Page 53 of Kilted Abduction

Still wrapped in a thick cloak of frustration and defeat, Ciara turned and walked back toward the castle with Magnus by her side. Magnus turned and gave her a grin.

“All things considered, ‘twas nae a bad plan,” he said.

“’Twas obviously nae good enough.”

“Dinnae be too disappointed. ‘Tis me job tae figure things like this out,” he replied. “I bet ye would’ve fooled everybody else in the castle.”

Ciara remained silent as they trudged back to the castle, every step feeling like she was edging ever closer to a pair of shackles and a noose around her neck. As they stepped through the doorway, Magnus nudged her with an elbow.

“Ye need a hot bath. Ye smell like ye were sittin’ in a pile of dung,” he teased.

And despite her bitter disappointment at having failed yet again, Ciara laughed and somehow felt better than she had any right to feel.

CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

“Itrust these quarters will suffice,” Magnus said.

He watched as she walked around the room, inspecting every corner of it. She walked to the windows and pushed the shudders open and frowned.

“’Tis a very long way down,” he said with a chuckle.

“Did ye have tae put me on the very top floor? I gave ye me word,” she complained.

He shrugged. “’Tis nae that I dinnae trust ye. I just learned tae never?—”

“Underestimate me. Aye. I’ve heard it before.”

“Ye wanted yer own chambers. This is it,” he replied. “If ‘tis nae suitable, I can move ye back intae me bedchamber?—”

“’Tis fine,” she said.

“I tell ye, it will be nice tae have me own bed back,” Magnus said, then chuckled to himself. “And tae nae have tae listen tae ye snore all night.”

Her mouth fell open. “I dinnae snore.”

“Aye. Ye dae. Like an angry beast.”

Laughter burst from Ciara’s mouth as her cheeks reddened. “Ye’re awful.”

“Aye. Sometimes,” he said.

The door to the chamber opened with a loud creak and a group of chambermaids bustled in carrying buckets filled with warm water. Ciara looked at it with a glimmer of relief on her face. He watched as one of the maids set a small table beside the tub that was lined with soaps, sponges, and various oils.

“Speakin’ of beasts,” Magus said with a sly grin on his face. “Ye kind of smell like one, so be generous with the soap, eh?”

Ciara laughed so hard, she snorted then slapped him on the arm. “Ye are the only beast in this chamber right now.”

One of the chambermaids approached Magnus with a tray bearing two cups. He took the one to the left and handed it to Ciara.

“What is this then?” she asked.

“’Tis an infusion tae help ye relax. I had them prepare them fer us.” His face softened. “’Tis been a tryin’ day and I could use one as well.”

Ciara smiled and took a sip. “It tastes pleasant.”

As the chambermaids finished filling her tub, Ciara drank the infusion he’d give her, and while he sipped his, Magnus felt a lance of guilt pierce his heart. Taking the cups, he handed them to the chambermaid who gave a slight curtsy then departed.

“All right then. I suppose I’ll give ye some privacy tae bathe and get some rest,” he said. “But me guards will be?—”