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Once they were gone, Yvette turned to him, her voice quieter but no less fierce.

“Thank you,” she said, her eyes meeting his. “I didn’t expect you to stand up for me like that.”

Killian gave her a small almost reluctant nod.

“I do not appreciate people trying to take what’s mine,” he said simply, his gaze steady on hers. There was a brief pause before he added, “and you are mine now, Yvette.”

CHAPTER 10

“Forgive me, Your Grace, but it seems you have something on your mind,” Daisy observed gently, pausing mid-stroke as she combed Yvette’s hair.

Startled, Yvette blinked back to reality, her gaze snapping to Daisy through the reflection in the vanity mirror. Her lips curved into a small, practiced smile.

“What gave it away?”

Daisy set the comb down momentarily and tilted her head.

“I’ve asked twice if you’d like your hair up or down, and you didn’t respond either time.”

Yvette sighed softly, feeling the weight of her distracted mind.

“I must have been terribly lost in thought. Let it down, please. I plan to spend some time in the drawing room this afternoon.”

Daisy nodded with a knowing smile and resumed combing. The gentle pull of the brush against Yvette’s scalp was soothing, though it did little to still the whirl of thoughts that occupied her mind.

It had been almost four days since the nuns’ unexpected visit to Braemore Castle, yet the memory of Killian standing by her side, fiercely defending her, lingered vividly.

She had told herself repeatedly that his actions were purely out of duty—his wife couldn’t be hauled back to the nunnery like an errant child. And yet, no matter how logical her reasoning, she couldn’t suppress the warm flutter in her chest every time she thought about the protective fire in his voice.

“There, all done,” Daisy announced, stepping back. “You look lovely, Your Grace.”

Yvette offered a genuine smile this time. “Thank you, Daisy.”

With her hair styled in soft waves cascading down her back, Yvette dismissed Daisy and rose from her seat. She requested tea and biscuits to be sent to the drawing room and decided to fetch the book she had been reading.

The quiet hallways of the castle embraced her as she made her way toward the grand library, savoring the peaceful stillness.

But as she neared the corridor, faint voices drew her attention.

“…but the duke is busy, Lady Maisie,” the governess was saying, her tone gently reproachful. “He might not appreciate being disturbed.”

Yvette’s brow furrowed. She edged closer and saw Maisie standing near a large window, her little face scrunched in determined defiance. Her small hands were clasped together as though pleading.

“But I have a surprise for Papa!” Maisie insisted earnestly. “Hehasto like it.”

Before the governess could reply, Yvette stepped into view, her expression warm.

“What’s this about a surprise for your father?”

Maisie spun around, her eyes lighting up instantly.

“Duchess!” she cried, running over and grabbing Yvette’s hand. “I want to surprise Papa, but Miss Pemberton says he is too busy.”

Yvette smiled down at the little girl. “Perhaps Miss Pemberton is just being cautious.” She lowered her voice, “but I think if we approach this correctly, we might just manage to surprise him.”

Maisie beamed, bouncing on her toes. “You’ll help me?”

“Of course.” Yvette squeezed her hand gently. “Tell me all about your plan, and I’ll find him myself if I must.”