Page 18 of Taken By the Vicious Highlander

The morning sun was creeping over the horizon, but her warm breath still fogged up the glass.

“Very well. It’s cool outside, but the sun is not yet fully out—might turn out to be a fine day.”

“I wish to go ridin’. A coat, then?”

“Aye, though the stables are locked for the day.” Greer smiled in understanding and lifted the fabric draped over her arm.

“The stables are locked?”

“Aye, Me Lady. But I dinnae ken why,” Greer said a little too quickly.

“Of course,” Lilith muttered, catching her maid’s eye. “Thank ye.”

She kens well enough… How do I get it out of her?

Rolling her bottom lip between her teeth for a moment, Lilith finally eased herself into the steaming bathtub.

“Have ye attended to Melissa yet?”

“Aye, Me Lady. Though…” Greer stuttered, shrugged, and then made herself busy with refolding the linen towels.

“Though what?”

Greer’s wince was unmistakable.

“What happened, Greer?”

“Nothing happened, Me Lady. Only, Lady Melissa Aragain has left the castle in the Brahanne carriage. She left before first light.”

“What! Left? Are ye sure?”

“Aye, Me Lady. Smith and I packed her trunks.”

“But why?”

“There’s nay tellin’, Me Lady. Perhaps she was unwell and needed to return? Perhaps she received a letter from Laird Brahanne demandin’ it?”

“That’s rather outlandish, though. Dinnae ye ken, Greer?”

“It’s nae me place to assume anything, Me Lady.”

“Of course,” Lilith said, and then again softer, more contemplative. “Of course.”

“Do ye want to break yer fast in here or downstairs?” Greer asked, collecting the used linen in her arms.

“Downstairs, please.”

“Very well. I’ll return shortly,” the maid said before scurrying away.

She has to ken what’s goin’ on. Did Damon tell them nae to tell me, though?

Lilith soaked in the bathing oils until the water cooled. The warmed towel wrapped fully around her slight frame as she stepped out and dried herself. The robe hanging near the hearth felt lovely against her skin, and for the briefest of moments, the image of Damon pressing the softest kiss to her neck flashed through her mind.

“Christ!” she exclaimed as Greer burst through her chamber doors, interrupting her thoughts and startling her back to the present.

“Apologies, Me Lady,” Greer offered quickly, almost out of breath.

“I’ll have Finley come fix the door when ye have gone.”