Page 19 of Taken By the Ruthless Highlander

“I cannae speak for the others, but I’d like to stay,” Poppy declared through a heavy yawn.

The poor child had been through more than Morgana ever wanted to think about.

“Why dinnae we get ye to bed—it is late,” Morgana said as she corralled Poppy to the stairs.

“I had a bad dream,” Poppy answered. “And Eloise was kickin’. Can I sleep with ye?”

Morgana’s heart swelled at her sister’s request. She beckoned her over and guided her into her room.

“This is a large room!” Poppy gushed as they entered. “Far bigger than the room we’re sleepin’ in.”

“Is everyone well? Ronnie? What news of him?” Morgana asked.

She found herself craving any news that could fill the holes left by Ryder’s rejection.

“Aye, but Ronnie is always tryin’ to pick a fight with the man-at-arms and the councilmen. He wants to ken what happened to Tormod,” Poppy replied as she climbed into the plush bedding.

“I wanted to tell ye, but I havenae had a moment to myself.” Morgana paused. “Tormod was my witness at the weddin’.”

“Weddin’? Then it’s true, ye married the Laird,” Poppy said, her little eyes as wide as saucers. “Does this mean that we’re safe?”

“Aye,” Morgana uttered as she pulled the blankets up to her sister’s chin. “And Tormod has left for Kilbray.”

“Feya…” Poppy whispered the name as if it had some magical properties. “Do ye think we’ll ever see her again?”

“I ken we will,” Morgana answered with such conviction that even she believed it.

But the truth of the matter was that she didn’t know if she ever would see Feya. It felt like a lifetime already since she had last seen her sister. All she had was memories to cling to, yet even those seemed to be fading.

“Ronnie told me nae to come,” Poppy yawned as she snuggled into the pillows. “He said ye’d be busy tonight. Was there somethin’ ye were supposed to do?”

Morgana pursed her lips as she tried to ignore the ache in her chest. “Just be here with ye. The hour is late. Close yer eyes and go to sleep. Tomorrow is a new day.”

“And a new start,” Poppy mumbled, her lashes fluttering. “Every day God wipes the old way and gives us a fresh start.”

“Aye,” Morgana said to placate her. “Rest.”

But rest wasn’t something she could do. Not when Poppy’s words weighed so heavily on her.

Something about having a fresh start, a new day, gave Morgana hope. She stripped out of her robe, letting it drop to the floor as she climbed into the empty spot beside Poppy.

* * *

The soft orange morning light kissed Morgana’s cheeks and eyes, stirring her from her restless slumber. She slipped out of bed, trying her best not to wake Poppy.

The child had clearly been through so much and needed all the sleep she could get. Morgana’s only regret was the fact that only Poppy was enjoying the comfort of her bed.

“Sleep as long as ye want,” she whispered, before stepping away from the bed.

She dressed as quickly and quietly as she could. Poppy’s advice rang in her ears as she pulled her hair into a knot atop her head and let some ringlets fall around her face.

“It’s a new day,” Morgana whispered to the mirror. “We’re goin’ to do great things today.”

She was determined to find some way to please her husband. And so she rushed to the kitchen, eager to start the morning right with a good meal. But by the time she found the cook, she got word that Ryder had already left for the day.

Flustered, Morgana sat in the kitchen, debating what she should do, when the sound of Orella’s laughter drifted to her ears. Curiosity pulled her out of the mire of her thoughts, luring her to the garden beyond the door of the kitchen.

“Orella?” Morgana asked as she stepped through the door. “Is everythin’ all right?”