“That’s discipline,” Flynn insisted weakly.
Ian cast him a sidelong glance. “That’s fear for no reason.”
He stepped back from the window and brushed a few stray fragments from his sleeve. “Have one of the maids see to the glass,” he instructed.
Flynn nodded, though he still eyed the broken pane suspiciously.
“I’m tellin’ ye,” Flynn muttered, “the spirits daenae throw stones for sport.”
Ian snorted softly. “If spirits are reduced to such petty vandalism, we’ve little to fear.”
Flynn folded his arms defensively. “Laugh if ye like, but I’ll be sayin’ a prayer.”
Ian gathered his papers into a neat stack. “Pray for wisdom, then.”
“Wisdom for what?” Flynn demanded.
Ian paused, his gaze drifting briefly to the window where sunlight now streamed unchecked into the room. “For patience,” he said quietly.
He collected the map and tucked it beneath his arm. “I’m goin’ to the library,” he said instead.
Flynn’s brows rose. “To read?”
“To work and think,” Ian corrected.
Flynn grinned knowingly. “Dangerous pastime.”
Ian strode toward the door, ignoring the jibe. His thoughts had already shifted from grazing boundaries and broken glass to the memory of Arianna’s soft laughter beneath the stars. He had kept his promise, yes, but restraint had begun to gnaw at him.
He could still feel Arianna’s warmth against him, the way she had trusted him in the dark. He had promised patience, and he would keep it, but he would not delay what was already inevitable. The next outing would be soon.
Behind him, Flynn called out, “Daenae let the fairies guide yer plans!”
Ian did not look back.
“Nay,” he replied over his shoulder, “I’ll guide them meself.” And as he made his way toward the quiet refuge of the library, his mind turned not to omens or accidents, but to his wife, and the moment he would finally claim her as his in truth.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
Arianna sat upon the cushioned stool near her window, the small bunny nestled in her lap as she fed it bits of carrot. Sunlight streamed through the glass, warming the chamber and catching in the creature’s soft fur. She stroked its ears absently, her thoughts drifting.
It's been two days since Ian took me to the woods, and the final outing must be soon. Am I ready? Ian has nae said a word about the next outing, or much at all.
It made her stomach twist with restless nerves.
“Ye daenae ken what awaits me, do ye?” she murmured under her breath. She sighed softly, watching the bunny’s nose twitch.
The creature only continued chewing, blissfully unaware of human bargains and promises. Arianna pressed her lips together, her pulse quickening at the thought of what she must soon give.
A firm knock sounded at her chamber door, startling her from her reverie. Before she could answer, the latch turned and Ian stepped inside with easy authority.
He closed the door behind him and regarded her with quiet amusement.
“And how is the fierce beast this mornin’?” he asked lightly.
She arched a brow, adjusting the bunny in her arms. “It’s fine, as ye can plainly see,” she replied. “I think I shall take it into the garden, let it lie in the sun, and nibble the grass.”
Ian nodded thoughtfully. “A spoiled creature already.”
