Page 100 of Under the Laird’s Promise

"Running away taegether, are we?"

"Just fer a few hours." Her hand slid lower, making him inhale sharply. "Unless ye'd rather stay here and face another council meeting?"

"The waterfall sounds perfect." He caught her hand, bringing it to his lips. "When dae we leave?"

"Before dawn. Before anyone notices we're gone. The rain has stopped."

They rose as the first hint of grey touched the sky, dressing quickly in the predawn chill. Maighread pulled on riding clothes while Tavish laced his boots, both moving with quiet efficiency.

"We'll need food," she whispered.

"The kitchens?"

"Aye. Follow me."

They crept through empty corridors, the castle still sleeping around them. Maighread led the way to the kitchens, pushing open the door carefully. Inside, bread cooled on racks, cheese sat wrapped in cloth, dried meat hung from hooks.

"Grab what ye can carry," she said, reaching fer a loaf.

Footsteps echoed from the corridor outside. Both of them froze.

"Someone's coming," Tavish hissed.

Maighread grabbed his hand, pulling him toward the back of the kitchen. A small pantry sat tucked in the corner, barely large enough fer one person. They squeezed inside, the door swinging shut just as voices filled the kitchen.

"...need the bread fer breakfast," a servant was saying.

"Aye, and the cheese as well."

Pressed against Tavish in the cramped space, Maighread held her breath. His chest rose and fell against her back, his arm wrapped around her waist to keep them both steady. The scent of dried herbs surrounded them, mingling with the warm smell of his skin.

The servants moved about the kitchen, gathering supplies. Minutes crawled past. Maighread's legs began to cramp from standing so still.

Finally, blessedly, the voices faded. The door closed. Silence returned.

Tavish's breath stirred her hair. "That was close."

"Too close." She turned in his arms, finding his face mere inches from hers in the darkness. "We should go."

"In a moment." His mouth found hers, the kiss brief but thorough.

"Ye’re incorrigible."

"Aye. Ye love it."

They emerged from the pantry, grabbing bread, cheese, and a flask of wine before slipping back into the corridor. By the time they reached the stables, both were grinning like fools.

"That was the most ridiculous thing I've ever done," Maighread said, shoving supplies into a saddlebag.

"Hiding in a pantry or stealing food from yer own kitchens?"

"Both." She looked up at him, laughter bubbling in her chest. "What's happened tae me? I used tae be sensible."

"Sensible is overrated." He helped her mount, then swung onto his own horse. "Ready?"

"Aye. Let's go before me common sense returns."

They rode north as the sun climbed higher, leaving the castle behind. The forest closed around them, familiar paths winding through ancient trees. Maighread felt tension draining from her shoulders with each passing mile.