But Moira merely shrugged and turned away, discarding his umbrage with ease.
Ailis observed, caught between amusement and empathy. In her sister’s defiance, she recognized a rebellion against expectations. Yet bound by duty and obligation, she remained a spectator, feeling more annoyed by the moment.
As Laird Gordon’s voice rose above the fading music, he announced, “On the morrow, we shall partake in learning a new dance.”
The words weighed heavily on Ailis. She exchanged a glance with Moira before they slipped away to their bedchamber. A new dance meant dancing with the same three idiots they’d been forced to dance with since their arrival.
In the sanctuary of their room, Ailis sat at the edge of the bed while Moira paced, the firelight casting shadows upon her face.
“Can ye believe those men?” Moira asked indignantly. “Taking credit for our efforts as if we were naught but ornaments.”
“They see only what they wish to see,” Ailis murmured. “Our contributions are whispers in a storm to them. There’s no way we would have won if we hadn’t taken matters into our own hands.”
“Promise me, Ailis,” Moira pleaded suddenly, standing before her sister. “Promise me ye’ll never let me wed someone like Lucas. I’d sooner take vows with an Englishman.”
“We may be bound by duty,” Ailis agreed, “but our hearts must not be shackled to lazy men such as those.”
As night enveloped the castle, the sisters found solace in their shared win. They knew the work they’d done to win the contest, and it didn’t matter if others knew. They had won yet again.
*
Ailis and Moiraskipped the morning meal the following morning and left the castle’s festivities for the primal rhythm of the hunt. They had felt as if they were only doing frivolous things since the games had ended, and they needed a day to do something productive.
Retrieving their bows from their trunk, they entered the forest, sharing a silent language beneath the sheltering boughs. They could hunt the food they needed for the day and not return to the keep until nightfall.
Hours passed before two noble stags fell to their arrows. They carried the stags to the kitchen, where the cook exclaimed, “Ye were to spend the day learning a new dance!”
“We needed to do something that wasn’t frivolous,” Ailis declared. She and her sisters had long been working in any way they could find. These people seemed to play before they worked, which didn’t sit right with either her or Moira.
*
The evening wasfilled with swirling tartans and laughter in the great hall, but Ailis and Moira conversed at the edge of it all. Lachlan and Brodie joined them, their easy conversation revealing their shared interests.
Laird Gordon’s sharp voice interrupted their reprieve, reminding them of their place within Highland society. “Ye must mingle with those ye do nae know,” he commanded, obviously wanting them to stay away from the McClain men.
Ailis and Moira rose, parting ways with Lachlan and Brodie. Ailis wanted nothing more than to spend time outdoors or hide away, but she knew better. She must at least pretend to be trying to be part of the celebration.
As the evening’s festivities swelled around Ailis, she yearned for the quiet respite of her chamber. She glanced at Moira, who shared her feelings.
“Let us retire,” Ailis suggested. “We’ve already spent more time here than I would like.”
“An excellent notion,” Moira agreed wearily.
Their departure was blocked by Bearnard and his companions, Lucas and Horas, all flushed from ale and arrogance.
“Ye’re leaving the celebration so soon?” Bearnard asked.
“We’ve had our fill of frivolity,” Moira replied coolly.
“Is our presence not to yer liking then?” Lucas challenged. “Ye weren’t here to learn the new dance.”
Moira’s voice sharpened. “Yer eagerness to take credit for a victory not earned has left us longing for companionship from men who actually know how to work hard.”
Ailis added, “Yer quarrels over antlers while we secured our win speaks volumes.”
Silence hung heavy before Moira and Ailis maneuvered past the trio. “Mayhap on the morrow ye can reflect on the virtues of humility,” Moira suggested over her shoulder.
Then Moira whispered, “Never let me marry someone like them.”
“I will not. I assume ye will return the favor?” Ailis asked as they reached their chamber door, anticipating peace and freedom from expectations within.
