Page 113 of The Dragon Laird’s Obsession

Unable to stop himself, he lowered into a squat, so he could be on the same eye level with her. “What have ye got there?”

She looked up proudly. “Flowers.”

“I can see that.”

“They are for Miss Ailis, Me Laird. She likes flowers, and she told me that they make her happy when she is feelin’ sad.”

The little girl held them out, inspecting the crooked stems. “I picked the bonniest ones.”

Gordon looked at the tiny bundle, his heart warming with pride. “Ye did well.”

Lileas smiled and ran away from him again. He watched her go, her words ringing in his head.

She likes flowers.

Ailis had brought color into every room she entered. She had painted flowers across cloth, filled the children’s chambers with bright things, and somehow made even his cold stone walls look less like a fortress.

His gaze drifted toward the staircase, and he dragged in a deep breath as he considered going up to her chamber to see her.

Perhaps if I can see that she is all right for meself, I willnae worry so much.

His right hand tightened into a fist at his side as he struggled with the urge to march up the stairs that instant.

“Gordon,” someone called for him just then, and he turned to see Marion walk toward him, her smile gentle as always.

“Marion,” Gordon called, greeting her with a light hug and a kiss to both her cheeks when she reached him, “I havenae seen much of ye today. How are doin’?”

“I am well,” she told him with a nod, and he pulled back from her as she added. “Although I daenae think it is me ye really want to ask about.”

Gordon feigned ignorance and let a frown pinch his forehead. “I daenae ken what ye mean.”

“Miss Ailis,” she continued. “If ye wish to see her, then ye should go see her.”

His jaw tightened. “She is restin’. I daenae wish to disturb her rest. She needs it after what she has been through, and I would only trouble her with me presence.”

“Perhaps.” Marion studied him for a moment then continued, “Or perhaps ye would comfort her.”

Gordon looked away. “She is hurt because I failed to protect her.”

“Ye cannae protect everyone, Gordon. It isnae fair that ye would put such a burden on yerself.”

“It is me duty,” he countered, shaking his head. “Uncle always said I was responsible for…”

“Yer uncle…” she interrupted, her voice sterner than he had ever heard it. She touched his cheek and held his gaze. “… was a vile man. He was me husband, and I cared for him at one point, but I kent it. We all kent it. He spoke of duty, power, and fear, and he made ye think that to be a good ruler ye need to be feared and ye need to be alone. I have watched ye all these years put everyone else above ye, but…”

She exhaled a shaky breath and tilted her head to one side. “Ye neednae be alone to be a good leader, Gordon. Ye spend yer days tellin’ everyone what must be done, Gordon. Perhaps ye should stop commandin’ yerself for one moment and listen.”

“To what?”

“To the part of ye that wants to let someone in for the first time. Listen to the part of ye that wants somethin’ for yerself.”

His throat tightened, and Marion’s voice softened further.

“Ailis likes flowers and paintings. She likes the children. She likes makin’ things beautiful. Go to her.”

His voice quaked as he finally let out the words that plagued him. “But I daenae ken what to say.”

“Then say nothin’.” He looked at her, confused for a moment. “Sit with her.” Marion reached for his arm. “Let someone in, Gordon. If ye keep every feeling locked behind those walls of yer heart, ye may discover one day that ye have lost the person standin’ outside them.”