Page 55 of The Dragon Laird’s Obsession

Ailis ruffled her curls as Lileas giggled.

Jane arrived moments later, breathless. “Ma’am, forgive her. She slipped away before I could catch her.”

Lileas peeked up at Ailis. “Jane wants to take Brochan.”

Her eyes dropped to the hedgehog. “Does she now?”

“Aye.”

Ailis held out her hand. “Come here, Brochan.”

The hedgehog wriggled when she took him then slowly settled in her palm. Ailis stroked one finger carefully along his little back.

Lileas watched with delight. “He likes ye.”

“He has excellent judgment.”

Jane cleared her throat again. “Ma’am, the wee creature belongs in his basket. And Lileas ought to be helpin’ me with the linens.”

Ailis glanced at the child, but Lileas’ smile disappeared. “Leave her with me.”

Jane hesitated, but her expression softened.

“Just for a little while,” Ailis added. “She willnae bother ye while ye work.”

“Aye, Ma’am.”

Lileas beamed, and Ailis handed Brochan back to her.

“Come then. Let us go to the garden.”

“To play?”

“Aye.”

“With Brochan?”

“Especially with Brochan.”

Lileas nodded so enthusiastically her curls bounced.

Ailis rose, took her little hand, and turned toward the garden passage. Then she saw Gordon striding down the opposite corridor with Malcolm and two guards behind him.

He wore his dark plaid over one shoulder, his face set in that familiar expression of cold purpose. He was already heading toward the keep entrance, his attention fixed ahead.

Ailis stopped.

For the smallest moment, she waited.

Surely, he will see me.

He had to. They were less than twenty paces apart.

Her fingers tightened around Lileas’ hand as she waited, but he kept walking without a glance her way as he passed.

Her heart sank even though she knew he might not have ignored her on purpose.

She could not understand why she kept longing for him.