Aaron looked down at the boy.
Of all the moments.
The boy stared back at him with a wide, toothless grin, proud of whatever important matter had brought him running across the hall.
Aaron released a long breath through his nose.
How could he be mad? The innocent boy had no clue what he had interrupted.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
Again. I cannae believe we had nearly kissed again.
Edith let out a frustrated sigh, pacing the length of her bedchamber.
It did not matter that she was barefoot on the cold stone floor. It was the next morning, and once again, she had barely been able to sleep.
It had been impossible to even try. For every time she closed her eyes, she saw Aaron’s smug, arrogant face. She could still feel his hand where it had rested on her waist in the Great Hall after supper. The look in his eyes was so different and yet familiar, just as it had been before he kissed her on the stair landing. Her cheeks heated as she remembered how her chin had tilted toward him during their dance.
She spun around sharply, marching back across the room.
“Perhaps I want ye to misbehave after all.”
She had no choice but to believe those words now. If she kept seeing him everywhere, then perhaps she would truly act out of line soon.
Och, this is what he wants.
A small frown creased her brow, and she folded her arms.
It was ridiculous. She was supposed to be thinking about her lessons, her future, and her freedom. Instead, she could hardly string two thoughts together without somehow arriving back at Aaron.
I willnae have it.
Her resolve hardened as she sank onto her bed.
Aye. I mustnae see him today.
The decision felt wise for exactly one hour. Edith stayed put in her chamber, dressing, cleaning, and arranging her things until her stomach grumbled in protest. The breakfast hour was nearly over.
She lingered a little longer before stepping out of her chamber, convincing herself that Aaron would have finished his meal before she made her way down to the Great Hall.
A small smile touched her lips as she stepped through the doors. The hall was noticeably quieter, and many of the clansfolk had already eaten and gone about their day.
Perfect.
She crossed the hall and settled into her usual seat. A servant appeared almost immediately.
“Good mornin’, me Lady.”
“Good mornin’.”
She accepted a bowl of porridge and a small loaf of fresh bread, feeling considerably more pleased with herself than the situation warranted.
It was simpler than she’d expected. The castle was large. Surely, one stubborn Laird could not be everywhere at once. He had things to do. Reports to review and men to train.
She lifted her spoon, enjoying her breakfast in silence, until the doors opened again.
She froze, holding her spoon mid-air.
