The taste of her lips remained on his like an imprint, salted sea breeze laced with a sweetness that was hers alone.He could kiss her for hours, for days, for the rest of his life. But he didn’t want to scare her with the full scope of his love.He would reveal it slowly. He would let her discover it piece by piece, at her own pace, without being overwhelmed.Yes, this was the right approach. He would begin with that and adjust his steps according to the response of her heart.Dougal traced the line of her jaw with his finger, slow as a breath.“My Iona,” he whispered, so softly, as if the words had escaped him, as if they were meant for no one.But Iona heard.Her eyelids fluttered, then lifted enough to meet his gaze through her half-lowered lashes.Dougal’s eyes were still closed.Her heart beat fast and steady, sending warmth throughout her body until it touched something deeper, something she couldn’t name, something her limited experience couldn’t define.But she felt it. And i
Iona loosened her grip and stepped back—just enough to breathe on her own again. Her gaze didn't immediately find his. Instead, she tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear, cheeks tinged with pink. Not regret. Just realization."That was impulsive," she murmured. "I didn't plan it… it just happened."Dougal's eyes didn't waver. He moved close enough for his warmth to linger between them, but he didn't touch her."You're allowed," he said softly. "You can be spontaneous with me whenever you want."There was something in his voice—tender and teasing—that lifted the corners of her mouth without permission."So," he asked gently, "are we still going for that walk?""Yes," she said. "Do you have something in mind?""Of course." His smile tugged at one side of his mouth. "And we're exactly where we should be. From now on, we'll continue together.""I promised my father I'd be back before sunset," she said."Don't worry. We will be."Somehow, she believed him. She didn't know why, but t
Dougal stood before her, wearing a broad smile, his eyes sparkling with impatience.But when he saw the surprise flicker across her face—like she hadn’t expected him at all—his confidence slipped.Not outwardly, not fully. But something inside him gave way, subtle as a misstep.His smile softened, then faded. His gaze blurred.“Yes… it’s me. Although…” he said quietly.It was the first time Iona had seen him so well-groomed.Her chest trembled. Her heart kicked sharply, then began to race.He wasn’t in his usual worn work clothes.He’d combed his hair. His shirt was clean. His boots were polished.He’s so handsome, Iona thought, startled by the rush in her stomach.Dougal rubbed the back of his neck, eyes flicking down.“I… I don’t understand. Dif you change your mind? If you did, that’s okay, I can still—”Her thoughts blurred—was it relief? Was it joy?She wasn’t sure. Maybe both.She had hoped for this. But she’d already given up hope.And now? She was about to let him leave?“No,”
Iona stopped outside the kitchen door and hesitated. She wasn't ready to face anyone yet.She wiped her eyes carefully and waited for the moisture to dry. Then she stepped inside, removed her cape, hung it on its hook, and went straight to her usual spot at the vegetable-peeling corner without a word.No "Good morning." Not today.It wasn't a good day—it was one of the worst she could remember.A few heads turned. The others looked at her in mild surprise, confused by her absence of the usual greeting. But no one asked questions. No one said a word. They returned to their work.Iona sat in the low chair and began peeling vegetables. A task that had now become a routine in her daily life, yet she felt discomfort; something inside her felt off. It had started low, like a whisper just below the ribs, and then spiraled up, wrapping around her throat and making it difficult to swallow. Her mouth was dry. Her throat tasted like copper and sorrow.She hadn't eaten, but she didn't care—her ap
Iona gripped the broom tightly, pressing her fingers into the smooth wood.The stiff bristles scraped against the stone floor, the sound grating in a way that always made her shudder.Dust swirled, hovered for a moment, then settled again—just out of reach. She pushed it forward. Again. Again."Too bad you got out of that hole," she had said to him.The words had clung to her all day, rattling in her mind.Why had she said those words?She didn't mean them, and now she regretted those words.But it was done, and Dougal probably wouldn't want to see her again after that.Her grip tightened. The broom scratched harder against the stone, its strokes growing sharper and more forceful.She was too deep inside her thoughts to notice the presence behind her.A gentle tap on her shoulder jolted her back into reality.She sucked in a breath, startled, jumping slightly.Her eyes darted around—until they landed on Fergus.His gaze was steady. Unwavering.Her expression hardened. She narrowed her
Talisha smiled against Skye's shoulder. "Right decision," she said, stroking her hair. "And if you want, we can invite some of Hector's friends, especially Lennox and Eithne—I know you've been close to them. What do you say?"Skye nodded, pressing her chin lightly against Talisha's shoulder, seeking comfort in the warmth of her presence."Excellent. I'll tell Glenn to prepare the invitations for Eithne and Lennox. For the rest of the guests, I'll discuss it with Hector first to choose who else to invite. Since the king is away, I suggest only young people—those who have the appetite and stamina for fun."Skye let out a soft, imperceptible laugh, a breath of lightness curling past her lips—the first in the last days."Discuss this with Hector. I don't want him to be misunderstood by offended people who weren't invited.""Okay. I'll do whatever you want. I'll discuss it with Hector."Talisha gently pulled away, her hands resting on Skye's forearms for a moment as if to reassure her befo