Page 9 of Wicked Kilted Highlander

"I’ll leave ye tae yerself for a while, then. I’ll go and arrange fer our horses and supplies ttae be made ready. Ye’ll need some clothing too. I’ll get Shona to find ye some more things tae take with ye, shall I?" he said.

Lara looked up at him. "Aye," she said quietly. "That would be wonderful. But I’d like to leave as soon as possible."

Darragh nodded and left her there, among the flowers.

* * *

Just the sight of such vibrant life in the garden, let alone the balmy summer air on her face, immediately invigorated Lara. She smiled to herself as she took in the myriad colors surrounding her like a rainbow of rich sensations after being shut in the dark cell for months. The soft house slippers Shona had gotten for her allowed her to feel the springiness of the soft, green turf beneath her feet and she felt a weight lifting from her shoulders.

As she walked among the flowers, Lara reached out with trembling fingers to touch the delicate petals and broad leaves, her senses coming alive as she reconnected with nature after her long confinement. She bent down to inhale the sweet scent of a rose, the fragrance mingling with the earthy aroma of the damp soil. Nearby, birds sang their cheerful melodies, further soothing her troubled soul.

"Ye've a way with the plants, I see," Darragh observed, making her jump when he suddenly reappeared in the doorway after some time of her being alone.

"Nature has always been a comfort tae me," she replied, smiling softly at a nearby butterfly alighting on a blossoming branch. "In times of darkness, it reminds me there’s still beauty in this world."

"Well, I’m sorry tae interrupt ye. I just came tae tell ye the beasts will be ready when we are, and the supplies are ready tae load," he said. Then, somewhat sheepishly, he held out a pair of boots of soft black leather, ideal for riding. "Shona got ye these."

“Ach, the wee angel," she exclaimed softly, going to join him and taking the boots. She sat on a small wall and pulled them on, grateful for the maid’s efforts on her behalf. "They’re braw," she said, inspecting the look, "and they’re just a wee bit too big, which is better than pinching. Thank ye, Darragh." Despite her worries, she couldn’t help but smile at him.

The crooked smile he returned to her made her heart turnover. Out in the sunlight, she could see just how handsome he really was, with his strong yet boyish features, long fair hair that glittered in the sun, and his perfect smile. Yet at the same time, she couldn’t ignore the scars that covered him like a spiderweb. She suddenly found herself wanting to look at his face close up, to try to decipher some of the secrets inside.

"Dinnae thank me, thank Shona. She got ye a change of clothes too, a good warm cloak for the nights, and a few other bits and pieces. I’ve loaded everything intae the saddle bags, with the rations." Darragh said, adding, “Unless there’s anything else ye wish tae take from the castle, we can leave right away."

"Can we?" Though she’d known they were soon to leave, it seemed quite sudden. But this Darragh seemed to be a man who said what he was going to do and then did it, with no fuss. He had organized all the details for their journey almost effortlessly. "There’s naething I want from this place." In fact, she couldn’t wait to leave the cursed castle behind.

"All right, then I suggest we head tae the stables."

As they entered the stables, Lara's gaze swept over the various stalls, her eyes lighting up when she saw the magnificent creatures housed within.

"Take yer time, lass," Darragh encouraged, watching as she hesitantly approached the horses that had been made ready for them, a piebald stallion and a sturdy mare with a rich chestnut coat. The red horse lifted its head to meet her gaze, sensing her presence even before she reached out to stroke its soft muzzle.

"Her name is Brìghde," put in the stable boy holding the reins.

"Brìghde," Lara echoed, full of wonder as she ran her fingers through the mare's silken mane. "Like the old goddess. A strong name for a strong beast. She's beautiful. And so gentle."

"Ye share a kinship, I think," Darragh told her softly, and it did seem to be the case, for Brìghde leaned into her, both seeking and providing comfort.

"Perhaps we dae," she agreed, her eyes never leaving the creature. "I always enjoyed spending time in our stables at home, feeding the horses and hiding there if I’d done something bad," she giggled.

"Was it often?" he asked with interest. “I admit I fin dit hard to imagine ye as a carefree wee lass getting into scrapes,” he chuckled adding "Now, lass, will ye ride with me, or will ye take Brìghde and ride yerself? If ye feel strong enough." Darragh asked.

"If ye dinnae mind I shall like to ride Brìghde myself. I feel a connection with her, and it's been so long since I had any control over anything in my life." She felt resolute, looking forward to feeling the wind rushing through her hair as she rode astride the beautiful red horse.

He hesitated for a moment, his black eyes searching hers, but then he simply nodded his understanding.

"Very well," he agreed, stepping back to allow her the space she needed to assert her independence. She confidently mounted the chestnut mare, settling atop the saddle easily.

"Ach, it feels wonderful!"

“Ready?" Darragh asked, swinging himself onto the stallion’s back with practiced ease. At her nod, he guided them towards the castle gate, the clatter of hooves echoing through the courtyard as they approached the edge of the drawbridge.

Together, they crossed the wooden expanse of the bridge with a clatter, the planks creaking beneath their combined weight. As they reached the other side, Lara stopped and turned back, casting one last lingering look at the castle that had been her prison for so long. Conflicting emotions whirled inside her—gratitude to Darragh for her newfound freedom, anger at her dead captor, and an almost melancholic longing for the life she had left behind.

"Are ye all right?" Darragh asked gently, concern furrowing his brow.

"Aye," she replied, a wistful smile playing on her lips. "I just… it's strange tae be leaving it all behind. "

"Ye never belonged here in the first place," he murmured, urging his horse forward once more "Ye belong with yer family and the people of yer village."

Lara didn't answer.