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“It is the truth,” he replied.

“Do you really believe that?” she asked tenderly. He could sense that she needed reassurance. He knew that feeling well although he managed to bury it deep down a long time ago.

Seeing she opened up to him, he felt the need to reciprocate although he didn’t find it very easy to be that open with others. He had forgotten how to do that. Now, he needed to remember that skill once again.

“You know, I don’t remember my mother because she died in childbirth, but I had an aunt who would occasionally visit until my father made it impossible for anyone to stay with us with his severity and refusal to see anyone. But Aunt Ida would read me stories.”

Ciara grinned playfully. “I bet your stories were about heroic knights and grand adventures.”

Jonathan chuckled, shaking his head. He hadn’t thought of Aunt Ida in ages. In fact, he wondered if she were still alive. Being his late mother’s sister made her unwelcome in their home because of his father. She came to visit Jonathan while she still could, eventually being told that she was no longer welcome.As Jonathan grew older, he forgot about her, but now, Ciara prodded her memory, and he silently vowed to search for her.

“Aunt Ida used to read me tales of moral lessons,” he explained. “You know, the sort that taught you to be honest, to be brave, to always do what is right. Quite dull compared to your fairy tales, but I still liked them.”

Ciara’s eyes sparkled with mischief. “Despite our first meeting and especially your reputation, I can’t imagine you being anything but honest and brave, Jonathan. Though I must admit, I’m curious to see you in a grand adventure. Perhaps slaying a dragon or rescuing a damsel in distress?”

Jonathan laughed, a genuine, hearty sound. “I’m afraid I’d make a poor knight. I lack the shiny armor and noble steed. But I could attempt to rescue you from a troublesome rose bush if that counts.”

Ciara giggled, a delightful sound that made Jonathan’s heart swell. “I’d very much appreciate that, Sir Jonathan. Though I might need rescuing from more than just rose bushes.”

Jonathan leaned in, a teasing glint in his eyes. “Anything else I can save you from, Madam? Perhaps from your own wicked mind?”

“My own wicked mind?” she giggled, teasing him. “It wasn’t wicked until you spoiled it!”

“Yes, and that is exactly why I need to save you from it by pleasuring you well and often.” He winked at her mischievously.

“Perhaps there will be a chance for you to prove yourself then.” She blushed, but he could see that she was enjoying herself immensely.

“I shall hold you to it, Madam,” he said, taking her by the hand and kissing it lovingly.

They continued their breakfast, exchanging playful banter and sharing stories. The garden, with its blooming flowers and gentle breeze, felt like a sanctuary where they could let down their guards and simply enjoy each other’s company.

“Tell me more of your grandmother’s stories,” Jonathan said, genuinely interested. “I’d like to hear another one.”

Ciara’s face lit up with excitement. “All right, how about the story of Finn McCool and the Giant’s Causeway? It’s one I haven’t told in a long time.”

Jonathan settled back, ready to listen. “I’m all ears.”

As Ciara began to weave the tale, Jonathan found himself captivated not just by the story but by the way she told it. Her animated expressions, the passion in her voice, and the sparkle in her eyes made the mythical world she described come alive.

For the first time in a long while, Jonathan felt a sense of peace and contentment. Ciara was by his side, filling him with sensations he thought he didn’t even possess any longer. The thought both thrilled him and petrified him at the same time, but he continued to listen, mesmerized, not caring where he would end up.

CHAPTER 26

Several days had passed idyllically. Ciara could not even imagine that her life could take such a magical turn, and that in Jonathan, she would find everything she had ever wanted. It all seemed like a dream with her afraid that she might wake up.

That morning, Ciara and Jonathan found themselves in the drawing room as the soft morning light cast a golden glow on the elegant furniture and intricate patterns on the carpet. Ciara sat at the writing desk by the window, her heart light as she opened the first of two letters that had just been delivered. Jonathan sat in an armchair nearby, a book in hand though his attention often drifted to her.

As Ciara read the first letter, her eyes widened, and a smile spread across her face.

Good news.

Relief washed over her, mingling with a sense of triumph. She looked up at Jonathan, whose expression softened with pride.

“Good news?” he asked, setting his book aside.

“It’s from Lord Kirdale,” Ciara replied, her voice brimming with excitement. “The King is going to intervene at St. Catherine’s.”

“That’s wonderful, Ciara. You’ve done a great thing,” Jonathan said, his tone warm and encouraging.