She slipped into the corridor, her boots quiet on the stone, and didn't breathe fully until she was past his door and out into the cold morning air.
The air was cool, sharp with dew, and she let her shoulders ease as she settled onto the bench by the rose trellis. Her hand moved almost of its own accord, charcoal sketching the hard line of a jaw she had no wish to admit was Robert’s. She scowled at the page.
So much for forgetting him.
“Ye look like a lass possessed,” a lilting voice teased.
Scarlett glanced up to find Katie balancing a small tray, steam curling from the cup she carried. “I thought ye might need fortifying.”
Scarlett accepted the drink with a grateful murmur. “If fortifying means something strong enough to keep me from tearing holes through me page, then aye.”
Katie plopped herself down on the bench beside her, peering shamelessly at the sketch. “Och, that’s nae a rose. That’s a man’s face. And unless me eyes deceive me, I’ve seen those stormy brows afore.”
Scarlett snapped the book shut. “It could be anyone.”
Katie grinned, eyes bright with mischief. “Anyone with a jaw like a cut of granite? Aye, sure. Ye ken, I hear the Laird of Gundor castle has one just like it.”
Scarlett groaned and set her cup down. “Must ye?”
“A healer’s duty is to pry into every corner,” Katie said cheerfully. “Even corners of the heart.”
Scarlett folded her arms, but the warmth in Katie’s grin disarmed her.
She sighed. “Fine. Ask what ye mean to ask.”
Katie leaned in, her voice conspiratorial. “How fares the marriage bed, then?”
Scarlett choked on air, coughing until her eyes watered. “Katie!” “What? It’s a fair question!” Katie pressed, laughter in her tone. “Two nights wed, a bonny lass like ye, and a Laird with shoulders broad as the castle gate? Ye cannae blame a woman for curiosity.”
Scarlett dragged a hand down her face. “If ye must know… there’s been no marriage bed.”
Katie blinked. “None?”
Scarlett’s laugh was brittle. “Nae. He made a contract, laid out rules before we wed—five nights to give him an heir and naught else. And since then, nothing. He keeps his distance.”
Katie whistled low. “Five nights? That’s cold work.”
Scarlett’s grip tightened on her charcoal. “Cold is the word. He speaks like I’m… like I’m livestock to be bred and put aside.”
Katie’s expression softened, mischief dimming to concern. “Oh, Me Lady.”
“I told meself I agreed for Edith’s sake, and I’d bear whatever came,” Scarlett went on, her voice low. “But I didnae expect this… this silence. He demands me body then leaves me untouched. What am I meant to think?”
Katie nudged her shoulder gently. “Maybe he’s waiting. Men are strange creatures. Some rush in; others circle like wolves for days before they bite.”
Scarlett gave a humorless laugh. “That sounds reassuring.”
Katie smirked. “If ye like, I could give ye herbs that make a man—” “Daenae finish that sentence,” Scarlett warned though her lips twitched despite herself.
“Fine, fine,” Katie said, raising her hands. “But daenae look so grim. Ye’re bonnie, clever, and he’s a man made of flesh, nae stone. Sooner or later, he’ll come round. Likely sooner.”
Scarlett opened her book again, but her hand slowed on the page. She was shading the eyes now, storm-grey, just as she had seen them in the firelight.
Katie noticed. “Ye see him clear enough, do ye nae?” Scarlett flushed. “He’s hard to ignore.”
“Aye,” Katie agreed softly. “And harder still when he starts looking back.”
Scarlett’s hand stilled entirely, her stomach tightening. She hadn’t meant to confess so much, but the words spilled out anyway. “Last night, he walked me to me chambers. He looked at me as though… as though he might kiss me. And then he didnae.”
