“Some of them do, but there’s also a lot of plants that are bad for ye. Ye have to be careful and make sure ye daenae use any of those,” Thalia cautioned.
“How did ye learn so much?” Daisy’s eyes widened in awe.
“It took me a long time,” Thalia said. “Me maither taught me a lot of it, and other things I learned from talkin’ to other healers and readin’ books.”
“Do ye think ye can teach me, too?”
Thalia nodded. “I’d be happy to, Daisy.”
They spent the rest of the morning walking around the gardens, where Daisy excitedly pointed out all of the plants she wanted to know about. Thalia explained everything she could, and Rowena was even able to jump in and talk about some of them.
“These are some of me favorites,” Rowena said, pointing to a group of flowers with wide purple petals surrounding white petals in the center.
Daisy cooed over those gleefully. “What are they called?”
“Columbine,” Rowena answered.
“Columbine,” Daisy repeated, stroking the petals gently.
“These are good for headaches and fevers,” Thalia explained. “They’re also good to eat!”
She plucked off a petal and popped it into her mouth, humming at the sweet taste. Daisy copied her, grinning as she did.
“It’s sweet!” she exclaimed.
“But this is one of those plants ye have to be careful about,” Thalia continued. “Ye can only use the flowers. Nae the leaves or the roots. Those are bad for ye and will make ye sick. Understood?”
Daisy nodded seriously. “Only the flowers.”
“Very good.” Thalia rubbed the top of her head affectionately, and Daisy hurried ahead again.
“I’ve nae seen her this happy in so long,” Rowena sniffed. “Do ye really have to leave today?”
“Aye. I already pressed me luck with me sister enough. But I willnae be far. I’ll come and visit whenever I can,” Thalia promised.
She neglected to mention that if by some chance she did have to marry Laird MacGibbon, she would be even further away than she would be at her uncle’s. It was better to assume that everything would work out for the best.
“Daisy!” Rowena called. “I think it’s best we go back in for lunch!”
Daisy pouted. “Already?”
“Aye, already. Daenae fuss, we’ve already taken up enough of Lady Thalia’s time.”
“It hasnae been any trouble, I promise ye,” Thalia assured. “But I’m afraid I will need to leave soon.”
Daisy wrapped her arms tightly around Thalia’s waist. “I daenae want ye to go.”
“I promise I’ll come back.” Thalia knelt down to return the hug. “And next time I’ll make sure I can spend more than half a day with ye. How does that sound?”
Daisy looked like she wanted to say more, but she just nodded.
“Come on, then,” Rowena urged, and the group made their way back to the castle.
They traipsed in through the back entrance to make sure they didn’t track any mud through the front of the castle.
Thalia’s chest ached at the thought of leaving Daisy behind. She had such a lovely morning with the girl, and she was so happy to see her opening up and enjoying herself. It was enough for her to forget her own problems, and she wished she could stay in this separate world for a little while longer.
They came back up towards the front of the castle, Daisy clutching Thalia’s hand with all her strength.
