Smelling like roses from her bath and clad in a soft linen nightgown and matching robe, Lilliana knocked on the door between her chambers and Kayden’s. She waited for a moment, and when no response came, she tried the door.
To her surprise, it was open.
She peered into the room, catching sight of Kayden sitting by the fire, a pumice stone in hand, sharpening his sword while Rua lay asleep by his side.
She stepped into the room, and the dog immediately perked up, turning his head to look at her. He barked in welcome, getting to his feet and walking towards her.
She held out a hand in greeting. “Hail and well met, Rua. I did not mean to disturb your nap.”
Rua licked her hand with gusto, making her laugh. Then he rose on his hind legs, placing his forepaws on her chest to lick her face.
She shrieked in surprise, moving her mouth away from the dog as she tried to lift his paws off her. Then Kayden was there, taking hold of Rua’s collar and pulling him away.
“Apologies for his enthusiasm. He doesnae seem to understand his own strength,” he said, patting the dog on his haunches and then pointing back to the fire.
Rua went back to his spot by the fire and curled up, tail thumping contentedly on the floor.
Kayden’s gaze raked over her from head to toe. He cocked an eyebrow. “What brings ye here at this hour?”
She took a deep breath and looked him in the eye. “I wanted to… thank you for sending the guard with me and for letting Fergus accompany us to the village today. It was much appreciated.”
He gave her a half smile. “I didnaeletFergus do a thing. He wanted to accompany ye.”
“Yes, well, you still provided the guard and the carriage, didn’t you?” She gave him an impish grin.
“I did that, so I will accept yer thanks. Would ye like to have a nightcap with me?” He indicated the bench he’d been sitting on. “I daenae have any wine, but I do have some fine scotch.”
“That’ll do fine,” she murmured as she took a seat.
I could use some liquid courage.
He went to his desk and poured the whisky into two tumblers, then carried them over to her.
“Thank you,” she said as she took one.
“Ye’re welcome.”
He sat next to her and raised his own tumbler in a toast. She clicked her tumbler against his.
“Slàinte,” he said and drank.
“Cheers.”
She grimaced as the whisky burned its way down to her stomach.
“Oh, this is potent,” she wheezed.
He grinned. “Indeed, it is.”
She took another smaller sip. “So, is this something you brew here or…?”
“Nay. We buy it. We daenae make it.”
She nodded, already starting to feel lightheaded.
Kayden stared into the fire, tumbler in hand. She stole glances at him, appreciating how the firelight made his chestnut locks look like burnished bronze. His profile, from his straight nose to his sharp jawline, was thrown into stark relief, looking regal and proud.
He really is a very beautiful man.
