“We’ll make sure that everyone is gathered downstairs in the mornin’ for the final goodbyes.”
Marissa had not yet moved away from the head table, and when her sister’s voice sounded from behind her, she glanced over her shoulder.
Freya had apparently been watching her. More than likely, she had interpreted her reluctance as worry about not getting to say goodbye.
It’s as good an excuse as any.
“Thank ye,” was all Marissa said.
She paused just long enough to give her sister a grateful smile, before darting around the table to give her a hug and a kiss on the cheek. Michael gave her a reassuring pat on the back before she made her way through the hall toward where Arthur said he’d meet her.
It took a little while for her to get there. Even walking along the perimeter of the room was tough, as the long dining tables had been shoved out of the way for people to dance, and the tables and chairs were obstructing the walkway.
But when she finally stepped out of the dining hall and into the hallway, there he was.
Arthur was leaning against the stone wall, one foot kicked up and resting on the wall behind him as he waited for her. His grey eyes were alert, scanning the revelry in the massive room for any sign of her.
The moment his gaze found hers, he smirked.
“Took ye long enough,” he murmured.
Marissa shook her head. “It was like swimmin’ through sand, tryin’ to get through all those people.”
Pushing off the wall, Arthur fell into step beside her.
“This isnae me castle,” he said. “So, ye’ll have to lead the way. I’m simply here to protect ye.”
Marissa chuckled. “Ye ken ye dinnae have to protect me in me home.”
Her words didn’t stop her from walking forward, though. Because the truth was, she wanted him to walk her to her rooms. She wanted a few stolen moments with him in a space where she was comfortable before everything changed in the morning.
The sound of their footsteps echoed off the stone, and Marissa glanced sideways at him as they walked.
The firelight from the sconces that lit their way danced over his skin, painting it with a rich, golden glow. It was striking how handsome he was, now that he had cleaned up a bit.
And just imagine when we return to his castle, when he can take a proper bath and change his clothes. I’m sure he’ll be a sight then.
Her stomach fluttered, and she cleared her throat.
“What is it like?” she asked. When she saw the confused look on his face, she quickly added, “Yer castle. Me new home.”
Arthur shrugged one shoulder. “It’s a castle. Made of stone. Nothin’ to lose yer mind over.”
Marissa rolled her eyes. “That’s all ye can give me? Just that it’s made of stone?”
“Well, what else is there to tell ye? I’m nae goin’ to write sonnets about me home. That’s yer job.”
She paused for a moment, considering her words. “What else did ye learn from me letters?”
They turned a corner. Her rooms were not far now—definitely not far enough for them to have a full conversation. But that didn’t stop her from pressing on.
“I ken that ye have siblings,” he answered honestly. “And that ye are a writer.”
“Anythin’ else?” she asked.
Arthur just shrugged.
She wanted to argue with him. She wanted to demand that he tell her everything else.
