As she reached the main entrance, the door burst open and Lavina appeared, tears streaking her face. Without a word, Lavina ran to her, arms wide, and Maisie threw herself into her sister's embrace.
"Maisie! Oh, lass, ye're safe! I thought I'd lost ye forever," Lavina cried, holding her tightly.
"I missed ye too, Lavina," Maisie replied, her voice trembling as she pressed her face against her sister's shoulder.
Her own tears flowed freely, though she told herself they were only from missing Lavina, not from the heartache still twisting her soul.
"Come inside, let me see to ye, doin' what needs be done for yer care," Lavina said, guiding her gently toward the castle's warmth.
"I'm nae injured at all," Maisie protested lightly, brushing imaginary dust from her sleeves. "I'm fine, truly."
Lavina's brows knitted together, worry shadowing her features. "Where have ye been? What happened? Peter, the guard, told us two bandits overpowered him and took ye, and that's all we ken. We've been scourin' the countryside for any sign of ye."
Maisie gave a small, rueful laugh, trying to lighten her own burden. "It's a long story, Lavina… and I need a strong drink first, I think."
Lavina shook her head, though a wry smile tugged at her lips. "Aye, that ye do. Come, lass, into the parlor."
Maisie followed through the wide hallway, past the familiar tapestries and the glow of the hearth. Lavina poured a measure of whisky into a small crystal glass.
Maisie accepted it gratefully, feeling the warmth slide down her throat, calming her nerves, if only a little. She watched her sister move about the room, issuing sharp, confident orders to the servants.
"Bring food for Maisie at once," Lavina instructed a maid. "And inform Theodore that our lass has returned. He's out at the stables this time of day, so daenae delay."
Maisie leaned back into the cushioned armchair, savoring the feeling of safety and home, though her mind wandered back to the castle and to Caiden. The firelight danced across her glass, and she could almost see him in the shadows of the flickering flame, even as she forced herself to sip slowly and keep the memory at bay.
"Ye've been missed more than ye ken, Maisie," Lavina murmured, settling into the armchair opposite her. "I feared for ye night and day. Thank the heavens ye're returned safely."
"I've missed ye too, Lavina," Maisie repeated, holding the glass with a shaky hand. "But it's… it's been a journey, more than I can explain just yet."
Lavina's eyes softened, her expression both sharp with concern and tender with love. "Aye, I can see that. But ye're home now. That matters the most."
Maisie let out a long, trembling breath, feeling a mixture of relief and sadness she could not fully name. She leaned her head back, letting the warmth of the parlor and the whisky calm her, while knowing in the quiet of her mind that her heart remained tangled in the memory of what she had left behind.
The servants bustled in and out, bringing plates of bread, cheese, and roasted meats, while Lavina continued to check and organize, keeping a steady eye on her sister.
Maisie sipped her whisky, allowing herself a small, secret smile. For the first time since her departure, she felt the fragile peace of being home. And yet, beneath it, the ache of what, and who, she had left behind still pulsed quietly, like a shadow she could not shake.
"Come, sit, eat," Lavina said.
Maisie sat at the heavy oak table, a steaming plate before her. The meal was hearty and traditional, roast lamb with rosemary, buttered potatoes, thick oatcakes, and a side of braised cabbage. The rich aroma mingled with the smoky scent of the hearth, and a small pewter cup of whisky stood ready at her elbow.
As she savored the first bite of tender lamb, her thoughts wandered to Caiden and the events that had transpired in his castle. She could not bring herself to tell Lavina and Theodore what had happened; such a revelation could ignite a conflict between the clans. A shiver ran down her spine at the thought of war, and she made a firm decision. She would keep her experiences with Caiden to herself, no matter the cost.
Lavina, noticing the somber set of her sister's shoulders, leaned forward slightly, her eyes searching.
"Maisie, are ye truly well, lass?" she asked softly.
Maisie put down her fork and tilted her head thoughtfully, letting her gaze linger on the flickering candlelight.
"Lavina… what happened to the victims of the flood? I'm vexed that I couldnae continue with the auction and help them," she asked, her voice tight with concern.
Lavina's eyes went wide, and she reached across the table to grasp Maisie's hand. "Sister… ye have obviously been through an ordeal, and yet all ye can think of are the victims of the flood?" she exclaimed, a note of awe in her voice.
Maisie shook her head lightly, her hair falling across her face. "It's important to me, Lavina. I… I need to ken they were cared for," she said quietly, returning to her meal but not entirely to the present moment.
The food before her tasted sharper now, the whisky burning down her throat with an edge of comfort. She cut into the lamb and chewed slowly, letting the flavors anchor her to the room and to the moment. The potatoes were creamy, the oatcakes crumbly and sweetened with a touch of honey, while the cabbage offered a tart contrast. She sipped again from her cup, letting the liquid bring courage to her thoughts as she resolved to protect what needed protecting.
Lavina shook her head, a mix of exasperation and admiration flickering across her face. "Maisie, only ye would return from captivity and danger and still have yer mind on others rather than yerself," she said, a faint smile tugging at her lips.
