Aliss had no choice but to walk with Fiona, her sister refusing to release her hand. When they neared Rogan, Aliss broke free of her sister’s hold and hurried to her husband’s side.
She smiled when he wrapped his arm around her waist and tugged her close against him, his fingers digging into her as an added protective measure.
Aliss wanted this done immediately so that the repercussions could be dealt with swiftly and the healing between the clans could begin.
“Tarr, Fiona,” Aliss said, her smile growing generous. “I would like you to meet my husband, Rogan of the clan Wolf.”
There was such a heavy collective gasp that Rogan’s men laid hands on the hilts of their swords.
“We wed by my choice,” Aliss added quickly. “I was not forced or coerced into it. I actually proposed to Rogan. And remember, Tarr, you had told me the choice would be mine to make, besides—” She beamed with joy. “I love him and he loves me.”
Tarr looked to Fiona and she stepped forward.
“Are the vows sealed?” Fiona asked her sister.
“This was my choice,” Aliss repeated.
“Are they sealed?” Fiona asked again, more firmly.
Aliss took hold of Rogan’s hand to confirm her commitment. “Yes, we are husband and wife and there is nothing anyone can do about it. I had hoped you would be happy for us. I know you consider him an enemy but he is not.”
“He is an enemy,” Fiona said, her green eyes blazing.
“Rogan has treated me well and he loves me,” Aliss insisted, attempting to make them see reason.
Fiona stared at Rogan. “Of course he treated you well and claims to love you. You are his bargaining chip.”
“What do you mean?” Aliss asked and felt Rogan tighten his grip on her.
“He did not think to see us until winter’s freeze, our clan not equipped with ships. However, he failed to consider our parents’ capabilities. As soon as their ships returned from voyage, we came for you, ready to meet his demand.”
“Demand?” Aliss asked, and stared up at her husband.
He remained silent while Fiona answered.
“The Wolf captured you with intention of ransom—”
Aliss shook her head. “No, his people were sick, he needed my help—”
“A ruse,” Fiona said.
“That is not possible—”
“Then why does he demand the Isle of Non in exchange for you?” Fiona spat.
Stunned silent for a moment, Aliss found her voice and declared adamantly, “No, it is not true.”
Fiona reached into the pouch at her waist and took out a folded paper. She handed it to her sister.
Aliss almost didn’t reach out for it and then slowly she stepped forward, away from Rogan, and stretched out a trembling hand to grasp hold, open and read it.
She read it once then twice and then three times. Each time the words stabbed more painfully at her heart. She fought her tears bravely but they gathered in force, threatening to burst forth in an uncontrollable torrent.
She swallowed several times, fighting with every bit of strength she had not to break down and sob. “You used me,” she said, raising her trembling hand and crushing the offending message.
“No—”
“You deny this?” Aliss asked with a harsh laugh.
“I sent the message, but I never—”
“Expected it to be so easy to play me for a fool?”
Rogan stepped forward.
Aliss jumped back. “Do not dare come near me.”
“I want to explain.”
She shook the crumpled letter in his face. “This explains it all.”
“It is different now.”
Aliss laughed in his face. “Oh, I forgot, now you love me and that makes all the difference.”
“It does.”
“Do not think I will continue to play the fool,” she shouted at him, and turned to Fiona. “I want to go home.”
Chapter 20
Fiona wrapped her arms around her sister and directed her toward the ship.
“No!”
Rogan’s shout stopped the two women and caused Tarr to move swiftly to their side.
“I am her husband now. Aliss goes nowhere without my permission,” Rogan commanded.
“Like hell she does,” Fiona challenged. “You have hurt her enough. The Isle of Non is yours. You will surrender my sister as we agreed.”
“I will not.”
Fiona lunged for Rogan. Tarr stopped her with a powerful grip to her arm.
Rogan glared at Aliss. “We are wed and the union is of Aliss’s choice. We remain husband and wife and there is nothing anyone can do about it.”
Fiona snarled at Rogan. “If you think I will let my sister remain with—”
“The choice is not yours,” Rogan reminded her with a firm calmness. “Aliss is my wife and will obey my command.”