She’d been surprised at the three cases of books in the large room with tables, maps, and what looked like battle plans for taking over all of Scotland. Had Cain’s father made him plan a complete takeover of the country as a practice in strategy, or had the lunatic actually thought that King James would allow the Sinclair clan to conquer his entire realm? The more she learned about growing up as a son of George Sinclair, the more she was amazed Cain was as sane as he was. Sane and passionate.

A blush warmed her cheeks as she thought of the last week after their night at the loch. Cain was more man than she ever thought she could handle. His largeness alone should intimidate her, but she had come to trust his gentle touch. He would never hurt her, and the more they explored each other and talked of life and the world, the more Ella could not imagine herself hurting Cain, either.

Wed him and kill him. The words tightened sharp knots in her stomach. “I cannot,” she whispered in the room, her hands stopping as she held the wooden block.

There was also her plan to see a Sutherland control Dunrobin. What would happen to Jamie when she married Cain? “I must tell him.” Guilt sat heavy in her middle.

What had made her hold her tongue this entire week? Fear? What would Cain do if she revealed the secret that she’d kept all these years? Would he listen like he had when they spoke on the moor under the stars about her ideas on strengthening Scotland? Would he understand why the Sutherland clan must stay in her command to fulfil her oath to her mother? Her stomach fluttered with nervousness. Would Cain ever turn from his quest to win her land and people at all costs? It was what I was raised to do.

Knock. Knock. “Ella,” Hannah’s voice pierced the door of her chamber, startling her. Even though she spent most nights in Cain’s bedchamber, Ella had kept her things in the Tower Room until the official wedding.

“Yes,” Ella answered, setting the nearly finished queen down.

Hannah pushed into the room, Merida on her heels. “The gown is complete,” Hannah said, smiling brightly.

“And just in time.” Merida hurried forward. The wedding was planned for the next morning.

“It is beautiful,” Hannah added, laying the rose-colored and burgundy dress on the bed.

The sound of horses clopping over the drawbridge could be heard from Ella’s uncovered windows, making Hannah dash over to look out. “We have more to celebrate,” she said, turning to smile broadly. “Gideon has made it home in time for the wedding.”

Gideon had been gone for two weeks. Ella strode across. “Does he have grain? He journeyed to Breadalbane to ask the Campbells for some, although it is not needed, since the Mackays paid the price for Hew’s raid.”