Page 19 of A Highland Bride Disciplined

4

Crawford Keep loomed ahead, its towers spearing into the cloudy Highland sky like they’d never crumbled, never faltered. But Kian noticed instantly that it was different.

The banners flew sharper. The stones looked cleaner. The scent of fresh bread wafted past the gate, stronger than any he remembered. Even the guard on post straightened his back instead of slouching.

He passed through the archway, Tam riding beside him, and took it in. The courtyard bustled like a market square. Workers moved with purpose. Children giggled near the kitchens. The stables were freshly swept, the herb garden flourishing where weeds had once ruled.

The keep was everything that he had tried desperately to get it to, but just couldn’t find the time.

“Keep looks like it woke up,” Tam muttered, adjusting the pack across his saddle. “Was half-dead when we left it.”

Kian grunted but nodded. “Lady Crawford has been busy.”

Tam gave him a sideways look. “Ye say that like it’s a bad thing.”

“I dinnae say that.”

“Oh, sure… But ye thought it. I ken ye better than all that.”

Kian didn’t answer. His gaze swept the grounds again.

Dinnae think that either…

The barrels stacked neatly near the storehouse. The roof tiles properly mended on the eastern wing. Hell, even the kitchen dog looked fat and pleased with itself.

He’d known Scarlett would make use of her time. But this wasn’t survival. This was transformation.

“She’s done more than keep it from fallin’ apart,” Tam added.

“Aye,” Kian replied, his thoughts left hanging in the wind.Scarlett Murray has made Crawford Keep her own.

Just then, a sharp voice called out from across the courtyard, and Kian turned.

She was walking toward him.

Her stride was brisk, skirts gathered, chin high. A faint flush bloomed in her cheeks, though whether from the wind or temper, he couldn’t tell. She looked thinner than he remembered, but not weaker. Her green eyes were sharp, her expression unreadable.

Then he saw it just beneath the fire of her gaze, tucked into the shadows under her eyes.

Exhaustion.

Deep, dark circles. Not painted with worry, but carved by it.

Tam noticed too. He gave a low whistle, then stepped back.

“I’ll see to the horses,” he said, barely hiding the grin tugging at his mouth. “Best give the lady her moment.”

Kian dismounted, boots hitting the packed dirt with a thud. Scarlett stopped a few paces from him, hands clasped tightly in front of her.

“Welcome home,” she said coolly.

Kian studied her.

Eight months. And still she manages to look like a queen about to sentence me.

Her hair was a little longer. Her figure still as fine as he remembered. His memory, in fact, had done her no justice. Lady Crawford was stunning. And absolutely infuriating.

He nodded once. “Scarlett.”