Ayden watched as MacConnery led Katherine toward the dais, then sank to his chair and cradled his head in his hands.

“It is over, son. Perhaps it would be best if we left.” His father slid a hand over Ayden’s shoulder and squeezed.

“Nay! I must speak with her father.” He slammed his fist on the trestle table with such force, a mug of ale toppled over, the amber liquid spilling to the ground.

“Temperance is a virtue,” his mother whispered and stroked Ayden’s arm.

Ayden glared at his mother. “Temperance be damned. I must speak to Grant and ask for Catriona’s hand, before he announces her betrothal to MacConnery.”

“Are you daft?” his father asked. “Rowland Grant willna speak with you. Na after what’s happened. It is clear he intends for the lass to marry Ewan MacConnery. Best you forget about her and find another. There are many willing ladies who would be pleased to wed you.”

“I want no other and will na settle. Na without trying to speak to her father first.” Ayden thumped his chest. “I willna give up on her. Na while there is a breath left in my body.”

“Aye, and if you do challenge Grant, he may see to it that you breathe your last,” his father cautioned.

“I’m na a quitter. I love Catriona, and we belong together.” He rose and headed in the direction of the dais, determined to convince Lord Grant to agree to a private audience, whether he wanted to or not.

His father tried to grab Ayden’s arm, but Mairi stopped her husband. “Let him go, Connor. He must do this or will never find happiness.”

As Ayden stormed toward the dais, Lord Grant stood. He tapped on his goblet with his dirk. “Silence. I want everyone’s attention.”

The hum of chatter filling the air ceased as all eyes focused on their host.

“I have invited you all here not only to celebrate St. John’s Eve and the dawning of the Summer Solstice, but I also have an important announcement to make.” He faced Katherine and Lord MacConnery, who were sitting beside each other at the dais. “As you know, I have been waiting for just the right man to come along to wed my daughter.”

Ayden froze in his tracks. Feeling as if he’d been gut-kicked, he teetered when his legs nearly buckled, and grabbed on to a nearby table for support. He knew what her father was about to say.

“It is with great pleasure I announce that Catriona and Earl Ewan MacConnery are to be married. May the Almighty bless their union.” He raised his goblet in the air. “Slàinte mhath!”

MacConnery rose and offered up his goblet in response, then drank deeply. The crowd joined in the toast before erupting into cheers. Everyone except Ayden.

He peered at Katherine. Her face was a ghostly white, her expression grim. He tried to get her attention, willing her to look at him, but she blankly stared straight ahead, until MacConnery dragged her to her feet and looped his arm around her sagging shoulders. She swayed as if she might faint, then leaned against his side, clinging to his tunic for support.

“You see, she canna keep her hands off me,” MacConnery said to the crowd as he clasped one of her hands and held it firmly against his chest. “It willna be long, my dear, and you can have me all to yourself and do with me as you will.” He leaned down to kiss her cheek, but Katherine turned her head, and shrugged free of his grasp.

“I am in no hurry, sir, and remind you we are not yet wed.” She glared up at him. “I would appreciate it if you would remember that the next time you think to take such liberties.”

Lord Grant slammed his balled fist on the table, then took a step toward Katherine, his stare intent. “How dare you speak to—” he began, but stopped when MacConnery held up his hand.

“Patience, Rowland. Remember what I said. She’s like a spirited wild horse,” he said in a low growl so only those close to the dais could hear, including Ayden. He faced Katherine and pointed to her chair. “Sit, my dear.”

 Ayden’s blood began to boil when he heard MacConnery’s remarks regarding Catriona and the way he ordered her around like she was trained dog. She was not his yet and if he had his way, she never would be. Hearing her referred to with such little respect only made him more determined to make her his wife. An arse like MacConnery didn’t deserve her.

A collaborative gasp amongst the guests was quickly followed by silence when Katherine slowly sat in her chair.

“Your meal is getting cold, a thasgaidh,” MacConnery said in a droll tone and took the seat beside her.

“I’m not your darling,” she muttered through clenched teeth. But MacConnery ignored her remark. She stared down at the trencher she shared with her betrothed and covered her mouth with her hand. “I don’t feel very well and I have lost my appetite. If you’d excuse me, I’d like to go to my chamber and rest.”

“You will sit. And you will eat,” MacConnery said in a dry, matter-of-fact tone, then held his goblet in the air. “I am pleased you are all here to join me in celebrating my betrothal to the lovely Catriona Grant. Enjoy your meal and spirits provided by our most gracious host. This night of revelry has just begun and I intend to dance with my future wife until dawn.” He raised their joined hands in the air. “We will then ask you to join us as we welcome the Summer Solstice and rejoice in our future together.” He leaned in and kissed Katherine’s cheek, then glanced at Ayden, a wry grin tugging at his lips.

Knowing MacConnery’s toast and efforts to belittle Catriona were as much for his benefit as they were the crowd’s, fed the anger roiling in Ayden’s belly. He battled the urge to leap over the dais and pummel MacConnery senseless. But instead of falling for the bastard’s obvious ploy to draw him into a fight, Ayden tamped down the desire to respond and resumed his quest, more determined than ever to speak to her father. He’d not give up on Catriona that easily. He’d lay his heart and soul on the line and ask Lord Grant to reconsider. Beg if need be.

As Ayden approached their host, he cleared his throat and squared his shoulders. “Lord Grant, could I have a word with you please? In private.”

“Do you think me a fool? I know exactly what you plan to say and dinna wish to hear it.” Grant pinned him with an irate stare then pointed in the direction from which Ayden had come. “Be off with you, MacAndrews. I have naught to discuss with you this night.”

“Please, it will only take a moment of your time.” Being polite damned near gutted Ayden, but he had to remain calm and courteous if he had any hope of being granted an audience with the old fool.

“I told you I have naught to say to you. Either you leave my sight immediately, or I will have one of the guards escort you and your parents off my property forcefully. You have caused enough trouble, have you na?”

“It is obvious the lad has something he wishes to get off his chest, Rowland. Why na humor him, then send him on his way?” Lord MacConnery interjected. “He is right. What he has to say canna possibly take more than a minute of your time. And it will take even less for you to set him straight. If he doesna leave of his own accord after that, I will have my warriors escort him from the grounds.” He leaned close and whispered something in Lord Grant’s ear.

Ayden craned his neck, but MacConnery spoke so low, he couldn’t make out what he said. But his gut told him it wasn’t something good.

“Very well, but you will make it fast, then leave,” Rowland said to Ayden. He downed the rest of his mead and slammed the goblet on the table. “Let’s go.”

Ayden moved out of the way so Lord Grant could slink by him, then shot a glance in Katherine’s direction. Their gazes locked and he could see the desperation etched across her face, the longing in her eyes, and it broke his heart. He couldn’t bear the thought of her anguish and would do his utmost to convince her father to change his mind. Although he knew he had a daunting task ahead of him.

“Lead the way,” Ayden said, but hesitated when he noticed Ewan MacConnery had left the table and was speaking to two of his men in private.

“Are you coming or na,” Rowland growled. “I’m hungry and wish to eat.”

“Aye.” Ayden nodded, but warily watched from the corner of his eye as the two warriors trotted off and MacConnery resumed his place beside Katherine.