Amelie tilted her head, her brows lifting with gentle disapproval as she crossed her arms.
“That’s a shame to hear, truly,” she replied, her tone warm but firm. “Fun is what life should be made of, Miss Eva, else what’s the point of breathin’ day to day?”
Eva smiled at that, the truth of it settling into her like a small, glowing coal.
Before Eva could answer, a light knock sounded at the door, soft and hesitant.
Amelie turned and opened it to reveal Jason standing there, his hair a tousled mess and his eyes bright with curiosity. “Come in, wee man,”
Amelie said kindly, stepping aside as Jason slipped into the room. Eva’s face lit at once when she saw him.
“There ye are,” Eva said, crouching slightly so she could meet his gaze. “What have ye been up to this day, hm?”
Jason grinned, rocking on his heels as he spoke. “I played in the courtyard with the other bairns,” he said proudly, puffing out his chest.
Eva laughed and nodded. “That’s very good to hear, Jason. I’m glad ye’re strong enough for such mischief again.”
Jason’s eyes flicked to her cloak, then to the door, suspicion dawning.
“Where are ye goin’, sister?” he asked, his voice dropping as if it were a secret.
Eva hesitated only a moment before answering. “I’m goin’ night fishin’ with the Laird,” she said, trying to sound calm despite the flutter in her stomach.
Jason’s mouth fell open. “Can I come too?” he begged at once, stepping closer and clutching her sleeve.
Eva’s heart squeezed, but she shook her head gently and brushed her thumb over his cheek.
“Next time, I promise,” she said softly. “Tonight, I must do this alone with the Laird.”
Jason pouted, his lower lip jutting out in practiced disappointment, but after a moment, he sighed.
“Aye,” he said reluctantly. “Next time then.”
Eva leaned down and kissed his brow. Another knock sounded, firmer this time, and Amelie went to answer it. A maid stood there, hands folded neatly before her apron.
“Miss,” the maid said respectfully, “the Laird bids me escort ye to the stables, where he waits for ye.”
Eva felt her pulse quicken but managed a nod. “Thank ye,” she replied, her voice steady despite the rush of feeling.
She drew in a deep breath as the maid turned to lead the way, willing herself to be calm.
Eva bent once more to Jason, pressing a kiss to his forehead and whispering, “Be good now,” before straightening.
Jason smiled up at her, some of the pout gone, and waved as she followed the maid out. Amelie caught her eye and gave her an encouraging nod before the door closed behind her.
The corridor felt longer than usual. Eva’s footsteps echoed softly as she walked, her hand gripping the edge of her cloak. She wondered what the night would bring, whether Connor would be warm and teasing as he had been the night before, or distant and unreadable. The thought made her stomach twist, but she lifted her chin and kept going.
As they descended the stairs, Eva caught the faint scent of hay and horses drifting in from below. The sounds of the castle changed, growing quieter, more open, as they neared the stables. Outside, dusk had settled into a deep blue, the first stars beginning to prick the sky. Eva paused at the threshold, her breath catching at the cool air against her cheeks.
“There he is,” the maid said softly, nodding toward the far end of the stable yard. Eva followed her gaze and saw Connor waiting beside a saddled horse, tall and unmistakable even in the dim light. Her heart leapt, fear and excitement tangling together until she could hardly tell them apart. With one last steadying breath, Eva stepped forward, ready to meet whatever the night would hold.
The reins were held in his hand, the horse stamping softly against the packed earth.
“Are ye ready, lass?” he asked, his voice low and steady.
She nodded, drawing a breath. “Aye, I am.”
He helped her up with firm hands at her waist, settling her carefully in on the saddle. As he mounted behind her, the horse shifted, and Eva instinctively leaned back, suddenly aware of Connor’s hard chest pressed against her spine. Her breath caught, and for a moment she forgot the night, the castle, and even the reason they were here. She told herself it was only the closeness of the ride, yet her pulse betrayed her thoughts.
