War smiled, an expression that seemed to come quite easily. “Good day, my lady,” he said. “It is a fine day today, made finer by your appearance.”
Annaleigh was already feeling giddy, basking in the man’s presence as if he were the sun and she a mere worshipper. So completely unworthy of him. But she gave him a coy expression.
“Flattery, m’lord?” she teased. “If ye say much more like that, my head will be too swollen tae enter the keep.”
War chuckled and even Alexei grinned. “Not to worry, my lady,” War said. “A couple of hammers and we can widen the door. There is no need to cease the flattery.”
Annaleigh giggled. “I think William might have something tae say about a man taking a hammer tae his door.”
“Then we’ll figure out another way.”
Annaleigh’s cheeks were beginning to flush. “I appreciate yer willingness tae help me,” she said. “But I came for another reason.”
“What is that?”
“Lady de Wolfe’s request tae see if ye required anything. Did ye sleep well?”
War nodded. “Very well,” he said. “God’s Bones, Castle Questing is the most hospitable place I’ve ever stayed at.”
“What do ye mean?”
“Because Christian was sent by Lady de Wolfe also,” he said. “He asked me the same questions.”
Annaleigh immediately felt as if she’d been caught in her lie. Her eagerness to speak to the man was coming back to haunt her. Before she could reply, however, someone caught Alexei’s attention and he politely excused himself. Leaving War and Annaleigh alone now, Annaleigh didn’t want to look like a fool in front of War. Perhaps he was already figuring out that something was strangely off with both Christian and Annaleigh inquiring on his health and sleep habits.
She was making them all look like idiots.
“I have a confession,” she said with some hesitance.
He cocked his head with interest. “Oh?”
She nodded. “Lady de Wolfe dinna send me here.”
“She didn’t?”
Annaleigh sighed heavily. “Ye may as well know that I’m a liar of the worst sort,” she said. “I told ye that Lady de Wolfe sent me because I thought it might look forward of me tae greet ye without a reason. If ye want tae laugh at me, go ahead. I deserve it.”
He chuckled and she hung her head. But he quickly realized he’d hurt her feelings so he reached out and took her hand in his, gently.
“I wasn’t laughing at you, I promise,” he said, holding her soft, warm hand in his callused mitt. “I laughed because… well, that is about the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me. No one goes out of their way to bid me a good morn. But you did. I cannot tell you how honored I am.”
She dared to glance up at him. “Truly?”
“Truly.”
“Then good morn tae ye,” she said, her eyes twinkling with mirth. “And I have no reason tae come here, where ye’re clearly busy, other than to bid ye a good morn.”
He grinned, his eyes glittering at her. “Good morn, my lady,” he said in his soft, deep voice. “Has your morning been pleasant so far?”
Annaleigh thought she was going to sweat right through her dress. War’s expression set her senses on fire, as if everything about him was searing her and she was melting before the flame. He was the sun god again and she was before him, humbly, but oh-so-gratefully basking in his glory.
And he was holding her hand.
It was the most amazing moment she’d ever experienced.
“I’ve had tae contend with Penny the Tyrant,” she said. “The lass tries tae turn her da against me if she doesna get her way, but William is a sensible man. He doesna believe a four year old.”
War’s brow furrowed. “Then I must avenge you,” he said. “Where is that little tormentor?”
