Then she turned to leave, and Murdock felt something he refused to name twist in his chest.
She’d barely opened the door when a small figure almost tumbled through it. Leona moved instinctively, bending down to steady the child before she could fall.
Skye.
His daughter looked up at Leona with wide, curious eyes. “Oh! Sorry!”
“Did ye come for yer story, Skye?” Murdock asked, struggling to keep his voice calm.
“Nay, I mean aye, but Faither, did ye ken there’s a kitty in the hall?” Skye’s eyes were alight with excitement.
“Ah, aye, it belongs to Lady Leona.”
Skye’s gaze turned to Leona, reassessing her with new interest. “Ye’re a lady?”
“Aye,” Leona said gently, smiling down at her.
“Are ye stayin' with us?”
“Just for the night,” Murdock answered before Leona could.
Skye’s face fell. Then her eyes lit up again. “Can the kitty stay?”
“Absolutely nae,” Murdock said firmly.
His daughter’s expression crumpled. “Why do ye have to be so mean, Faither? I cannae have breathers and sisters, and now I cannae have kitties too?”
Murdock was taken aback.
Skye spun and ran down the corridor, her footsteps echoing.
“What about the story?” Murdock called after her.
“I daenae want stories!” Skye shouted back. “I want real people. And animals!”
Then she was gone.
Silence fell over the study. Murdock stood frozen, his daughter’s words echoing in his head. His chest felt tight, compressed, like someone had wrapped iron bands around his ribs.
“Me Laird, I’m so sorry,” Leona said softly. “I didnae mean…”
“It’s nae yer fault, lass.” The words came out rougher than he had intended. He moved to the door, holding it open for her. A clear dismissal. “Come. I’ll have someone show ye to yer rooms.”
He couldn’t look at her as she passed. Couldn’t risk seeing whatever expression was on her face. Pity, perhaps. Or worse, understanding.
He led her back to the entrance hall in silence, where her brother waited with the cat. The boy looked exhausted, swaying slightly on his feet.
“Hamish,” Murdock called to his man-at-arms, who emerged from a side corridor. “Show Lady Leona and her brother to the guest chambers. Make sure they have everythin' they need.”
“Aye, me Laird.” Hamish’s eyes flickered with curiosity, but he was too well-trained to ask questions.
Leona turned to Murdock, and he forced himself to meet her gaze. His green eyes were luminous in the torchlight, searching his face as if trying to memorize it.
“Thank ye, me Laird,” she said softly. “For yer kindness.”
Murdock nodded stiffly. “Rest well, lass. Ye have a long journey ahead of ye tomorrow.”
He turned and walked away before she could respond. Before he could do something foolish like change his mind.
