"I doubt that." She stood, turning to face him. "Ye've nae steered me wrong yet."
The trust in her eyes made Alpin's chest tight. He forced himself to step back, to put some distance between them before he did something foolish like kiss her right there in the stables.
"Wait here," he said. "I'll get the horse."
"Horse? As in only one?"
"Just wait."
He disappeared into the stable, returning a moment later leading only Dùbh. The stallion tossed his head, clearly ready for a run.
Mhairi looked around. "Where's mine?"
"Ye're ridin' with me."
Her eyes widened. "What? Why?"
"Because I said so." Alpin swung himself up into the saddle, then extended his hand down to her. "Come on. Unless ye're afraid?"
"I'm nae afraid of anythin'." But there was color in her cheeks as she took his hand.
Alpin pulled her up effortlessly, settling her in front of him on the saddle. The position put her back against his chest, her body nestled between his thighs, his arms coming around her to grip the reins.
It was... intimate didn’t even begin to cover it.
"This is..." Mhairi's voice trailed off.
"Necessary," Alpin finished. "Fer where we're goin', one horse is better." He could feel her heart beatin' fast against his forearm. "Comfortable?"
"That's nae exactly the word I'd use."
"Then what word would ye use?"
She was quiet for a moment. Then, so softly he almost missed it: "Safe."
Alpin's arms tightened around her briefly. "Good. Hold on."
He urged Dùbh forward, keeping the pace slow as they left the castle courtyard. The stallion was well-trained enough to handle the double weight without complaint, moving smoothly beneath them.
Mhairi's hands came up to rest on Alpin's forearms, where they crossed in front of her. The contact was light, tentative, but it sent warmth spreading through him nonetheless.
"So where are we goin'?" she asked again.
"Still nae tellin' ye."
"Ye're impossible."
"I prefer determined." Alpin guided Dùbh toward the western road, away from the village and deeper into MacDougal lands. "How was yer day with Donnach?"
"Good. He taught me how to prepare a burn salve. Did ye ken that comfrey root needs to be soaked for exactly two hours before grindin', or it willnae release the right oils?"
"I did nae ken that."
"Well now ye dae." He could hear the smile in her voice. "He also said he wants tae take me intae town more often. Tae see real patients, treat real injuries."
"Aye, he mentioned that when we spoke."
Mhairi twisted slightly to look up at him. "Ye spoke tae him? About me?"
