She wrapped her hands around the cup, grateful for the heat. He settled beside her, their shoulders nearly touching as he poured his own tea. For a moment, they drank in companionable silence, the only sounds the pop of firewood and distant birdsong.
“So,” he said at last, glancing at her feet, “yer foot is better then?”
She wiggled her ankle demonstratively and smiled. “Aye, it is. I feel as good as new.”
He nodded once, satisfaction softening his features. “I’m glad for it,” he said quietly. She met his gaze then, and something unspoken passed between them, lingering and charged.
The memory of his arm around her in the night flickered in her mind, and warmth crept up her neck. His eye darkened slightly as though he, too, remembered. The moment stretched between them until she broke it deliberately, lifting her cup for a long sip of tea.
“So,” she said briskly, lowering it, “what’s for breakfast?”
A slow smirk tugged at his mouth as he rose. “Impatient already?”
“I am starved,” she declared. He moved back toward the fire with exaggerated dignity. “I have some sausages roastin', these fine onions, and potatoes.”
She inhaled deeply, letting the scent fill her lungs. “It smells heavenly,” she admitted.
“Then yer servant has done his duty well,” he replied, glancing over his shoulder with teasing pride.
She watched him as he turned the sausages and stirred the onions into a small iron pan with the potatoes. His movements were efficient and assured, and she found herself admiring the easy competence in him. When he finally handed her a portion, she accepted it with a pleased hum.
They ate side by side, sharing quiet remarks and small smiles. When the meal was done, Ian set about dousing the fire and packing their things with swift precision. Arianna observed him thoughtfully, noting how he folded the blankets and secured the satchel without complaint.
“Ye work hard,” she said softly.
He glanced at her. “Someone must, if ye’re to sit and judge.”
She laughed lightly. “I was admirin' ye, nae judging.”
He paused, studying her face as though weighing the truth of it. “Then I’ll accept the compliment,” he said at last.
Soon the tent was down, and the horse saddled, the clearing restored as though they had never been there. Ian mounted first, then reached down to lift her effortlessly before him. She settled into the saddle, feeling the familiar strength of his arms encircle her as he took the reins.
As they rode back across the rolling landscape, Arianna let her thoughts drift. He had kept his word, had not pressed her or taken advantage of the closeness of the night. He had been kind, steady, and patient.
She leaned back slightly, aware of the solid warmth at her back. “Thank ye,” she said quietly over her shoulder.
“For what?” he asked.
“For keepin' yer promise,” she replied.
His hold tightened almost imperceptibly. “I told ye I would,” he said simply.
The wind swept across the heathered hills as they rode, sunlight glinting on distant streams. Arianna rested her hands over his where they held the reins, feeling secure within his embrace. And as the landscape unfurled before them, she felt something within her unfurl as well, trust, growing steady and sure.
There’s something I fear more than his black moods, and that is trusting him. I ken he will let me down… eventually.
The following day, after their return to Castle McGuire, Ian sat alone in his study with the shutters thrown open to the grey morning light. Papers lay in orderly stacks across his desk, though his gaze had lingered far too long on the same ledger line. The scent of parchment and peat smoke filled the chamber, grounding him in duty. A firm knock sounded at the door, sharp and familiar.
“Enter,” Ian called without looking up.
The door creaked open, and Flynn stepped inside, broad-shouldered and grinning as ever. His eyes were bright with mischief.
“Mornin’, Laird,” he said cheerfully. “Or should I say, mornin’ to the husband returned from his grand adventure?”
Ian’s jaw flinched faintly as he dipped his quill once more. “It wasnae grand,” he replied. “It was as expected.”
Flynn shut the door behind him and leaned casually against it. “Och, daenae tell me ye took yer bonnie bride into the wilds, and it was dull as a sermon.”
