Michelle Willingham - Highlanders - The Warrior and the Rose / The Forbidden Highlander / Rescued by the Highland Warrior

“What does our brother say? When will you be released?” Mary asked softly.

Juliana unrolled the parchment and smoothed it out upon the table. Mary set a taper closer, so it was easier to read.

“‘My dear Juliana,’” he wrote, “‘It aggrieves me to no end that Alasdair Og attacked Lismore behind my back, taking you, Mary and the boys prisoner. Buchan has agreed to pay the sum demanded for Mary’s release and I am thankful for that. Your ransom is another matter. Alasdair Og has demanded more gold for your release than I have, and I must beg for help from our allies. I do not know how long it will take to raise the funds. I have been told you are in good health, so I beg you to be patient. God keep you well. Your brother, Alexander MacDougall.’”

Juliana was in disbelief. She looked up. Alasdair had been watching her closely and their gazes met instantly.

He had asked for a reasonable ransom for Mary, but an excessive one for her? So excessive that her brother needed to seek help with the payment from their allies? She realized she was standing—and that she was shaking.

“Juliana?” Mary asked with alarm.

She somehow smiled at her sister. “I do not know when I will be released. Alexander does not have enough gold to pay my ransom. Not now, anyway.”

Mary gasped. She glanced sharply at Alasdair. “How much did you ask for her?”

Juliana also stared, but coolly. “Yes, how much did you ask?”

Alasdair’s face had become an impassive mask. “I have asked for a ransom commensurate with yer value to me.”

Juliana became aware that everyone in the hall was staring at her, and their regards were oddly knowing. Angus Mor seemed pleased.

What did everyone know that she did not? And was this truly possible? She had trusted Alasdair to ask for a simple ransom—she had, until then, believed she would be justly released when it was paid! Had she been a fool?

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