Courage of a Highlander by Katy Baker

Author:Katy Baker [Baker, Katy]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Katy Baker
Published: 2018-06-06T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 9

It was snowing when Kara woke. She’d slept better than she had in a long, long time, and she woke feeling refreshed. Automatically she rolled over, expecting to find Aiden there, as he had been every morning for the last few days, but of course he wasn’t. She was no longer out in the wilds with him but in Dun Arnwick castle.

And she was alone.

A pang went through her. They’d parted badly last night and she felt his absence keenly. It was like the anchor that held her in place had gone and she felt oddly adrift.

How had she gotten so reliant on his presence so quickly? It was dangerous. Hadn’t she learned the hard way not to be reliant on anyone?

She threw back the covers, climbed out of bed, and crossed to the wardrobe. Biting her bottom lip, she considered the clothes in front of her. She picked a red dress that looked like it didn’t have too many hooks on the back and struggled her way into it, pleased when she managed to do it up without help. Next she crossed to the fireplace and coaxed the fire back into life until a merry blaze sent heat stealing through the room. Then she sat in a chair by the window and brushed her hair.

There was a knock on the door. It opened and a fresh-faced maid stuck her head in. She took in the freshly made bed, the crackling fire, and an up-and-dressed Kara and her eyes widened slightly.

“Oh!” she said. “My apologies, my lady. If I had realized ye were up, I would have come sooner.”

“It’s fine,” Kara said, smiling at her. “I’m an early riser and thought I’d make myself useful rather than lying in bed.”

The girl smiled shyly back. “Is there aught else I can get ye?”

“No, I’m fine. Honestly.”

The maid nodded although she seemed a little unsure about not being needed. “I’ll let Lady Lucy know ye are up. Breakfast will be served in the Great Hall when ye are ready.”

With that she turned and left and Kara busied herself brushing her hair once more. She was staring out the window, lost in thought, when there was another knock on the door.

“Honestly, I’m fine!” Kara called. Setting down the brush, she rose and opened the door. “I don’t need anything else right now...”

Her words faltered as she saw Aiden leaning against the wall, arms crossed. He straightened and smiled tentatively.

“Good morning, lass,” he muttered.

Kara’s stomach did that annoying little flip at the sight of him. He was tousled and sweaty, as though he’d run here, but even so the sight of him sent heat flooding into her cheeks. It had only been one night but she realized she’d missed the sight of those stormy, brooding eyes. Of that self-deprecating smile. Of that messy, tangled black hair.

But she also remembered how he’d walked out on her last night.

She tilted her chin and said a little frostily. “Good morning.”

Aiden shifted his feet. “Are ye...are ye well?”

“Fine.

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