Alone again,Kenneth turned back to his correspondence, trying to ignore both his sister's words and the memory of how close he'd come to kissing his wife. He had duties to attend to, a clan toprotect. He couldn't afford to let Sophie breach the walls around his heart, no matter how tempting she might be.
But as hestared at the letters before him, the words blurred together, and all he could think about was the warmth in Sophie's eyes when she'd called him strong. Perhaps, a treacherous voice whispered in his mind, letting her in wouldn't make him weak after all.
Perhaps it would makeme stronger.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
Sophie picked at her dinner, pushing the roasted vegetables around her plate without much appetite. The great hall felt emptier somehow these days, with Kenneth taking most of his meals in his study. She'd grown used to his absence, though her heart still ached each time she saw his empty chair.
"I hopeye're nae planning to rearrange those carrots all evenin'," Arabella teased from across the table. "Though I must say, ye've given them quite the artistic arrangement."
Sophie managed a small smile."I suppose I'm nae very hungry tonight."
The great hall'sdoors swung open, cutting off whatever Arabella had been about to say. Sophie's head snapped up, her heart skipping a beat as Kenneth strode in. He looked tired but determined, his jaw set in that way she'd come to recognize meant he'd made some important decision.
"Ken!"Arabella exclaimed. "Have ye finally tired of molderin' away in that study of yers?"
Kenneth shothis sister a warning look as he took his seat at the head of the table. His eyes met Sophie's briefly, and she felt heat rise to her cheeks as she remembered their interrupted moment in the study.
"I thoughtit time I joined me family for dinner," he said, his voice gruff but not unkind. The word 'family' sent a warm flutter through Sophie's chest.
As servants rushedto bring Kenneth's meal, Sophie found herself studying him from beneath her lashes. He seemed different somehow – less rigid, though still clearly carrying the weight of his responsibilities. When he caught her looking, instead of his usual scowl, his expression softened almost imperceptibly.
"How arethe preparations for the Highland Assembly comin' along?" Colette asked, breaking the charged silence that had fallen over the table.
Kenneth tooka sip of wine before answering. "Well enough. I've been arranging a hunting expedition to impress Laird MacDean. His support could open new trade routes for the clan."
"A hunt?"Sophie couldn't help but ask, her interest piqued. "What manner of game will ye be pursuin'?"
Kenneth's eyebrowsrose slightly at her question. "Mainly grouse, perhaps some deer if we're fortunate. Do ye have an interest in huntin', Lady Sophie?"
Sophie felta smile tugging at her lips as memories of her youth surfaced. "Ye could say that. Though me experience was perhaps nae quite... conventional."
"Oh?"Kenneth leaned forward slightly, his food forgotten. "Do tell."
Sophie glanced around the table,finding everyone's attention on her. Taking a deep breath, she began her tale. "When I was sixteen, me faither organized a grand hunt. All the important men of the clan were invited, but of course, I wasnae allowed to participate." She paused, a mischievous glint in her eye. "So, I borrowed some of Mason's old clothes, tucked me hair under a cap, and snuck out to join them."
"Ye dinnae!"Arabella gasped, delighted.
"I did,"Sophie confirmed, warming to her story. "I kept to the back of the group, trying nae to draw attention. But then I spotted a magnificent stag that none of the others had noticed. I couldnae help meself – I grabbed a bow from one of the servants and took aim."
"Did ye make the shot?"Kenneth asked, seeming genuinely invested in her tale.
Sophie's smile faltered slightly."Nay. The arrow went wide – I'd never had any proper trainin', ye see. But the commotion drew everyone's attention, including me faither's."
"What did he do?"Arabella asked softly.
"He waiteduntil we returned to the keep before confrontin' me," Sophie said, her voice growing wistful. "I expected him to be furious, but instead, he laughed. Said I had more spirit than half his men. He promised to teach me proper archery himself, said there was nay reason a lass shouldnae learn to defend herself and put food on her table."
Sophie felttears pricking at her eyes and blinked them back. "But he died before he could keep that promise. And Mason..." She trailed off, the old hurt rising in her chest. "Well, Mason had other ideas about what was proper for a lady."
"Yer brother's a skilled archer,is he nae?" Kenneth asked, his voice carefully neutral.
Sophie nodded."One of the best in the clan. I used to watch him practice for hours, hoping he might offer to teach me. But he said it wasnae fittin' for his sister to engage in such masculine pursuits." She tried to keep the bitterness from her voice, but some must have slipped through.
Kenneth was quiet for a moment,studying her with an intensity that made her breath catch. "Yer faither was right," he said finally. "There's nay reason a lass shouldnae learn to protect herself and provide for her people."
Sophie's heart leaped."Do ye really think so?"
