He pressed another gentle kiss to her temple, then her brow. Each kiss was unhurried, as though the moment itself required reverence. Elaina’s fingers, which had been lightly curled against him, began to relax. Her breathing evened, with the unrest fading into a softer rhythm, closer to true rest.
For years, he had kept that part of himself guarded. And now, for some reason, he did not wish to. His lips brushed once more against her hair before he settled back slightly, though his hold did not loosen. Because even as her breathing deepened, even as sleep began to claim her once more, he remained awake, listening.
And in the hush of that shared stillness, with her safe in his arms, Duncan allowed himself, at last, a moment of rest.
CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE
Morning light spilled gently through the tall windows of the dining hall, soft and golden, warming the stone walls and the long wooden table where they sat. The air carried the comforting scent of fresh bread and brewed tea, and it was reassuring in a way Elaina had not expected to feel so deeply.
Catriona was already speaking.
“…and if we dry the roots properly this time, they will last through the colder months,” she was saying. Her hands were moving lightly as she spoke, while her enthusiasm was bright and unrestrained. “We could prepare enough tae treat half the village if needed.”
Elaina nodded with her attention on the words. At least, she tried to keep it there.
“Aye,” she replied softly. “But they must be stored carefully. Too much damp, and they will spoil before they can be used.”
Catriona smiled, pleased. “Then we will see tae it ourselves.”
We.
The word settled quietly, as though their plans had always included her.
Elaina’s fingers tightened faintly around her cup before she lifted it, taking a small sip to steady herself. Across from her, Duncan sat in his usual place, composed as ever. His attention was seemingly fixed on the meal before him.
And yet, she felt the weight of his gaze, although she barely looked at him. She couldn’t because his eyes would bring the memory of the night before, how he had held her as though she were something to be protected not out of duty, but with care.
Then, curiosity won over and she dared a glance, just a brief one. Their eyes met. And for a moment, the world around them faded. Elaina looked away first, with the faintest warmth rising to her cheeks.
Catriona continued speaking with a barely noticeable flicker of a smile, unaware or perhaps simply choosing not to notice.
“And when we gather next, we should take more time near the eastern ridge,” she pointed out. “There are plants there I have nae yet seen, and I would very much like tae?—”
“Of course,” Elaina said quickly, though her thoughts were elsewhere. “We can go.”
Catriona beamed. “Good.”
Elaina allowed herself a small smile, though her gaze drifted slightly, relishing the quiet steadiness of the morning and the ease that had settled so naturally between them.
It felt…right, because for the first time in longer than she could remember, she was not waiting for the moment she would have to leave. She was there, sitting at a table with them and speaking of plans that stretched beyond the day, beyond necessity and beyond survival.
When she glanced in Duncan’s direction, he was already watching her. It was never in a way that would draw attention, but enough to make her feel it. She did not look away immediately.
There was a question there, a quiet wonder that neither of them dared to give voice to.
Could this last? Could she stay? Could there be a life here, one not defined by fear or flight, but by quiet mornings, shared work,and the steady presence of those who had come to mean more to her than she had ever intended?
This was the first time she had allowed herself to consider it not as a passing thought, but as a possibility and that was, at the same time, both terrifying and beautiful.
The moment lingered, but then, the doors suddenly opened and Iain stepped inside.
“Me laird,” he began, “forgive the intrusion.”
“What is it?” Duncan straightened.
“I must speak with ye, me laird,” Iain replied.
Elaina saw the hesitation in Duncan’s face. He seemed to be weighing whether to send her and Catriona away or to allow them to remain. He didn’t say anything, but Elaina knew that he had to be the laird now. She set her cup down carefully, rising before he could make the decision for them.
