them remained, a bond that neither time nor distance could break.