Page 16 of Trapped By the Exiled Bastard

As they prepared for breakfast, neither mentioned the attempted fleeing nor the threats that had been made in response. Despite those things weighing in the background, Elin felt oddly light as the two of them finally left the hut and made their way down to join the others for breakfast. It was easy to talk to Keir when she forgot about her reality before him. The thought was as pleasant as it was terrifying—and dangerous.

They reached the others just as Noah was spooning out the last of the porridge. He smiled brightly at her as she sat down, and he handed her a bowl topped with fresh berries and a drizzle of honey.

“Me lady prefers hers this way. I thought ye might as well,” he explained. “Ye seem in need of a wee bit of joy. It was the least I could do.”

She smiled genuinely at last. “Thank ye,” she said. “Ye’re Noah Black, aye? I’ve heard of ye.”

“Ye seem very well-informed,” Noah replied. He leaned forward. “What else do ye ken?”

Keir shifted closer to her on the bench, his arm casually leaning against her as he draped it over the back of the seat. The movement surprised her, but she didn’t mind the warmth, and she didn’t protest. Theon and Briana seemed to notice, though, but they didn’t say or do anything other than exchange another of their looks, while Graeme was too occupied with his breakfast to comment one way or the other.

“I ken many things,” she replied. It would be best for her to ingratiate herself with the group if she was to be stuck here, wouldn’t it? If Keir wouldn’t teach her, perhaps she could learn skills from the others. At the very least, it couldn’t hurt to make friends until Eamon found her. “Includin’ how tae sew. I ken Briana was goin’ tae fix me torn underskirt and her robe that she so kindly loaned me, but I was wonderin’ if I might do it meself.”

Briana looked surprised, but she smiled. “If that’s what ye want. I’m excited tae see what ye can do.”

Excited by the approval, even for something so minor, Elin straightened up. “Excellent. May I have a needle and some thread? Preferably the colors of the garments, but whatever ye have will do in a pinch. I ken how tae hide a stitch when necessary.”

“Nay,” Graeme said cheerfully. “Ye cannae.”

Elin frowned, the wind leaving her a little. “Eh?”

Nudging Graeme in the side, Briana explained, “We dinnae have any. It’s been some time since we fetched basic supplies, and I’m afraid I used the last of our clothesmakin’ materials fixin’ Keir’s ruined shirt when ye got back.”

Deflated suddenly, Elin could only manage an, “Oh.”

“We can get some,” Keir said gruffly. “If that’s what ye want. It’s nae hardship if it’ll make ye happier tae be here.”

She turned her head to look at him, but he was carefully avoiding her eyes.

Noah, on the other hand, was smiling again. “I was headin’ out in a few days tae the nearest village tae get some things, but I can go today if it suits ye better, Elin. Would ye like tae come along?”

“Ye’d take me?” she asked, genuinely touched by the offer. “I… that would be wonderful. I’d love tae accompany ye.”

“Excellent. We can leave now if ye like. Do ye ken how tae ride?” Noah asked her.

Keir stood. “She doesnae need tae. She’ll be ridin’ with me. I’ve some things of me own tae pick up, and I need tae keep an eye on her.”

Elin folded her arms. “I’m perfectly capable, and I’m sure Noah’s nae lettin’ me flee. There’s nae need—”

“I’m comin’,” Keir told her sharply. “Go get yer cloak. We’re leavin’ in ten minutes.”

Something about his voice brokered no argument. She nodded and, with one more glance at Noah, hurried off toward her cabin. She heard the men talking behind her, but she could not make out the words. Something inside her told her that even if she could, she would be a long way from understanding their true meaning.

When she returned a few minutes later, Keir had already saddled up Nightwind. The horse whinnied and leaned forward when he saw her, and Elin took her time petting his nose and pampering him before finally clambering up to sit with Keir. Noah, on another horse, had already rode ahead.

“Ye really are a brute,” she snapped while Keir settled himself. “Why Nightwind? Ye must truly feel jealous of Eamon tae want tae parade his horse around while ye imprison his woman.”

She could not see his face behind her, nor could she make out his tone as he replied, “His woman? Is that what ye are?” His cloak rustled as he must have shaken his head. “The way I see it, the horse is mine now. And ye—”

Her breath caught. “I’m what?”

Keir didn’t answer as he wrapped his arms around her waist to take the reins. Her body reacted to the warmth of his chest pressing against her back, and it took her whole power to stop herself from arching into him. Gritting her teeth, she pushed the feelings away, focusing only on needling this man who had taken everything from her.

“There was nae need tae accompany me,” she told him in as derisive a voice as she could manage. “Is it so difficult for ye tae be away from me for even a moment?”

He grunted, flicking the reins. Nightwind started off at a trot, and Keir said, “I assure ye, if conditions were different and I had me own way, I’d gladly never see ye again.”

Elin huffed, her body stiffening as he returned her mockery in kind. She’d expected another battle of wits, but instead she fell silent as she tried to ignore the way his jibe had felt in her heart.