I will wait, and nae beg or plead.
Still, her heart ached with the not knowing. And as Connor dismounted without a word, she wondered how silence could wound so sharply.
The stable boy took the reins and led the horse away, his boots scuffing softly against the stone.
Eva lingered at Connor’s side, her hands clasped before her as she gathered her courage.
“Will ye be dinin’ with me this evenin’, then?” she asked, her voice hopeful despite the ache already stirring in her chest.
Connor did not look at her when he answered.
“I’ve matters to see to,” he said shortly, his tone all iron and distance.
He turned on his heel before she could reply, his broad shoulders already retreating down the yard. Eva watched him go, the cold of his dismissal settling deep beneath her ribs. She drew in a steadying breath and reminded herself she would not chase after a man who had chosen silence.
Inside the castle, the familiar hush wrapped around her like wool. She made her way through the corridors toward the family chambers, her steps echoing softly. When she entered the room, Annabeth lay propped against pillows while Jason sat upright beside her, his cheeks pinker than they had been in days.
Eva smiled despite herself, relief easing some of the heaviness on her shoulders.
“Ye should’ve seen it, Mam,” Eva said as she set aside her cloak. “We went to a beautiful place. The village sits right by the loch, and the water shines like glass when the light hits it.”
Jason’s eyes widened with delight, and he leaned forward eagerly. “Were there boats?” he asked, his voice stronger now, and Eva laughed softly.
“There were, and folk laughin’, and music driftin’ from the inn,” she replied.
Annabeth smiled faintly, though her hand lifted to her temple as if the effort cost her. “It sounds bonnie,” she said, her voice gentle but tired.
Eva moved closer, her concern sharpening as she studied her mother’s pale face.
She reached into her satchel and pulled out the wrapped sweets, holding them up with a grin.
“Look what I brought ye, Jason,” she said.
Jason gasped and clapped his hands. “For me?” he asked, and she nodded, pressing the treats into his eager fingers.
“Connor bought these sweets for ye,” Eva added lightly, though the mention of his name tightened her throat.
Jason beamed. “I do like them,” he said, already unwrapping one. “I feel much better now, Eva, truly.”
She kissed the top of his head, breathing in the scent of soap and clean linen.
Nina entered quietly then, her skirts whispering as she crossed the room.
“The lad’s nearly mended,” the healer said, giving Jason an approving nod. “A few more days and he’ll be chasin’ about the yard again.”
Eva felt a rush of gratitude. “Thank ye,” she said earnestly.
Nina’s expression softened as she turned to Annabeth. “Yer mam still needs rest,” she continued. “The headaches linger, and too much strain will worsen them.”
Annabeth sighed but nodded. “I ken,” she murmured.
Eva reached for her hand, squeezing gently. “We’ll see to it, Mam,” she said.
Annabeth studied her daughter then, eyes sharp despite the pain. “Ye look troubled,” she said quietly.
Eva hesitated, then forced a small smile. “I’m only tired,” she replied, unwilling to burden her further. “The travel was longer than I expected.”
Jason looked between them, sensing the shift. “Will ye tell me more about the loch later?” he asked.
