Page 62 of Wedded to the Heartless Highlander

“IsaidI can handle it, Me Lady. Nothin’ to trouble ye with,” Kara snapped, her voice rising just enough to echo in the corridor.

The words hit Erica like a slap to the face, and she stepped back, startled. Kara immediately dropped her gaze, her jaw tightening as though she was biting back an apology.

“I’m sorry,” Erica offered softly, even though she wasn’t entirely sure why. “I didnae mean to upset ye.”

Kara’s expression remained tense as she readjusted the linens in her arms again. “Ye didnae,” she said shortly. “If ye will excuse me, Me Lady, I have work to finish.”

Without waiting for a response, Kara brushed past her and disappeared down the hall.

Erica stood frozen for a moment, her stomach twisting. She replayed the exchange in her mind, trying to make sense of what had just happened. Kara had always been kind and composed—this outburst was so unlike her.

Maybe she’s just overwhelmed.Everyone has a breakin’ point.

Still, the encounter left a sour taste in her mouth. She sighed and turned toward the stairs, deciding that some solitude might ease her nerves.

She found herself stirring awake in one of the chairs by the hearth. It had been a dreamless rest. Her bed had been turned down, the fireplace stocked and the fire kindled, and a tea tray lay on the side table—all signs that Kara had been in her chambers.

Erica felt like a terrible burden for her confidante, and she hoped that Hunter would return soon so she could share the odd interaction with him to get his insight.

The hours ticked by, and dinner was a quiet affair. The long dining table felt emptier without Hunter and Lily’s presence, the absence of his steady, brooding energy almost palpable. After pushing her food around her plate for far too long, Erica finally decided to retreat to her husband’s study, hoping the familiar space would bring her some comfort.

When she arrived, she found Lily already there, curled up in one of the sofas by the fire, her dinner tray nearly untouched on the side table. The little girl was staring at the flames, her hands clasped together in her lap.

There she is… I’m glad I came up here. I wonder how often she’s eaten up here alone.

“Mind if I join ye, lass?” Erica asked softly.

Lily looked up and nodded, her expression a little brighter. Erica set down the tray of food she’d brought and handed her a plate.

“Let’s eat here tonight,” she suggested as she sat down next to her. “Just the two of us.”

Lily hesitated for a moment before taking a small bite of bread.

Erica watched her carefully, noting the way her gaze kept darting toward the door. “Are ye worried about him too?” she asked gently.

Lily nodded, her blue eyes wide. “Uncle Hunter always comes back, does he nae?”

“Of course he does,” Erica said with a confidence she didn’t entirely feel. “He’s probably just being thorough. Ye ken how he is—he willnae stop until he’s sure that everyone is safe. Thatweare safe. Also, Calvin is with him.”

Lily seemed to take some comfort in that, her shoulders relaxing a little as she ate.

“How often have ye eaten in here by yerself?” Erica asked.

“I’ve eaten in here many times,” the young girl said between large bites.

“Have ye eaten in here since I moved here?”

“Only once,” Lily admitted quickly, her eyes darting between her food and Erica. “Why?”

“I’m only curious. Do ye like it in here?”

“It’s cozy, and it gets so warm with the fire. I like to sit on this sofa, and sometimes I fall asleep.”

“Ye do? How often have ye fallen asleep in here?”

Lily shrugged.

Too many times to count.