"Aye,"Kenneth nodded. "In fact..." He paused, seeming to wrestle with himself for a moment. "If ye'd like, I could teach ye. The basics of archery, at least."
"Truly?"Sophie couldn't keep the excitement from her voice. "Ye'd do that?"
"We could start tomorrow,if ye wish," Kenneth offered, and Sophie could have sworn she saw the ghost of a smile playing at his lips. "Though I warn ye, I'm a demandin' teacher."
"I'm a quick study,"Sophie countered, feeling bold. "And I've waited years for this opportunity. I willnae waste it."
Something flickeredin Kenneth's eyes – approval, perhaps, or admiration. "Very well. We'll begin after breakin' our fast tomorrow. Wear something ye can move in easily."
The restof dinner passed in a blur of conversation and planning. Sophie barely tasted her food, her mind already on the morning to come. She caught Arabella giving her knowing looks, but she couldn't bring herself to care.
As the mealdrew to a close, Kenneth rose from his seat. "I'll have Lachlan prepare the practice yard for tomorrow," he said, his eyes meeting Sophie's. "Get some rest, lass. Ye'll need yer strength."
"Thank ye, Kenneth,"Sophie said softly. "For giving me this chance."
He nodded once,his expression softening almost imperceptibly. "Goodnight, Sophie."
As she watched him leave,Sophie felt hope blooming in her chest. Perhaps there was more to Kenneth Elloway than the stern, duty-bound laird he presented to the world. Perhaps, just perhaps, he was beginning to see her as more than just a political alliance.
"Well, well,"Arabella's voice broke through her thoughts. "I havenae seen me brother volunteer to spend time with anyone in... well, ever."
"He's just being kind,"Sophie protested, though her heart fluttered at the implication.
"Kind?"Arabella scoffed. "Ken doesnae do anythin' out of mere kindness. Trust me, sister dear, there's more to this than simple archery lessons."
Sophie triedto suppress her smile but failed miserably. As she made her way to her chambers that night, her mind was filled with thoughts of the morning to come. Not just the archery lessons, though she was certainly excited about those, but the chance to spend time with Kenneth.
Sleep waslong in coming that night, but Sophie didn't mind. She lay awake, watching the moonlight paint patterns on her ceiling, and allowed herself to hope that maybe, just maybe, Kenneth was finally beginning to let his walls down.
Tomorrow couldn't come soon enough.
CHAPTER TWELVE
The morning air was crisp as Sophie followed Kenneth across the moors, her heart beating a rapid rhythm against her ribs. The heather swayed beneath a pearl-grey sky, and the scent of morning dew filled her lungs with each breath. She'd chosen a simple dress for the occasion, one that wouldn't restrict her movement, though now she wondered if she should have worn something more flattering.
Kenneth walked ahead,carrying a bow and quiver of arrows. She found her eyes drawn to the broad expanse of his shoulders, the way his kilt swayed with each purposeful stride. When he stopped at a natural clearing, Sophie nearly collided with his back, too distracted by her observations to notice he'd halted.
"This spot should do,"Kenneth said, turning to face her. His expression was serious, but Sophie caught a glimmer of something softer in his eyes. "We'll start with the basics."
He setup several empty bottles on a distant rock, then returned to her side. "First, ye need to learn the proper stance," he explained, demonstrating by standing sideways to the target. "Like this."
Sophie attemptedto mirror his position, but apparently didn't quite manage it. She felt Kenneth step closer, his presence warming her back.
"May I?"he asked, his voice low near her ear.
Sophie nodded,not trusting her voice. Kenneth's hands settled on her waist, turning her body slightly. Each point of contact sent sparks through her, making it hard to concentrate on his instructions.
"Feet shoulder-width apart,"he murmured, nudging her feet into position with his boot. "Back straight." His hand slid up her spine, encouraging her to stand taller. Sophie fought to suppress a shiver at his touch.
"Now for the bow,"Kenneth said, bringing the weapon around in front of her. "Take it in yer left hand – aye, like that."
He guidedher fingers into position on the grip, his calloused hands surprisingly gentle. Sophie tried to focus on his instructions, but found herself increasingly distracted by his proximity, the sound of his voice, the scent of leather and pine that seemed to cling to him.
"Are ye listening, lass?"Kenneth's voice held a hint of amusement.
"Of course,"Sophie said quickly, then added with a mischievous smile, "Though I must say, ye're a very distractin' teacher."
Kenneth's handsstilled on hers. "Is that so?"
