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“How was your ride?” Killian asked, his voice light, though his eyes were filled with genuine curiosity as he watched his daughter.

“It was wonderful, Papa! Duchess is such a good rider! She taught me how to make the horse go faster, and we went all the way through the village! It was so much fun! I want to be as good as Duchess when I grow up!” she exclaimed, her eyes wide with admiration.

Killian chuckled, looking from his daughter to Yvette.

“Oh? I’m hurt, Maisie,” he teased, a playful smile tugging at his lips. “Just last week, you said you wanted to be as good a rider as me.”

Maisie giggled and shook her head. “No, Papa. Duchess is much better than you!”

Yvette smiled at the lighthearted exchange, feeling the warmth in her chest at the sight of the little girl’s happiness. Maisie’s laughter was infectious, and for a moment, Yvette felt at ease. But that peace was fleeting. The tension from last night still loomed, making her uneasy in his presence.

Using the opportunity, Yvette quietly slipped away from the stables, retreating towards the castle. She needed space—she needed time to think.

Her mind raced as she walked through the grand hallways. She felt like a hypocrite. Just the night before, she had told Killian that his attraction to her was not reason enough for avoiding her, but now, in the quiet of her thoughts, she understood why he had acted that way.

The way he looked at her—how she felt drawn to him despite everything—made it difficult for either of them to resist the pull between them. And yet, that desire was complicated.

She could no longer pretend it didn’t affect her. The truth was, she wanted him, wanted to be near him, but she could sense the distance in his eyes.

As Yvette entered the castle, she peeled her gloves off her fingers, the sensation of her skin against the cool air only reminding her of the tension that clung to her. However, her thoughts were interrupted by the sound of footsteps. She turned to find Mrs. Calloway approaching, the older woman’s face softening into a knowing smile.

“Your ride with the little lady must have been lovely,” Mrs. Calloway said, her tone light but sharp with a touch of curiosity.

Yvette gave a small sigh, trying to push her thoughts aside as she forced a smile.

“It was just what both Maisie and I needed. A change of scenery does wonders for the soul.”

The older woman nodded in agreement, her gaze briefly flickering to where Maisie’s laughter echoed from the stables. Then Yvette clicked her fingers, remembering something from her ride.

“Oh, Mrs. Calloway,” Yvette began, her tone shifting as a thought suddenly formed in her mind.

“While we were out riding, I couldn’t help but notice the preparations in the town square. The residents were busy setting up something. It seems they’re setting up stalls and decorations..”

Mrs. Calloway’s eyes brightened.

“Ah, yes, the Braemore Annual Fair. It is to be held in two days. The town always looks forward to it. A bit of a celebration for the people and there’s usually a market, games, and dancing. Quite the event, if you ask me.”

Yvette smiled, nodding thoughtfully. A plan was already beginning to form in her mind. She needed something—something to shift the attention away from her personal matters, something that could help restore a sense of normalcy in the face of everything that had transpired recently. The fair, with its hustle and bustle, could be the perfect distraction.

“I see,” Yvette said, her voice quiet, but determination brewing behind her words.

“It sounds like it could be a good opportunity for Maisie to experience something new.” Her gaze flickered upward before she focused back on Mrs. Calloway. Perhaps we should plan to attend.”

Mrs. Calloway smiled, sensing the undercurrent of Yvette’s thoughts. “That’s a splendid idea, Your Grace. The fair will certainly take your mind off things. And it’s an event that will allow Maisie to socialize with others, as well.”

Yvette’s thoughts began to move at a faster pace now. She wasn’t just thinking about Maisie. She was thinking about the fair as a way to open doors, to put forth a more public face for her and Killian.

“I’ll speak with Killian about it,” Yvette said, her tone taking on a more purposeful edge.

Mrs. Calloway, ever perceptive, gave her a nod. “I’m sure he’ll agree, Your Grace.”

With that, Yvette gave a final smile to the older woman and moved towards the stairs. As her footsteps echoed in the hall, she felt the weight of her decision—no longer just a fleeting thought but something real, something she could act on. The fair would give her a chance to meet the people of Braemore, and experience it in a way that was not simply riding around on a horse.

CHAPTER 22

“Is there something you need?” Yvette’s voice was soft as she stood by the vanity, the warmth of the fire flickering in the corner of her room.

She had just finished preparing for bed, the soft, silken nightgown already in place. She hadn’t expected company, and certainly not from Killian. Yet here he stood, framed in the doorway, looking at her with an expression she couldn’t quite decipher.