Ailis laughed. “At least they’re creative.”
“Creative is one word for it,” Kristen snorted. “Exhaustin' is another. But I wouldnae trade them for anythin'. Even when they’re drivin' me to distraction.”
“Speakin' of children,” Ailis said. “Have ye met Skye yet, Leona?”
“Aye,” Leona said, softening for the first time in two days. “She’s wonderful. Smart and kind and so full of life.”
“She takes after Murdock in many ways,” Ailis said. “That same determination. That fierce protectiveness of the people she loves.”
“But she’s lighter than he is,” Kristen added. “Less burdened. It’s nice to see.”
“She’s been helpin' plan the weddin',” Leona revealed. “Veryenthusiastically.”
“That sounds like Skye,” Ailis said with a laugh. “I cannae wait to see her again. It’s been too long.” She turned her attention back to the window, watching the activity below. “Oh, look. Is that Fraser? He’s grown so old. And there’s Angus. Still as stern-faced as ever, I see.”
“Some things never change,” Kristen agreed. “Though the castle looks wonderful. Better than I remember from our last visit. Murdock’s been makin' improvements.”
“He always does,” Ailis said. “Always tryin' to make things better, stronger, safer.” She turned back to Leona with a softer expression. “That’s who he is, ye ken. A protector. Sometimes to a fault.”
Something in her tone made Leona look up sharply. Ailis was watching her now with more perception than her cheerful chatter had suggested.
“Ye look sad,” she noted quietly, moving to sit beside Leona. “Why do ye look so sad on yer weddin' day?”
The direct question, asked with such genuine concern, made Leona’s carefully constructed walls crack. She felt tears prick her eyes and blinked them back furiously.
“I’m fine,” she managed. “Just… nervous. As ye said.”
“That’s nae nervousness,” Ailis said gently. “That’s heartbreak. I ken the difference.” She reached out to take Leona’s hand.“What’s wrong, sweetheart? And daenae say nothin'. We’re goin' to be sisters soon. Ye can tell us.”
Leona looked between the two women, seeing only kindness and genuine concern on their faces. They didn’t know her, had no reason to care about her troubles, but they were offering comfort anyway.
“He’s protectin' me,” she said finally. “From me cousin. That’s why we’re getting' married. For protection.”
“Ah,” Kristen hummed, understanding dawning in her eyes. “So it’s an arrangement.”
“Aye. An arrangement.” Leona’s voice was hollow. “He’s givin' me his protection, his name, but nae his…” She stopped, unable to continue.
“Heart,” Ailis finished softly.
Leona nodded, not trusting her voice.
The sisters exchanged glances, something passing between them that Leona couldn’t quite read.
“Our brother is…” Kristen started, then paused, searching for the right words. “He’s complicated.”
“He’s afraid,” Ailis corrected. “That’s what he is. Terrified of lettin' anyone too close.”
“Why?” Leona asked, the question bursting from her before she could stop it. “What happened to make him so afraid of…” She gestured helplessly. “Of this? Of carin' about someone?”
Kristen opened her mouth to respond, but Ailis touched her arm gently, stopping her.
“That’s nae our story to tell,” Ailis said quietly. “Those are his demons to share, when he’s ready.”
“But I’m marryin' him in hours,” Leona protested, her frustration bleeding through. “How am I supposed to understand him, to help him, if I daenae ken what I’m fightin' against?”
“Maybe ye should try askin' him,” Kristen suggested gently. “Really asking. Nae in anger or frustration, but as someone who genuinely wants to understand.”
“I’ve tried,” Leona said, her voice breaking. “But he shuts down. Pushes me away. Tells me he cannae give me what I need and offers nay explanation for why.”
