“And ye smelled really, really bad.”
“All right, that’s enough,” Thalia warned, but she smiled to let her know she was only joking. “Now, please, will ye tell me why ye daenae want to eat with yer faither?”
“I’ve just… never eaten with anyone other than Rowena,” Daisy admitted. “And nae in such a big room!” She buried her face in her knees again.
Thalia’s heart broke for her. She placed her hand gently on Daisy’s back, rubbing small circles like Ava used to do to her when they were little. Daisy relaxed a bit more with the affection.
“It’s all right to be shy,” Thalia soothed. “It makes sense, what with everythin’ ye’ve been through. But that’s nae an excuse to hide away, or worse, to run away. Especially since yer faither only wants to protect ye.”
Daisy only shrugged in answer, so Thalia tried again.
“I can tell ye’re a very smart girl. And brave. But if ye keep runnin’ away whenever things get hard, ye’ll never be able to solve anything.”
“Butyeran away,” Daisy said, finally lifting her head again.
“Aye, I did,” Thalia agreed. “And ye nay doubt heard how much trouble I’m in now.”
Daisy nodded. “Aye. That woman is very, very cross.”
“That’s me older sister, Ava,” Thalia explained. “To tell ye the truth, I think she was just worried about me. That’s why she’s so cross now.”
Daisy thought about that. “Do most people get mad when they’re actually just worried?”
“Aye. That happens a lot.”
“Are ye goin’ back to her castle tonight?”
“Nay. It’s too late tonight.”
Daisy nodded again, but she still looked bothered by something.
Thalia could see how hard everything must be on her. To be stuck in this large castle without other children, with only an elderly nursemaid and a man she was afraid of… The girl must be so lonely.
“Would ye like to spend some time together tomorrow?” Thalia suggested. “We could take a walk? I havenae been to MacAinsley Castle before, and I’d love it if ye show me around.”
Daisy narrowed her eyes. “Are ye sure ye’ll still be here?”
“Aye. I promise I will. Are there any gardens here?”
She nodded. “Aye.”
“Then, if ye wish, we could take a walk together in the gardens?” Thalia suggested.
“That would be fun,” Daisy admitted. She looked up at Thalia with a face as serious as someone her age. “Do yereallyken about all plants?”
“I daenae ken aboutallof them, but I do ken most that grow around here,” Thalia replied.
“Maybe ye can teach me about the ones we have in the garden?” Daisy asked.
“Aye. I can do that.” Thalia smiled, and Daisy smiled back.
Someone cleared their throat at the bottom of the stairs, and Thalia turned to see Ava standing there.
“Uh oh.” Thalia looked back at Daisy. “Seems I’m still in trouble.”
Daisy giggled as Thalia stood.
“If ye’ll excuse me, Lady Daisy.” She curtseyed politely, and Daisy nodded her head back.
