Page 9

T he following afternoon, Lachlan approached Ailis in the courtyard, the scent of damp earth lingering in the air. Ailis stood near the herb garden.

Lachlan paused before her, his earnestness evident. “Good morrow, Ailis.” He watched her harvest a sprig of a plant he didn’t recognize. “I want to go on a hunt this morning, and Alisdair said he didn’t need me. Would ye honor me with yer company?”

Ailis smiled gently and nodded without hesitation. “Aye, Lachlan,” she replied. “I shall gladly join.”

Lachlan and Ailis set out into the forest. “Tell me, Ailis.” His voice broke the tranquility of the woods. “Have ye e’er hunted alongside Cameron?” He tried not to show his jealousy, but he wasn’t sure if he succeeded.

Ailis’s brow furrowed in contemplation. “Nay, Lachlan. Cameron and I have nae shared such pursuits. He seemed ill-tempered when I bested him at the art knife-throwing. I didn’t think it wise to hunt with him. Men hate it when I outhunt them.”

The shadows shifted on their faces as Lachlan responded with a sincere tone. “Any man would find himself humbled by yer prowess, Ailis. But where others may harbor envy, I feel naught but pride for yer skill.”

Ailis sighed. “He seemed somehow angered by me skill, which made me sad. He tried to hide it, but I could see it in his eyes.” She shook her head. “I will not pretend to be bad at something just to make a man feel better about himself.”

Lachlan raised his brow. “Angered by yer triumph? He should celebrate it, not resent it.”

Ailis traced her knife handle. “Pride can be a man’s companion and doesn’t take kindly to bruising.”

“True,” he replied. “But where Cameron finds envy, I find admiration.”

A spark of joy appeared in Ailis’s eyes. She smiled. “Ye’re kind to say so. I’ll strive to prove worthy of that regard.”

They continued side by side, nature accompanying them as they navigated the terrain of delicate conversations, each word bringing them closer to understanding duty and desire.

“I spoke with yer granny in the kitchen this morn. She has a mind to make rabbit stew for the evening meal, and I told her we would hunt as many as we could.”

Ailis smiled. “Ye know she’s truly only Fiona’s granny.”

He shook his head. “Tis odd to me that the three of ye are so close yet have different mothers.”

“Our mothers all died in childbirth, so all we’ve known is Father. And Granny, of course. Me own grandmother lived in the village, and she taught me the healing arts. Yet I’ve always been closer to Fiona’s granny. She has always been there when I need advice.”

Ailis scanned the brambles and undergrowth, alert for any signs of her quarry. Beside her, Lachlan matched her focus as they both drew knives from their belts, the blades reflecting the light.

Two rabbits emerged in a clearing, nibbling at tender shoots of grass. In unison, Ailis and Lachlan threw their knives with precision, striking each rabbit.

Ailis knelt by the fallen creature, whispering words of gratitude for its sacrifice. “Ye’ve given much, little one,” she murmured, “May yer spirit roam free in the fields of the heavens, where there will be carrots in abundance.”

Lachlan retrieved his prey with respect, acknowledging the gravity of taking a life.

It wasn’t long before they had ten plump rabbits for Granny’s stew.

Ailis and Lachlan gathered the rabbits they had felled, their movements efficient and respectful. Ailis’s brown hair framed her face as she spoke soft benedictions over each life taken, while Lachlan’s eyes seemed to reflect the solemn sky.

“Ye needn’t mirror me ways,” Ailis sassed, her voice rising above the rustle of leaves. “A sword or bow would serve ye just as well, should yer heart call for it.”

“Nay, lass. Yer way is as fine as any,” Lachlan replied. “Today, we hunt as equals, sharing methods.”

She smiled at him, thinking how much more gracious he was about her abilities than Cameron. And Ian had laughed at the idea of her being better than any man.

They returned to the keep and presented Granny with the ten rabbits. With a nod of approval, she handed Lachlan a bulging wool sack of provisions. Ailis glanced at him curiously as he accepted it gratefully.

Together, they ventured into the woods again and found a secluded glen where they laid out their meal, transforming simple fare into a feast through the beauty of their surroundings and their company.

