Eloise shifted slightly, breaking the moment with a pointed glance at his plate. “If I had known yer definition of courting included starvation tactics, I might have reconsidered,” she said.
James let out a low chuckle. “Courting?” he echoed. “Is that what ye think this is?”
She hesitated, then recovered quickly. “Nay, of course not. I think it’s ye enjoyin’ yerself at me expense.”
“Perhaps,” he said quietly. “Or perhaps I’m still tryin’ to figure ye out.”
The hall around them continued its noise, though Eloise felt strangely aware of the space between them, of every glance and word.
She picked at the vegetables with exaggerated reluctance, though she did not refuse them. She felt James watched her for a moment longer than necessary before turning back to his own meal.
The next day, Eloise found James in the outer corridor near the armory, where the stone walls were lined with weapons and the air smelled faintly of smoke and iron. He stood speaking with two guards, his posture rigid, his voice low and commanding as he issued instructions that made both men straighten at once.
She paused at the end of the hall, watching him for a brief moment before he noticed her presence.
His gaze shifted immediately, sharp and assessing, as though he had already decided what trouble she might bring.
James stepped closer, his eyes narrowing. “I daenae want ye out in the woods. Word has spread throughout the lands that ye are here. Daenae wander the grounds without escort again,” he said.
Eloise crossed her arms, unimpressed. “I’m nae a prisoner,” she said. “I can walk where I please.”
“Ye can when I say it’s safe,” he corrected firmly. “This castle has walls for a reason.”
She let out a small, sharp breath. “And I suppose I should simply obey every rule ye decide to set for me?” she asked.
“Aye, that was the agreement. Did ye forget already?” he said.
Eloise blinked, then scoffed. “But…” she said.
James stepped closer again, cutting her off. “Nay arguments, lass,” he said. “Ye’re under me protection, and ye’ll act like it.”
Her eyes flashed. “Protection is nae ownership,” she snapped. “Ye cannae simply decide me every movement.”
He held her gaze unflinchingly. “I can when it keeps ye alive,” he said.
Eloise shook her head slightly. “Ye speak as though I’m incapable of judgin' danger for meself. Did ye forget I walked through the woods on me own from me own home?” she asked.
James exhaled slowly. “I speak as someone who knows this land better than ye ever will,” he replied. “And who will nae watch ye put yerself in harm’s way out of pride.”
She stepped back slightly, her expression hardening. “It is nae pride,” she said. “It is choice. Ye simply daenae want me loosenin' the snares.”
“That is beside the point,” he said.
Eloise let out a humorless laugh. “I daenae believe it,” she said. “Ye’re insufferable when ye speak to me like this,” she said.
James did not look away. “And ye’re reckless when ye ignore me,” he said.
That was enough. Eloise huffed sharply, turning on her heel. “I willnae stand here bein’ lectured like a child,” she said over her shoulder. “Nae by ye, and nae by anyone in this castle.”
She began walking down the corridor without waiting for a reply. James called after her once, her name firm and controlled, but she did not stop. Her footsteps echoed against the stone.
How dare he. And how dare me heart pound so fast.
Eloise's anger had cooled, but it left behind something sharper and more confusing. The memory of his voice still lingered, commanding, certain, as though her choices were already accounted for in his decisions. Yet he had also spoken of protection, of keeping her safe from Laird Drummond, a man whose name still sent a faint unease through her.
He insisted on this arrangement so that I may be free of Laird Drummond, yet he acts as though I belong to him. I have freedom but under his control.
That contradiction sat heavily on her mind, twisting her thoughts in ways she could not easily unravel.
