He crossed his arms over his chest and cocked his head to the side. “Ye can either keep your brother and yourself alive by wedding me now, or ye will be responsible for young Jamie’s immediate death. Ye will then eventually die yourself, probably painfully and after my men and I have had our fill of ye.” He motioned behind him, where Iain smiled broadly. Even the ones flanking the door grinned.

“Ye see,” he said, holding his arms wide and then letting them drop as if surrendering to the brilliance of his plan. “There really is no other choice than to take your vows as my wife.”

Ella’s heart pounded hard, her breathing quick. If she swooned, would it give her time? Time for what? Escape? There didn’t seem to be any.

The pastor closed his eyes, his lips moving soundlessly. Yes, pray for us all. Pray that Cain found the ragged bouquet I threw. Let him forgive me enough to come. But what could he do? Even storming the castle would take too long to stop Jamie from dying. No, she must do something herself.

Ella’s gaze snapped back to Randolph. “Very well,” she said. “If you…swear to release the pastor unharmed after the oathtaking, and keep Jamie and me alive…I will take the vows with you now.”

Behind her, Jamie wrapped his arms around her waist and buried his face in her back. The space between Randolph’s brows tightened for a moment before his face relaxed into a smile, one that looked genuine. “I am very glad ye have chosen the wisest and least bloody option.”

“The pastor?”

“Aye.” He waved his hand. “He will stand as witness that ye took your oaths willingly.”

“And Jamie will be right by my side, always.”

Randolph’s brow raised. “Certainly, although I take objection with him sleeping next to us in our wedding bed.” Several of the men chuckled. “But when ye have clothing on and are not pleasuring me, the lad may stay by your side. Anything else?”

“I would have a word alone with my brother before I take my vows.”

Randolph huffed. “Very well, but only for a minute. In the unlikely event that Cain comes here instead of conquering Dunrobin, he must see that ye have wed me.”

Ella took Jamie’s hand, leading him to a corner away from the men. His palm was damp and cold, and she looked down into his eyes.

“’Tis because of me,” he said. “Ye have to wed that greedy, brutal rat. I would not have ye do that for me. Ye have given up so much of your life already.”

“Jamie,” she said, stifling a sob. She pulled him in for a hug, her heart clenching. “I would do it all again to keep you safe. Even if our mother had not asked.” Her lips went to his ear. “Stay close to me and the pastor.”