“I’m tired,” she muttered. “I’d like ye to leave.”
He stared at her back for two more breaths, and then he left.
Thalia had packed up her things the night before, so when she woke up that morning, all she had to do was get dressed. She wouldn’t cry again. She had already done far too much of that, and she suspected she didn’t have any more tears left within her.
The note she had written for Daisy lay folded neatly on her desk, and once she was ready, she grabbed it and left the room for the final time. Ava waited for her at the bottom of the stairs.
They had discussed her plans to leave before she had spoken with Finlay, so she was already prepared for the journey back to MacCabe Castle.
She must have still looked upset, because Ava placed a kind hand on her back.
“Ye are sure this is what ye want?” she asked again.
Thalia nodded. “I think it is best for everyone if I am nay longer here.”
“I sent out a message to Caden. A carriage should be sent for us later in the day,” Ava explained.
“Ye need nae have to wait.”
They turned to see Finlay coming down the stairs. He was dressed in the same clothes he had worn yesterday, as if he had not bothered to go to sleep after their discussion last night.
Thalia pushed down the guilt that rose in her chest. She had given him many chances to change his mind, to convince her that he could be the person she needed, but he had refused to give in. She had to give herself the chance to move on.
“I can send ye out in me carriage,” he added. “It will take ye wherever ye need to be.”
“I daenae need more favors from ye,” Thalia said.
“It’s nae a favor,” he assured. “Ye can consider it an apology.”
“Thank ye,” she said, though she was not sure what exactly he was apologizing for.
“And if ye ever want to flee another wedding, ye ken ye can always come here, and I’ll help.”
The statement was clearly meant to be a joke, but it left a bitter taste in her mouth.
“As a friend,” she said curtly.
“Aye.” His jaw clenched. “As a friend.”
“Thank ye, but I think I’ll be just fine, me Laird.”
Finlay nodded once to her, then to Ava. “I’ll go make sure that the carriage is ready.”
He left through the front entrance, and Thalia and Ava were left alone again.
Ava stared at her sister, while Thalia fought to meet her gaze. She had only explained that she and Finlay had not been able to settle their differences, but from their conversation, she knew that Ava was now starting to put some of the pieces together. Thalia already felt wretched enough; she didn’t need a lecture on top of that.
There was a slapping of boots against the stone floor, followed by a loud cry. “Daisy! Please stop runnin’!”
The girl appeared at the top of the stairs, her chest heaving from exertion. As soon as she saw Thalia, she flew down the stairs, leaping off at the second-to-last step. Thalia caught her as the girl wrapped her legs around her waist, her arms clinging tightly to her neck.
“Say it’s nae true!” she wailed. “Say ye’re nae leavin’!”
Thalia’s heart broke as she held Daisy tighter to her chest. “I’m sorry, Daisy. I’m so very, very sorry.”
“I daenae want ye to leave! Please! I promise I’ll be good!” Daisy’s voice cracked as her tears began to soak Thalia’s shoulder.
Thalia gently put her down, making sure her feet touched the floor before she let go. Daisy complied reluctantly as fat tears streaked down her cheeks. Thalia knelt down so that the two were at eye level.
