She paused as Bramble walked towards and then past her out the door.
“Mmm…” She closed the door behind her. “I wonder if the Laird is at the breakfast hall. I would like to see him before I go off to the wilderness.”
As they walked down the corridor, her thoughts took hold.
That kiss last night…
She sighed loudly. Bramble just waved her tail in the air, paying her no mind.
I wish he had done more than kiss me last night. We were so close to doing more.
She knew that her relationship with her husband was changing. Slowly but surely.
Patience. That is the key.
She smiled in greeting as she ran into Moira at the entrance to the breakfast hall. “Oh, were you able to sort out the problem in the kitchens last evening?” she asked.
Moira rolled her eyes. “Those two arenae to be sorted out. Only endured,” she said with a grin. “It is good I ran into ye, though, because I have a message.”
Lilliana raised an eyebrow. “Really? From whom?”
“Well, from two people, I suppose. First, Old Fergus sends his regrets. He’s feeling his bones this morning and willnae be able to join ye.”
Lilliana’s shoulders slumped in disappointment. “Oh, that’s unfortunate. Can I help in any way?”
“Ach, nay. A bit of rest, and he should be back on his feet. However, the Laird has offered to take his place. He’s down at the stables. He asks that ye join him there once ye’re finished with breakfast.”
Lilliana’s heart sped up, and she fought to keep from blushing. “Oh,” she said in a completely different tone. “That’s…” She floundered, unable to find the right word.
Moira gave her a knowing grin and patted her on the shoulder, saying, “Go, lass”, before heading off to the kitchens.
Lilliana took a deep breath and made her way to the high table, where she ate breakfast as fast as possible. The thought of being out with just Kayden was strangely exciting. She could hardly wait.
As they reached the stables, Lilliana saw a groom saddling a single horse.
She frowned. “Are they not expecting both of us?” she asked.
Kayden smiled down at her. “I thought it best we take one horse.”
She turned sharply, eyes wide. “Why?”
“The terrain is a little unpredictable, and ye’re nae familiar with it. It’s safer if ye ride with me.”
Her chest expanded as she took a deep breath. She blushed when his eyes drifted to it. They slid away soon enough as he bent to hoist her into the saddle.
She had to remember to breathe with his strong arms bracketing her body. His hands clutched the reins, and she tried to figure out where to put her own.
She sat stiffly, tense and self-conscious. Kayden did not seem to notice, looking relaxed and pointing out various landmarks as they rode. His hair was loose on his shoulders, and when he turned his head, she could feel it brush against her plaid.
She had never been so aware of another person.
“Here we are,” he said.
She looked up to see the loch from which the village got its water supply. She had not even noticed their approach, so preoccupied was she.
Kayden jumped off the horse and held out a hand to help her down. She took it reluctantly, suppressing a shiver when their skin met.
“Thank you,” she said breathlessly.
