She jutted her chin defiantly. “I ken me way around the woods. I’m a healer, remember? Besides, I’ve already spent a few days in the forest here. She may nae have gotten very far.”
“I cannae have ye slowin’ us down,” Finlay insisted.
“I promise ye I willnae,” she assured him.
He searched her face carefully, finding only that stubbornness that he couldn’t help but admire.
Perhaps it would be best if she came with them. Hearing Thalia’s voice call out her name may help lure Daisy out of wherever she was hiding.
He gave a heavy sigh. “Fine. Ye had better get dressed quickly, then meet me by the stables in less than twenty minutes. Or else I’ll leave without ye.”
Thalia nodded and closed the door in his face.
Finlay headed out for the stables, trying to tell himself that it would all work out.
Daisy will be fine. She always is. We always find her.
CHAPTER 16
Thalia dressedas fast as she could. She knew Finlay was serious about leaving her behind, and she wanted to prove to him that she could help.
She couldn’t help but feel that this was all her fault, but she would make it up to him and Daisy.
Her fingers flew as she laced up her boots, and she didn’t even bother to pin up her hair. She would be traipsing through the woods again, so what did it matter if she looked presentable?
The hall was empty as she stepped out of her room, but she could hear the commotion downstairs.
Ava stood at the top of the stairs, a brown shawl wrapped around her shoulders. She turned as Thalia approached her.
“Is it true?” she asked, gripping the shawl tightly across her chest. “Is she gone again?”
Thalia nodded, looking down as shame washed over her. “I think it’s me fault. Uncle said those cruel things about her, and I should have talked to her. I should have, but she seemed fine. I thought I had gotten lucky and she hadnae heard. Oh, I’m such a fool!”
Ava’s eyes roamed down her sister’s body, taking in her attire. “Are ye joinin’ the search for her?”
“Aye, I have to,” Thalia replied. “I cannae sit here and wait. I have to do something.”
Ava cupped her face and forced her gaze back up. “Finlay will find her. She will be all right.”
Thalia covered her sister’s hands with her own. They were warm against her face, and it helped to calm her nerves. She was grateful her sister had decided to stay with her. She couldn’t imagine getting through this without her.
“I’ll be… Nay.Wewill be back soon,” she said, hoping she sounded more confident than she felt.
Ava nodded, removing her hands. “I’ll stay and wait here. Just in case she comes back.”
“Thank ye, Ava.”
Thalia turned to leave, but Ava stopped her again. She took off her shawl and threw it around Thalia’s shoulders.
“There’s a chill in the air; this should keep ye warm,” she explained, her voice filled with tenderness.
Thalia squeezed Ava’s hand once more, and then she made her way out of the castle towards the stables. Finlay was already there with his man-at-arms, Peter. His back was to her as he readied his black stallion, but Peter nodded to her as she approached.
Upon seeing the acknowledgement, Finlay turned.
“Ye made it,” he grunted.
“Did ye think I wouldnae?” she asked. “Ye ken how much Daisy means to me.”
