Nathan copied her movements, his cautious hands hovering over the cat’s head.
Ava talked him through it. “Gently, darling. Let her sniff ye first, all right?”
The cat leaned forward to sniff the little boy’s hand. With a soft meow of approval, she rubbed her head against his hand. His laughter rang out, pure and wild. The cat did not flinch.
Ava’s heart soared. “She likes ye,” she chuckled.
“He takes after ye.” Thalia winkedknowing that Ava would rather be among animals than anywhere else, with Nathan now the exception.
“Animals always ken the good ones,” Ava replied quietly. “They sense gentleness, kindness, and love.”
Nathan scratched the cat behind her ears and down her back. She leaned into his touch, turned, and started all over again. It was clear she was loving the attention. The boy’s face was shining with pride and joy.
“Can we keep her, Ma?” Nathan asked, his eyes wide and pleading.
Ava could not say no to his perfect little face.
“We daenae ken if she belongs to someone already, darling. We wouldnae want her to be taken from her family now, would we?” Her mouth quirked down.
“Nay.” He hung his head. “But I love her!” he cried, squeezing the cat against his chest.
To Ava’s surprise, the cat did not protest. Instead, she licked his hand.
“I’m sorry to eavesdrop,” a deep voice said from beside them.
It was a merchant selling books, and he was the biggest man Ava had ever seen. He had a round, happy face and seemed larger than a mountain.
“I couldnae help but hear ye talk about this cat. She doesnae belong to anyone, me Lady. Her owner was me friend, a sweet old man named Freddie, who passed away a few weeks ago. She’s been wanderin’ the village ever since. I reckon that’s why she looks so scruffy.”
Nathan’s head snapped up to Ava.
“Well, did ye hear that?” She smiled. “I’m sorry, Sir. I daenae ken yer name.”
“I’m William, but everyone calls me Hank, me Lady.” The merchant took off his hat and sketched a small bow.
“It’s a pleasure to meet ye, Hank.” Ava gave her warmest smile.
It was a small, bright spot in her life, getting to meet the villagers whose care she and her husband were responsible for.
“Do ye think that we could take Miss Kitty here back to the castle with us? Would yer friend be all right with that?”
“Aye, me Lady,” Hank nodded earnestly. “I reckon his spirit would be mighty pleased to ken that a good lad was takin’ care of his beloved cat.”
Nathan hugged the poor creature tighter. “Comin’ home with me!”he cried out.
“Does she have a name, Hank?” Thalia asked.
“Nay, me Lady.” The merchant shook his head. “Me friend always called her Cat.”
They laughed and thanked Hank for his time.
Thalia bought a book on herbal remedies, and then they made their way back to the castle. Ava carried Nathan, Nathan carried Cat, and Thalia carried her books and plants.
When the castle gates came into view, the sun was already dipping low, the market’s noise fading behind them. Nathan proudly showed off his new friend to Finlay, who greeted them in the courtyard.
“Has yer husband seen this yet?” Finlay asked Ava.
“Nay, we just picked her up in the market. Why?” she asked apprehensively.