As they ate, a subtle shift occurred in their camaraderie, deepened by their shared understanding of sacrifice and providing for those they cherished. Their conversation materialized in Ailis’s quiet laughter and Lachlan’s attentive gaze.

“Tell me,” Lachlan began, breaking a piece of bread, “have ye ever seen the stars reflected in the loch at night? ’Tis a sight to stir the soul.”

“Many a night,” Ailis replied softly, “I have wondered at their shimmering dance.” She found his inquiry, unrelated to duty or alliance, refreshing and curious. In his company, she felt an unexpected ease.

As they conversed, Ailis realized Lachlan’s wit was matched only by his attentiveness. His questions sought understanding, not advantage. She found herself fascinated by Lachlan’s conversation and eagerly responded to him.

The meal ended, and silence fell between them, thick with unspoken thoughts. Lachlan regarded her with earnest eyes beneath furrowed brows. “If I may be so bold,” he began gravely, “are yer feelings for Cameron akin to love?”

Ailis paused. A wildflower’s petals now blurred in her hand. It was a question she had pondered alone before. “Nay,” she answered clearly, “Me heart does not quicken at the thought of him.”

Lachlan nodded silently, an acknowledgment requiring no further words.

In that moment, Ailis understood their bond transcended obligation or strategy—a rare connection beyond political machination.

For a moment he considered asking if her heart quickened at the thought of him, but he couldn’t do it.

Nay, he’d let her figure that out in her own time.

As remnants of their feast lay forgotten, they lingered in the glen. Duty would call them back soon enough, but for now, they relished this sacred pause, a respite within the forest’s embrace.

Finally, they rose to head back to the keep and their duties.

“Do ye ever watch the sunset beyond the glen?” Lachlan asked gently.

“Many times,” Ailis answered, gazing at the fading light. “Each one is like a farewell until tomorrow.”

He took her hands in his, gazing into her eyes. “I’m not ready to return. I want many more hours of yer company.” Truly he wanted the rest of her life, but he knew she wasn’t ready to hear that yet.

She smiled. “Nor I.”

“Ailis, ye possess a rare strength,” Lachlan gushed. “Not just with yer physical prowess or respect for nature but in yer very essence.”

Honored by his words, she replied, “Ye’re remarkable too, Lachlan.”

Their lips met in a passionate kiss, sacred and destined. As they parted breathlessly, Ailis’s heart raced. Her love for Lachlan surpassed any emotion she’d experienced before.

On their return to the keep, Ailis was enveloped by a newfound shyness. Each glance and caress resonated with undiscovered possibilities.

“Ailis,” Lachlan began, breaking their silence. “No matter which path ye choose, I’ll be honored to walk it by yer side.”

Ailis offered a soft smile, exuding emotions deeper than words. In Lachlan’s company, she discovered more than just a confidante or suitor. She found a man who shared her spirit.

As the keep’s shadowy outline appeared, Ailis braced herself against the emotional storm brewing within.

Though duty demanded their separation, the intoxicating kiss forged a bond unbreakable by obligation.

The man who could ignite such passion with a simple touch was undeniably her destined partner.

Ailis and Lachlan walked toward the keep, both regretting their need to leave their private spot in the woods. The cool air carried a faint scent of peat smoke from hearths awaiting their return.

A gentle hush enveloped them, solidifying an unspoken bond between two hearts. Lachlan’s presence steadied Ailis’s fluttering heart.

In the periphery, Cameron stood, weary from the day’s toils. Lachlan’s gaze flickered in his direction. Recognition flashed within his eyes, followed by a subtle tightening of his jaw. His silence shielded Ailis and himself from past entanglements.

Ailis remained unaware of Cameron’s nearness, drawn solely to Lachlan as he guided her through the castle grounds with quiet assurance.

They passed Cameron, leaving behind old shadows for new promises—a future free from doubt or hesitation.

As Ailis went to see where she was needed, her mind lingered on the time she’d spent with Lachlan. She didn’t know how she had been confused about whether to choose Lachlan or Cameron. Lachlan was the one who filled her mind and aroused so much passion within her.

Aye, Lachlan was the only man she wanted to be with for the rest of her days.