Arianna swallowed. “’Tis as though I’m the only soul in the room.”
Melissa gave a quiet hum of approval. “That’s nae a curse, me lady. Many women would envy it.”
They finished arranging the chosen garments neatly upon a chair for the morning. Melissa helped Arianna unlace her gown, fingers deft and practiced as the heavy fabric slipped from her shoulders. The cool air brushed her skin, and she shivered slightly.
“Are ye afraid of him still?” Melissa asked carefully.
Arianna paused before answering. “Aye… and nay,” she said honestly.
Melissa nodded thoughtfully as she handed her the nightshift.
Once Arianna was dressed for bed, Melissa poured fresh water into the wash basin. Arianna dipped the cloth into the cool water, washing her face and hands, trying to calm the restless energy beneath her skin.
“He looks at ye as though he’d fight the devil himself for ye,” Melissa added softly.
Arianna’s lips curved despite herself. “He’d likely win,” she said.
“I believe he would,” Melissa agreed with a grin.
“Me Lady,” Melissa said.
“Aye?” Arianna asked softly.
Melissa gave a nervous little laugh.
Arianna tilted her head. “What is it?”
Melissa hesitated only a moment longer. “I’m with bairn.”
For a heartbeat, Arianna simply stared at her. Then joy lit her face. “Oh, Melissa!” she exclaimed, stepping forward and wrapping her arms around her friend. “That is wonderful news!”
Melissa laughed softly as she returned the embrace. “I thought ye might say so.”
Arianna pulled back, her eyes shining. “Does Flynn ken about it?”
“Aye,” Melissa said with a fond smile. “He near lifted me clear off the ground when I told him.”
“I can imagine,” Arianna said warmly.
Arianna studied Melissa’s glowing expression and felt a quiet warmth bloom in her chest.
A child. A small life growing within the castle walls.
The thought stirred something deep within her.
“I am truly happy for ye,” Arianna said.
Melissa reached out and squeezed her hand. “Thank ye, me Lady.”
Arianna felt a strange tug of longing settle quietly in her heart. She pictured a small child with dark hair and bright, curious eyes running through the castle courtyard. She imagined tiny hands gripping her fingers, laughter echoing through the halls.
A bairn of me own.
The thought lingered longer than she expected. Her heart tightened slightly.
What am I waiting for?
Why must everything between her and Ian be so complicated? They had begun to get to know each other, something warm and hopeful.
