Page 57 of Under the Laird’s Promise

The observation struck deeper than she'd expected. "Is that what I dae? Perform?"

"We all dae. Politics requires it." His shoulder brushed hers, solid and grounding. "But right now, sitting here eating cake and talking about yer childhood… this feels real. Ye feel real."

"As opposed tae feeling fake the rest of the time?"

"As opposed tae feeling guarded." He shifted tae face her more fully. "I like when yer guard drops. When ye stop calculating every word and just… talk."

She should deflect. Change the subject. Rebuild the walls he was dismantling with casual observations and devastating honesty.

Instead, she found herself speaking. "Me maither used tae buy me cakes too, and we'd sit exactly like this, watching people go about their lives. She'd make up stories about them, elaborate tales of secret romances and hidden treasures."

"How old were ye when she passed?"

"Seven. Old enough tae remember her, young enough that the memories feel more dream than reality sometimes." Maighread finished the last bite of cake, savoring the bittersweet comfort. "Da never remarried. Said nay woman could replace her, so why bother trying."

"Sounds like he loved her fiercely."

"He did. Still daes, I think. Even after all these years." She brushed crumbs from her fingers. "I used tae envy that. The surety of it. Kenning someone loved ye enough that death couldn't diminish the feeling."

"And now?"

"Now I wonder if love like that exists outside fairy stories and bards' songs." The admission tasted bitter. "Or if it's just another performance we convince ourselves is real."

Tavish's hand found hers, fingers threading through hers with familiar ease. "Ye really believe that?"

"I dinnae ken what I believe anymore." Honest in ways she hadn't intended. "Everything feels uncertain these days."

"Nae everything." His thumb traced circles against her palm. "Some things are becoming increasingly clear."

The rough timbre of his voice made her pulse quicken. "Such as?"

"Such as the fact that I enjoy yer company far more than strategy requires. That watching ye handle that dispute earlier made me want tae kiss ye senseless in front of everyone. That I'm starting tae forget this is supposed tae be temporary." He paused, those blue-green eyes searching her face. "That terrifies me almost as much as it excites me."

Her breath caught. "Tavish⁠—"

"Dinnae." He squeezed her hand gently. "Dinnae deflect or change the subject. Just… sit with it. Same as I'm sitting with it."

They remained there as twilight deepened, hands linked and hearts laid partially bare. Around them, the village settled intae evening rhythms, but inside their small bubble of privacy, the world narrowed tae just them.

Finally, reluctantly, they rose and made their way tae the headman's cottage. Business discussions followed, practical arrangements fer the warriors who'd stay behind. By the time they emerged, full dark had fallen and exhaustion dragged at Maighread's bones.

"We should head back tae the castle," she said, scanning the sky. "It's nae safe tae travel after dark, but we could make it if we leave now."

Malcolm appeared from wherever he'd been coordinating final details, his expression apologetic. "Me lady, the horses need rest. They've been worked hard today, and the road back is treacherous in darkness. We'd risk injury tae both mounts and riders."

Frustration flared hot in her chest. "How long tae rest them properly?"

"Till morning. There's a tavern here that rents rooms. Nae luxurious, but clean enough." Malcolm hesitated. "I've already secured lodging fer the warriors. Just need tae arrange fer ye and MacBain."

The implications settled heavy. A night in a border village. Away from the castle's protocols and watching eyes. Alone with Tavish in ways they'd carefully avoided.

"Dae it," Tavish said before she could voice concerns. "We'll manage."

Malcolm hurried off, leaving them standing in the darkening square.

"Ye certain about this?" Maighread asked quietly.

"Nae even slightly." But his hand found hers again. "But we're doing it anyway."