“Aye,” Neil acknowledged. “I can see that as well.”
Kristen’s shoulders relaxed slightly, though she was still holding the sheet like a shield.
Neil’s eyes kept darting to her hands at the fold and back to her face. It was surprising how little pride it took him to admit that she had done a great job managing the castle in his absence.
The silence grew more uncomfortable, so he decided to change the subject.
“I will ask again,” he said. “And I want a straight answer. Are ye certain there is nay man to kill? I ken the children arenae yers, but it has been five years, after all.”
Her laugh was quick and sharp. “Ye are desperate for a fight.”
“I am desperate for the truth,” he corrected. “I have had little of it.”
“There is nay one to kill,” she scoffed. “There is only a woman who was left in a marriage that started cold and stayed empty.”
The words landed where no blade could reach. “I hear ye.”
“Do ye?” She arched an eyebrow.
“Aye. I do.”
Her chin dipped. The sheet loosened a finger’s width, but Neil kept his hands at his sides, even though he wanted nothing more than to reach for her.
Suddenly, a knock sounded at the door, breaking the silence.
“Kristen, is everything all right?” Lachlan called through the wood. “I heard voices.”
Kristen’s eyes flashed. “Can ye be quiet?” she hissed.
Neil scoffed. “Why would I be quiet in me own castle?”
“Because I said so.”
“Is everything well?” Lachlan asked again, his tone mild as milk.
“Everything’s fine,” Kristen called back, calm enough to soothe a child. “Thank ye. I was only getting ready for bed.”
“I thought I heard a man’s voice.”
“That must have been me voice, or it could have come from somewhere else,” she said. “Good night, Lachlan.”
Lachlan hesitated before responding, “Good night, me Lady.”
Footsteps retreated, and the lock met the strike with a neat click.
Neil turned to his wife. “Why is Lachlan knocking on yer door?” he asked, bristling from spine to teeth.
“To make sure I am all right,” she replied. “Perhaps he could teach ye to knock as well, instead of breaking in.”
“It is me chamber,” he reminded her. “I am nae sure it counts as breaking in.”
She gave him a small, annoyed smile. “Fair point.”
He crossed to the washstand and dipped his hands in the basin to check if the water was still warm. He splashed his face out of habit more than need.
“Which is why ye can leave now,” he said without looking at her.
“Excuse me?”
