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“He said that?” A look of horror mixed with disappointment washed over Branton’s face. He shook his head and let out a long, deep sigh.
“Morag, ye need to learn to close yer mouth and mind yer own business,” Fia told her in a low voice. If anyone could cause trouble, even without doing it deliberately, it was Morag.
“Maira is very good with the blade,” said Willow, picking a piece of straw off her gown and flicking it to the ground. “But so are you, Branton. You are very skilled with that sword, so I wouldn’t worry about whatever Morag tells you.” Willow smiled sweetly, looking fondly at Branton. Fia swore the girl would flirt with any boy whenever she got the chance. “You are the only page I know who can even handle a sword without dropping it. Believe me; you have a wonderful chance of making it to the position of a squire.”
“Really? Yes, I suppose you are right,” said Branton with a satisfied nod of his head, standing a little taller. Once again, Willow was able to make a man believe anything she wanted, even if it wasn’t true. She had a way of manipulating people that Fia would never even dream of trying.
“Although, I must say, I have no idea why my cousin insists on acting like a man when she is a woman,” continued Willow.
“Nay, you wouldn’t understand,” grumbled Maira. “My father sent me this sword for my birthday two years ago. He understands me, and that is all that matters.”
“Thank you and good day, m’ladies,” said Branton with a bow, heading out of the stables.
“Fia, did ye come out to the stables for yer birthday present or was it just to get away from that long line of men waitin’ to meet ye?” asked Morag, leaning lazily on the gate of the stall.
“You know it was the latter of the two,” said Willow. “Fia, I can’t understand why any woman would run from men the way you do. All three of you do it, for that matter.” Willow fluffed out her gown and fussed with her long, dark hair that was loose and cascaded like a waterfall over her shoulders.
“I dinna do that!” Morag stood upright so quickly she lost her balance and had to hold on to the gate to right herself.
“Willow, that’s no’ the problem,” said Fia. “The problem is that ye like men a little too much. Ye and Morag are goin’ to have to start actin’ more like ladies and less like strumpets when ye are around the laddies.”
“I dinna do that, either,” spat Morag.
Willow’s eyes narrowed. Her hands went to her hips. “Mayhap you don’t deserve the present we made for you, after all, dear cousin.”
“Ye made me a present? What is it?” asked Fia curiously. “Let me see it.” She eagerly held out her hands.
“It’s not here.” Maira polished her sword with the end of her skirt as she spoke.
“Really?” Fia looked at each of them and nodded. “I ken where it is, then.”
“No, ye dinna,” Morag challenged her.
“Aye, I do.” Fia smiled and crossed her arms over her chest. “By the way ye were all actin’ last time we visited Imanie, I’d say ye stashed it with her, didna ye?”
“Ye’re right,” Morag agreed with a sigh. “It’s with Imanie because we kent ye would find it if we left it here at the castle.”
“Do you want to go get it now?” Maira raised a mischievous brow.
“Now?” Morag looked up in surprise. “But it’s right in the middle of Fia’s birthday celebration.”
“All the more reason to leave,” mumbled Fia.
“What about all the men?” asked Willow. “They will be disappointed if they don’t get the chance to dance with you.”
Fia hurried over to her horse and started to saddle it. “Then ye go take my place dancin’ with those men, Willow. But I am goin’ to see Imanie.”
“Me, too!” Maira headed for her horse as well. “Mayhap Imanie will show me a few more fighting skills while we’re there.”
“The guards are goin’ to see ye leave,” protested Morag.
“No’ if we hurry,” said Fia. “I noticed the servants bringin’ food and ale to the guards on the battlements as we came out to the stables. I’m sure we can sneak out while they are occupied.”
“I could go for a breath of fresh air. This stable is getting stuffy.” Willow headed over to her horse.
“Then, I’m comin’, too,” said Morag.
“Morag, ye dinna have a horse of yer own,” Fia reminded her.
