Locked. Still.
She could not even articulate the conflict to herself. All she knew was that she had not laid eyes on him for two days. Two days in which she had moped in her room, out of sorts and discomfited, unconsciously awaiting him. Hoping he would take the lead and tell her what was supposed to happen next.
Confusion continued to cloud her mind. The door opened, and her breath caught as she looked up hopefully. Alas, it was only Betsy stepping through the door with a tray.
Torn between disappointment and surprise, her shoulders slumped. “That was quick. How fast did you eat?”
Betsy shrugged. “I thought I would eat up here with you. That way, at least you would have company.”
“That is very kind of you,” Lilliana said, and part of her even meant it.
They ate in silence, listening to the sounds of the bustling castle through the open window.
Lilliana was suddenly struck with a thought. So much work went into keeping the castle running, but how do they not have enough to aid the villagers?
The thought angered her, and she dropped her fork.
“You know, I remember you saying you wanted to pick some herbs from the garden before their effectiveness decreased. Do you recall?” Betsy asked, not as slyly as she thought.
Lilliana leaned back in her chair thoughtfully. “I do remember, actually.”
Perhaps I will be able to account for the garden’s blooms and figure out a way to send the excess to the village.
“Well, should we go and pick them this afternoon?”
Lilliana looked around the room. “Yes, I believe we should. Where is Bramble, by the way?”
“I believe she has taken up residence in the kitchens, where there is plenty of food.”
“I am surprised Cameron would let her stay there.”
“Well, she is a good rat-catcher, and they do tend to like the kitchens, so…”
Lilliana leaned forward, bracing her elbows on the small table between them. “Alright, sorry to distract. I shall go and pick herbs this afternoon. You need not come with me. I know you do not like the garden.”
“It is not the garden, but that almighty dog.” Betsy shivered. “I dare not go with you anyway. I might get bitten.”
Lilliana laughed. “Rua is harmless.”
Betsy gave her a very skeptical look.
“Alright, well, he is harmless tous.I am sure he is quite lethal when facing an enemy.”
“Aha! So you admit the dog is dangerous,” Betsy said triumphantly.
Lilliana laughed. “I admit the dog is a fierce beast who is also protective.”
Betsy smiled. “Well, well, I made you laugh,” she said with satisfaction.
Lilliana smiled calculatingly. The more she played up how dangerous Rua might be to Betsy, the less around the maid would be, which might be good for securing extra stores.
Perhaps I could send her to Moira and keep them both busy.
The sun shone on her back in a very pleasant manner as she bent down and picked at the plants in the garden. It was not very hot, but on such a cloudy day, it was welcome. She was glad to be out in the fresh air.
Collecting herbs for her apothecary also gave her a sense of purpose.
Even if he never lets me go to the village, I can at least treat people here. Surely he would not stop anyone from coming to see me.
