“Ye are already good,” she told her, combing her fingers through her hair. “And this doesnae have to be permanent. We will write to each other, and ye can come and visit me once I am settled back home.”
As the words left her mouth, she hoped that they were not a lie. She had no idea what fate awaited her after she left MacAinsleyCastle, and she was not sure when she might ever see Daisy again, or even if she would ever see her again.
“But what about me lessons? How am I supposed to become a healer like ye now?” Daisy protested.
Thalia gave her a small smile.
“I left somethin’ on me desk for ye, and I have left behind some of me books as well. They’re just in me old room, waitin’ for ye. As I said, I shall write to ye, and answer any questions ye have. At least until Finlay finds ye a proper tutor.”
Daisy shook her head. “I daenae want to learn from anyone but ye. Like how ye said ye had learned from yer maither.”
Thalia’s breath lodged in her throat, and she closed her eyes tightly as she felt tears well up.
“I’m sorry, Daisy,” she murmured, her voice thick and sorrowful. “I promise, I wouldnae be leavin’ if I didnae have any other choice.”
Daisy gave a sob and threw her arms around Thalia’s neck. Thalia returned the hug with just as much enthusiasm, and they held each other for several moments.
“I love ye, Thalia,” Daisy whispered against her hair.
Thalia took a deep breath, willing herself to stay strong as she whispered back, “I love ye, too, Daisy.”
“Apologies, me Ladies.”
Thalia pulled herself out of the hug as Anna approached them.
“I believe yer carriage is ready,” Anna announced. She also had a sad look on her face.
Thalia stood and gave the maid a smile. “Thank ye, Anna. For everything ye did while I was here.”
“It was me pleasure,” Anna replied, returning the smile.
Ava and Thalia left, carrying their things to the carriage that awaited them by the gate. Thalia glanced around and noticed that Finlay was nowhere to be seen.
That’s just fine. We already said our goodbyes. There’s nothing else to add.
Once their luggage was loaded, Thalia turned to look once more at MacAinsley Castle. Daisy stood by the front entrance, joined now by Rowena. They both raised their hands in farewell, and Thalia returned the gesture.
Foolishly, she still wished that Finlay would not let her go. A part of her, a rather big part, still wanted very much to stay. Yet sheknew she could no longer stand the ache in her heart. She would not survive a full year of it, and she feared that after all of that time, it would be even harder to leave.
It was this fact that made her finally turn away and climb into the carriage. She was doing what was best for her in the long run, even if her heart broke as she did.
CHAPTER 26
Thalia finally lether tears fall as the carriage exited through the gates. She dropped her head into her hands, pouring out all the sorrow that was overwhelming her.
Ava sank into the seat next to her, wrapping an arm around her shoulders and gently laying her down so that her head rested in her lap. She hummed a tune from their childhood, letting her cry as long and as hard as she needed. Her fingers traced slow trails through Thalia’s wild curls, and the repetitive motion helped to soothe her pain.
“Ye daeanae have to tell me anythin’ now,” Ava started, as Thalia began to quiet down. “Just ken that I am here for ye however ye need me.”
Thalia sniffled, her throat raw from sobbing. She closed her eyes, letting her sister’s humming lull her into a calmer state. It was a song about their home. The beauty of the trees and the flowers,and how the singer wanted to lie down in the splendor and soak up all of the good in the world.
It was fitting, for Thalia now wished to be back home. She wanted to go back to what she knew, and hoped that the comfort of familiarity would help her to forget all of the mistakes she had made.
The rest of the ride continued in silence, and after a few hours, they finally made it back to MacCabe Castle.
Thalia sat up gingerly, her head throbbing slightly from her crying, but that pain was nothing compared to the one in her heart.
She exited the carriage and was immediately greeted by a small boy running towards her.
