Page 48 of The Dragon Laird’s Obsession

Marion crossed the kitchen and took Ailis’ hands. “Come here, lass.”

Ailis allowed her to take her hands. “What can I do?” she asked and hated how small her voice sounded. “I daenae wish to merely sit back and do nothin’. The villagers need all the help they can get.”

“I ken. They have lost their homes, and most of them are terrified. They need more than just someone to protect them right now. They need someone who will also care and understand.”

Ailis held Marion’s gaze as she waited for her to say more. Marion’s expression remained calm though worry had settled into the lines around her eyes. “But there are many ways ye can be of help without puttin’ yerself in danger.”

Ailis frowned, but Marion gave her a small smile.

“Since ye came here, have ye noticed how many of the men speak to one another now?”

Ailis glanced toward the kitchen doorway. “I thought they always did.”

“They didnae.” Marion touched her arm. “Ye brought them together with that supper ye made everyone share in the yard. They have spoken of naught else since that night.”

Ailis’s throat tightened. “So, do ye think I should perhaps bring everyone together again tonight?”

“Nay, child… I mean, the villagers need food, and a way to feel like they arenae alone. Grain, bread, warm clothin’… That will do good for them right now, and ye can help organize all of that. We’ll send the men into the village.”

Ailis liked the idea, and a flutter of anticipation instantly flooded her insides as she nodded. “I can do that,” she breathed out.

Marion smiled again. “Then what are we waitin’ for?”

The kitchen changed within minutes. Ailis moved through it with a purpose that surprised even her, taking charge and ordering the servants on what they needed to do next.

“Mairi, how much barley do we have?”

“Enough for a large pot, Ma’am.”

Ailis pointed toward the bread next. “And as much bread as the ovens can manage.”

Jane said next. “We have blankets in the upper stores.”

“Bring them,” Ailis answered. “We will need them all.”

Soon, everyone was working together to make it all possible, and Ailis stayed through it all, making sure nothing was amiss.

When it was finally over, and Marion had ordered some guards to take it all into the village, she ordered a servant to prepare a meal and took it to Gordon’s chambers after she had freshened up in her own.

She wondered if he would return tonight as she went up to his chamber.

The chamber was empty and dark. The bedding was smooth and untouched, as if he hadn’t lain on it in a while. It looked cold and empty as her gaze traveled over every corner. There was a large table, and maps spread out on it. She spotted a sword lying in a corner and a few books. There was nothing else, no flowers or hearth where he could make a fire.

A shiver raced through her as she took in all of it. There were no family portraits or carved toys from childhood. Even the flowers and paintings she had moved in here to irritate him had all been moved out.

Ailis remembered his words as she realized how empty the place looked.

‘Me uncle took me when I was a wee lad. He taught me to be strong.’

A slow ache opened in her chest. “What did he do to ye?” she whispered to herself.

Ailis moved toward the chest she saw in a corner and ran her fingertips over the cold surface.

“Ye are a dragon, are ye nay?” She looked around the empty chamber. “A cruel man who fought his own brother for land. Yer own people fear ye.” She looked toward the door as her throat tightened now. “So why do I keep thinkin’ there is more to ye?”

Her curiosity made no sense.

Sighing, shy pulled open the first drawer of the chest and peered inside. To her shock, a collection of small items lay inside. There was a worn leather strap and a silver trinket shaped like a stag. She reached toward it then stopped before touching it. Beside the trinket lay a painting which caught Ailis’s attention.