She had bought Edith’s safety. The thought was a cold, hard coin she turned over in her mind, feeling the sharp edges press into her psyche. It was a fair trade, her freedom for her friend’s life. But as she stood there, the weight of that silver felt like lead in her veins.
She walked toward the window, her silhouette sharp against the fading light. She had won, she told herself. She had secured the only thing left in this world she loved.
But as the silence of the room pressed in against her ribs, the victory tasted of ash.
She had saved Edith, but in the bargaining, she had realized just how little she herself was worth to the men who shared her blood. It wasn't enough to feel like winning. It felt like being buried alive in silk and expectations before the first shovelful of Gundor’s earth had even touched her.
Scarlett found Edith in her chamber, curled up in the window seat with a book resting across her knees. The fire in the hearth had burned low, but the soft light was enough to catch the auburn shine in Edith’s hair. She looked peaceful, her lips moving faintly as she read.
Scarlett hesitated in the doorway, wishing for one more moment of quiet before everything changed. But the words pressed against her chest, demanding to be spoken. She stepped inside, closing the door behind her.
Edith looked up, and her expression brightened. “Scarlett. I thought ye’d still be sketching.”
“I was.” Scarlett tried for a smile but felt it falter. She crossed the room and sat beside her, close enough that their skirts brushed. “I’ve news, Edith. And I need ye to hear me without panic.”
Edith’s book slipped from her lap. “What kind of news?”
Scarlett twisted her fingers together, searching for the gentlest way to say it. “Aaron has… arranged a marriage for me. To Laird Robert McLaren of Clan McLaren.”
For a heartbeat, Edith only stared, as though the words hadn’t made sense. Then her face crumpled, her hands flying to her mouth. “Scarlett… when do ye leave?”
“Soon.” Scarlett forced the word out.
Edith shook her head, her tears already rising. “Ye cannae mean it. He wouldnae send ye away like that, nae so suddenly. What about…”
Scarlett took her hands, holding them tight. “Listen to me. He’s agreed to let ye stay. Aaron gave his word. Ye’ll remain here at Hallow, under his protection. No man will dare look at ye wrong.”
Edith’s lips trembled, and her eyes glistened. “He truly said that?” “Aye,” Scarlett whispered. “He’ll keep ye safe. That’s the bargain I made. I would nae leave unless ye were cared for.”
For a moment, Edith seemed torn between relief and grief. Then she let out a shaky breath, pressing their joined hands to her chest. “Thank ye. Ye’ve always thought of me, even when I didnae deserve it.”
Scarlett’s throat ached, but she smiled faintly. “Nonsense. Ye’re as much me sister as if we shared blood. I could never abandon ye to the village, much less to the men that skulk there and might harm ye.”
Edith’s tears spilled over, and she pulled Scarlett into a fierce embrace. “I’ll miss ye every day.”
Scarlett closed her eyes, breathing in the familiar scent of lavender from Edith’s hair. She clung just as tightly. “And I, ye. But at least I’ll know ye’re safe here. That’s worth any sacrifice.”
Edith leaned back, wiping at her cheeks with the heel of her hand. “And what of ye, Scarlett? What of yer happiness?”
Scarlett laughed softly though it was hollow. “I suppose that matters less than yer safety. If marrying Laird McLaren is what it takes, then so be it.”
Edith searched her face, her gaze full of worry. “But what if he’s cruel? What if he treats ye coldly?”
Scarlett swallowed hard. “Then I’ll endure it. I’ll find a way to hold fast to meself. I promise ye, I willnae let him break me.”
For a long while, they sat in silence, their hands still clasped.
At last, Edith whispered, “It feels as though the world is shifting beneath our feet.”
Scarlett leaned her head against her friend’s shoulder. “Aye. But as long as ye’re here, steady and safe, I can bear it.”
Edith kissed the top of her head, whispering through her tears, “Then I’ll pray every night for ye, Scarlett Gallaway.”
Scarlett kept her eyes shut a moment longer than necessary. Edith's voice still hung in the air.
I'll pray every night for ye.
She let herself have it, just that, just those few seconds before the rest of it came rushing back in.
