"I did it!"
Kenneth's smilematched her own, open and genuine. "Aye, ye did."
They stoodlike that for a long moment, caught in each other's gaze. Kenneth's hands had come to rest on her waist when she turned, and Sophie found herself wanting to lean into him, to close the small distance between them.
"We should try again,"Kenneth said finally, his voice rough. "While ye've got the feel for it."
Sophie nodded,reluctantly turning back to face the targets. But something had shifted between them. Each touch now felt charged with possibility, each shared glance heavy with unspoken words.
As the morning wore on,Sophie found herself falling deeper under Kenneth's spell. It wasn't just his physical presence, though that was intoxicating enough. It was the way his stern facade cracked a little more with each smile she coaxed from him. The way his eyes softened when she succeeded at a particularly difficult shot. The quiet pride in his voice when he praised her progress.
This wasa different Kenneth than the one who prowled the castle halls – softer, warmer, more open. Sophie found herself growing addicted to this version of him, storing away each smile, each laugh, each gentle touch like precious gems.
By the timethey finished their lesson, Sophie had managed to hit several more bottles and had drawn more genuine smiles from Kenneth than she'd seen in all their time together. Her arms ached from drawing the bow, but her heart felt full to bursting.
"Ye're a natural,"Kenneth said as they gathered the remaining arrows. "With practice, ye'll be a fine archer."
"I had a good teacher,"Sophie replied, watching his profile in the strengthening sunlight. "Thank ye, Kenneth. For giving me this chance."
He turnedto look at her, his expression open and warm in a way that made her heart flutter. "Ye deserve every chance, Sophie," he said softly. "Daenae let anyone tell ye different."
Sophie felttears prick at her eyes at his words, remembering all the times Mason had told her she wasn't worthy, wasn't capable. Without thinking, she stepped forward and hugged Kenneth, pressing her face into his chest.
For a moment,he stiffened in surprise. Then, slowly, his arms came around her, holding her close. Sophie breathed in his scent, memorizing the feeling of being held by him, of feeling safe and valued and seen. She felt his hand tilt her chin up and her eyes met his for a brief moment before he dipped his head down to gently kiss her lips.
All too soon,Kenneth stepped back, though his hands lingered on her shoulders. "We should head back," he said, his voice rough with emotion. "But we'll do this again tomorrow, if ye like."
"I'd like that very much,"Sophie said, her heart soaring at the prospect of spending more time with this softer version of her husband.
As they walked backto the castle, Sophie found herself stealing glances at Kenneth, memorizing the way the morning light played across his features. She knew she was falling for him – for the man who smiled at her victories and held her so gently.
It was dangerous,perhaps, to love him when she wasn't sure he could ever love her back. But watching him now, seeing the way his lips still curved in a slight smile, Sophie couldn't bring herself to care about the danger.
For now,it was enough to know that somewhere beneath his stern exterior beat a heart capable of warmth and joy.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
"We should head back," Kenneth said, eyeing the threatening sky. "That storm's movin' fast."
But before theycould gather their equipment, the heavens opened. The rain fell in heavy sheets, drenching them within moments. Sophie gasped at the sudden cold, her dress quickly becoming sodden and heavy.
"This way!"Kenneth called over the downpour, grabbing her hand. "There's a shepherd's hut nearby!"
They ran through the rain,Kenneth leading her across the wet heather. Sophie's heart raced, as much from his warm grip on her hand as from their dash for shelter. After a few minutes, a small stone building came into view, its sturdy walls promising refuge from the storm.
Kenneth ushered her inside,following close behind. The hut was simple but dry, with a small hearth and some basicfurnishings. Sophie stood just inside the door, water dripping from her clothes, suddenly very aware of how her wet dress clung to every curve.
"Here,"Kenneth said gruffly, pulling off his sopping over wear and shrugging out of his undershirt. "Put this on before ye catch yer death."
Sophie turnedto thank him and felt her breath catch. Kenneth stood bare-chested before her, water trailing down his muscled torso. Scars marked his skin here and there, telling tales of battles fought and won. She couldn't help but stare, heat rising to her cheeks.
"Sophie,"Kenneth's voice was rough. "Ye need to change."
She nodded,taking his offered shirt with trembling fingers. "Turn around?" she requested softly.
Kenneth complied,though Sophie could see the tension in his shoulders as he faced the wall. With fumbling fingers, she worked at the laces of her dress, letting the wet garment pool at her feet. The air was cool against her damp skin as she slipped Kenneth's shirt over her head. It was still warm from his body, carrying his scent.
"I'm decent,"she murmured, though the shirt barely reached mid-thigh.
