“Thank ye kindly,” Eva said, hurrying down the corridor. She made her way toward the courtyard, her heart lightening with the thought of seeing her mother.
When she arrived, she found Annabeth seated at the table, sunlight catching her hair and warming her face. Jason was laughing, tumbling on the grass with the other children, his joy spilling into the bright afternoon. Eva’s chest swelled with happiness at the sight. She moved closer, eager to join them, her nerves momentarily forgotten.
“Maither!” Eva exclaimed, kneeling beside the bench. “I am delighted to see ye out in the sun at last.”
Annabeth turned, her eyes sparkling, and smiled. “I feel fully recovered, lass, and it does me well to be in the fresh air. The healer’s care was thorough, and I am grateful for it.”
Eva dropped to her knees beside the bench and hugged her tightly. “See, Maither, getting’ ye and Jason the best care possible was the right thing to do. I was so worried about ye both.”
Annabeth gently pressed her hand to Eva’s cheek. “Perhaps ye are right, daughter, though only if ye truly wish to be here, in the castle.”
“I do, Maither,” Eva said firmly, her voice soft yet resolute. “I want to be here. I want to be Connor’s wife.”
Annabeth’s eyes softened, and she reached over to squeeze Eva’s hand. “I ken it well, Eva. I see a sparkle in yer eye. Ye care for him deeply, daenae ye?”
“I do, Maither,” Eva admitted, a blush creeping across her cheeks. “More than I ever imagined I could care for anyone.”
Jason ran past them, laughing and calling out to the other children.
“Sister! Look at this big beetle I found!” he cried, crouching to show Eva the creature.
Eva laughed and stroked his hair. “Well done, Jason! Ye’ve got a sharp eye, just like yer Laird when he scouts the lands.”
Annabeth chuckled, shaking her head. “Aye, that boy is lively as ever. It does me heart good to see him runnin’ about freely again.”
“Maither, it makes me so happy to see Jason playin’ like this. And ye, lookin’ well and strong again.”
Annabeth leaned back in her chair, smiling fondly at both her children. “It warms me heart, Eva, that ye take such care for us. That ye will care for this family even once ye are Lady McLaren.”
Eva blushed and tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear. “I will, Maither. I promise to care for ye both, and to make our home a place of happiness.”
Jason ran up again, dropping a stick near Eva’s feet. “Sister, sister! Can we play a game of tag now?”
Eva laughed, lifting him into her arms. “Aye, Jason, but just for a wee moment. Ye must rest between games, or ye’ll tire yerself before supper.”
Annabeth reached over, brushing Eva’s hair with her fingers. “I see, daughter, that ye are growin’ more confident each day. It pleases me greatly that ye are so ready for this marriage, and for the life ye will build with him.”
Eva rested her head against her mother’s shoulder for a moment. “I am ready, Maither, though me heart beats fast with excitement and nerves. I hope I will be the wife Connor deserves.”
Annabeth chuckled softly. “Eva, ye already have the heart for it, and ye will learn the rest in time. Let yer love guide ye, and it will be enough.”
Jason tugged at Eva’s sleeve again. “Sister! Catch me if ye can!”
Eva smiled, letting go of her mother to chase her brother. Laughter filled the courtyard as Annabeth watched them, her eyes misting with happiness.
Eva paused, breathing heavily as she bent to scoop Jason into her arms.
The children’s laughter echoed across the castle courtyard as the sun dipped lower in the sky. She felt a growing certainty that she could rise to the responsibilities ahead, and her heart filled with anticipation for the life to come with Connor. Even as the wedding loomed, the happiness of this moment grounded her, reminding her of why she fought to be here, in the castle, with the family she loved.
After tiring from running with her brother, Eva pressed a gentle kiss to her mother’s cheek before rising.
“I’ll see ye later, Maither,” she murmured, trying to steady her racing heart.
She walked toward the great hall. When she saw Margaret approaching, her breath caught, and she felt a nervous flutter in her stomach.
Margaret’s eyes softened as she drew near. “Ah, Miss Eva,” she said warmly. “Come, sit with me and have some tea. We have much to discuss about the weddin’ preparations.”
Eva curtsied lightly, nerves prickling her skin. “Thank ye. I would be honored.” She took the offered chair, settling beside Margaret, careful not to fidget.
