“Perhaps it will return to ye,” he said, forcing himself to keep from insisting. As much as he wanted to give her the rest of the words, he could sense that he’d intruded on a moment that wasn’t meant for him. “I will leave ye to the rest of yer walk.”
Giving her a sharp, polite bow, Liam turned away. Going back to the castle felt like the most difficult thing he’d ever done. It was made even more unbearable by the weight of her eyes on him.
I cannae let meself lose control so quickly.
Chapter Twenty-Five
Katherine hadn’t meant to miss supper in the great hall, but she could not bring herself to enter the castle for nearly an hour after Liam had caught her singing. She felt embarrassed. And even worse, she was ashamed that she didn’t ask him to accompany her.
It’s like he has given me just a taste of what I desire, and now, I’m insatiable.
As she approached the kitchens to request something small, she caught sight of a servant carrying two platters toward the great hall. They were laden with food rather than being empty. Curious, she followed.
There shouldnae be anyone dinin’ at this hour.
When she entered the mostly deserted hall, she heard two male voices. She couldn’t make out what they were saying; their words were low, and the finer details were drowned out by the crackleof the fire. It took her a moment to locate where they were seated.
Liam and Cillian were sharing a meal, both of their plates half-finished though it seemed the two of them were nowhere near done. On the table was a carafe of ale and a crystal bottle filled with whiskey. The two didn’t seem to realize that she had entered the room yet.
“Would ye be opposed to me joinin’ the two of ye?” she asked, prompting the men to pause their discussion.
“Have ye nae eaten?” Liam asked, already gesturing for the servant to bring a fresh plate. “Supper was served two hours ago.”
“I ken,” Katherine replied, taking the seat next to him. She kept a careful amount of distance between the two of them though she longed to sit closer. “I was restin’ after me walk and fell asleep.”
“Ye’re in luck, then. We’ve got more than enough to share,” Cillian said, pushing a plate piled with bannocks toward her. “Help yerself.”
“The cooks served us as if we were feedin’ me entire militia,” Liam said, watching as Katherine filled her plate with bits of haggis and neeps. “I do believe they are practicin’ for the ceilidh.”
There was a softened quality to his shoulders. His glass had a finger of whiskey in it, and it was clear to her that the two had been doing more drinking than eating. Not wanting to be left out, she filled her own glass with ale.
“Are ye lookin’ forward to it?” Cillian asked, curious and kind.
She hadn’t had the opportunity to interact with him much beyond polite words exchanged in passing. She’d yet to form a true opinion on him and his character. It struck her just how genuine his question seemed, as if he were truly curious about her thoughts.
“I am,” she said, sipping the bubbling, bitter liquid. It went down more smoothly than she was expecting. “Though I believe the ladies of Clan MacDougal are even more excited than I.”
“We havenae had a proper celebration in years,” Liam said, his eyes tracking Katherine’s hand as she took another long sip of her ale. “Of course, they’re lookin’ forward to it.”
“Perhaps,” Cillian said, leaning forward with a grin, his eyes fixed on Katherine, “ye should make it yer duty as Lady MacDougal to ensure we have regular celebrations.”
Katherine considered the suggestion as she took a bite of neeps. “I wouldnae be opposed to that though I cannae say that I have much experience in plannin’ things.”
“Ach, ye’re forgettin’ that the ladies would be more than happy to guide ye,” Liam said, picking up his glass and swirling the amber liquid in the bottom. “Ye saw just how excitable they were about helpin’ ye out. And I ken that Lady Elspeth is always lookin’ for a reason to assist others.”
“I quite like her,” Katherine said, remembering the way the woman had presented herself as an ally. “I’d enjoy gettin’ to ken her better.”
“I’ll ensure ye have plenty of opportunities,” Liam said decisively. He looked at Katherine’s plate. “Now, eat.”
Cillian laughed at the command but quickly stifled it when Liam shot him an unimpressed look. She did as she was instructed, looking between the two of them, trying to parse out the conversation the two of them were having through their expressions. As she washed down her mouthful of food with another swallow of ale, she tilted her head to the side.
“How long have the two of ye ken one another?” she asked, her curiosity getting the better of her. “If I didnae ken any better, I would have thought ye were brothers.”
“We may as well be,” Cillian said with a chuckle. “We grew up with one another.”
“Me father took him in when he was a boy,” Liam said, finishing his whiskey and pouring a bit more. He was smiling. Katherine couldn’t help but think that it was a good look on him. “Madehim me man-at-arms as soon as I inherited the title. I couldnae think of someone more capable.”
“Ye’re gettin’ soft on me, Liam,” Cillian laughed, finishing his own ale. “I daenae even recognize ye.”
