“I spoke with Jacob this morning,” she said.
Kayden’s eyebrow rose. “Did ye now?”
“He expects the guards to return shortly,” she continued. “Which is precisely why I will be returning to the village today.”
Silence fell over the nearby tables.
Kayden leaned back slowly, studying her as though she were a puzzle he was not yet finished solving.
“Will ye?” he asked mildly.
“Yes,” she said. “With two guards. And Betsy. And Old Fergus. I will not go alone.”
The corner of his mouth twitched. “Why daenae ye take Moira, Cameron, and Jacob with ye as well? Ye could empty the castle.”
A few men chuckled.
Lilliana laughed, but the sound held more steel than humor. “I believe the castle would collapse without Moira at the helm and Cameron’s kitchens,” she said lightly.
Kayden’s eyes gleamed. He was enjoying this.
She rose from her chair. The movement alone drew attention, but it was what she did next that shifted the air.
She turned towards the hall and spoke clearly, her voice carrying farther than she had expected. “Everyone, leave us. Now.”
The words were simple. Firm. Commanding.
For a heartbeat, no one moved. Then Jacob pushed back his chair with exaggerated obedience. The staff followed. Theguards at the wall stepped towards the doors, ushering the remaining diners out.
Within moments, the hall emptied, leaving only the crackle of the fire and the echo of retreating footsteps.
Kayden watched her the entire time, eyes dark with something dangerously close to admiration.
“Well now,” he murmured. “Does it feel good?”
She hesitated.
“I do not know,” she admitted. “I am not certain how I feel about wielding authority so openly. But I know I must use it for good, or it means nothing.”
His gaze softened at that.
She stepped closer to the table, hands resting lightly on the wood. “I am needed there, Kayden. Not tomorrow, buttoday.”
He held her gaze for a long moment. Then he sighed, slow and resigned, but not displeased.
“I have already received word from the guards,” he said quietly.
Her breath caught. “You have?”
“Aye. They returned at dawn.” He folded his hands. “Which is another reason why I didnae forbid ye this morning.”
Surprise flickered across her face.
“I am meeting with the council this afternoon,” he continued. “There is more to discuss than poisoned wells.”
She nodded slowly, understanding sinking in. “So you will let me go?”
“I will allow it,” he corrected gently. “Because ye came to me with sense instead of defiance. Nae asking for permission, for once.”
