“Nay.” His heart sped up at the thought of her out there alone, with this evil woman running around. There was no way he could risk it. “I will send two guards to check the wells once ye point them out to me on the map upstairs in the study.”
She looked him in the eye, her own narrowed in annoyance, and he had to fight not to smile as she sneezed not once but twice. He knew if he showed any sign of indecision, she would jump at it and insist that she go with his men.
She took a deep breath, and he found himself doing the same.
“Is there a reason for your refusal, or are you—” She bit her bottom lip, probably to keep from saying something inappropriate.
He smiled. “I have already sent out two men to investigate, and we should wait for their report.”
She huffed, her cheeks red, still looking annoyed. However, she gave him a stiff nod. “Alright, thank you.”
22
Morning light filtered through the tall windows of the Great Hall, pale and cool against the stone floor.
Lilliana paused at the top of the stairwell, gloved fingers tightening around the railing as she watched the servants lay out breakfast below.
Kayden’s words from the night before still rang in her ears.
“Daenae return to the village until me men have reported back.”
The request had been firm, but not cruel. Protective, infuriatingly so.
She drew a slow breath.
No. Today, she would not argue. Today, she would act.
Instead of descending, she turned down the corridor towards the practice yard. Jacob stood there already, speaking quietly with two guards. He arched an eyebrow when he saw her approach.
“Me Lady,” he greeted, surprised but polite.
“Good morning,” she replied. “Have you heard from the guards Kayden sent?”
Jacob crossed his arms loosely. “Nae yet, but I expect them within the hour. Why?”
She hesitated only a moment. “Because I intend to return to the village today.”
Jacob’s mouth twitched. “Ah. And ye wish me to soften the ground before ye speak to the Laird?”
“I do not intend to ask him,” she said calmly. “I intend toinformhim.”
That earned her a genuine laugh.
“Aye,” Jacob murmured. “He will like that.”
She inclined her head slightly. “Betsy will accompany me. And Old Fergus. I will also take two guards with me. I am not being reckless.”
Jacob studied her for a long moment, expression thoughtful. Then he nodded once. “The men should be back soon if they arenae back already, Me Lady.”
“Thank you,” she said.
When she entered the breakfast hall a short while later, conversation lulled. Kayden sat at the head of the high table, dark hair still damp from washing, speaking with Cameron over a ledger. He glanced up as she approached, eyes softening almost imperceptibly.
“Lilliana,” he greeted.
“My Laird,” she replied, taking the seat opposite him.
Servants moved quietly, placing bread and fruit before her. She did not start eating immediately.
