She gulped as she slowly withdrew from his reach. Arianna knew enough about this age to understand that he could easily snap her neck if he was so inclined. Lucian sensed her distress as panic flashed in her eyes. He needed to let her know that she should not fear him. But how? Mere words would not calm her. He grinned widely at her, baring his even white teeth. “Ye will nae dissuade me from wedding ye with such a wild story, lass. Ye and I are betrothed and we will be wed this very morn. Come...the priest awaits us in the chapel.” He held out his arm for her to lay her hand on as he watched her relax. Good. She thinks I do nae believe her. “Marry? When did I agree to that?” “When ye were one summer. Your father pledged ye ta me...that has nae changed.” He studied her for a moment...then continued. “Have ye nae noticed the burning of the mark when we be too far apart?”
