Page 27 of Wedded to the Heartless Highlander
Lily nodded vigorously. “Aye! If the walls could talk, I bet they’d grumble about all the storms and the snow. Sometimes, I think they remember things—like the battles fought long ago. That’s why they’re so quiet.”
Her words were laced with an understanding that made Erica wonder about the child’s life in the castle. “What else do ye think they remember?”
“Och, lots!” Lily’s eyes sparkled, as though she was unveiling a treasure. “They remember when the sun shines and the flowers bloom in spring. I like the flowers best. They make the castle look pretty.”
“Do ye have a favorite flower?” Erica asked, intrigued.
“I like daisies!” Lily exclaimed, her enthusiasm suddenly surfacing. “They remind me of summertime and picnics. And I like how they’re so bright, like little suns on the ground!”
“That’s lovely,” Erica said, warmth blooming in her chest. “Perhaps we can plant some daisies in the gardens.”
Lily’s face lit up, and for a brief moment, she seemed to transform into the young girl she truly was. “Och, aye! I would love that! Uncle Hunter said we could have a garden party soon! I can help ye pick the flowers!”
“A garden party?” Erica repeated, her amusement mingling with curiosity.
When did he have time to tell her that?
“That sounds delightful. Is it for a special occasion?”
Lily shrugged, her expression turning serious once more. “Just a way to have fun. Sometimes we host parties, but nae often enough.”
“I’ll have to make sure that we host parties often then,” Erica declared, her resolve strengthening. “Maybe we can find some games to play?”
Lily looked thoughtful for a moment, tilting her head to the side. “Games? Like what?”
“Like hide and seek, or tag. Somethin’ where we can run and laugh,” Erica suggested, her voice light.
“Runnin’ sounds fun,” Lily murmured, her eyes narrowing slightly in thought. “But I’m nae sure how much I can run. Uncle Hunter says I have to stay safe and nae tire meself out.”
“Safetyisimportant,” Erica agreed, her heart aching at the thought of the girl feeling tired. “But we can find safe ways to have fun. What do ye like to do for fun?”
Lily’s gaze drifted away as if she was searching her mind for the right answer. “I like to read,” she finally admitted. “And I like to help in the kitchens. Sometimes, I sneak in to watch the cooks make pastries. They always smell so good, do ye nae think?”
A pastry sounds good right now. I wonder if they’ll bring up some.
“Aye, they do!” Erica said, her curiosity piqued. “What do ye like to read?” she asked before looking around to call for someone.
Finding the bell pull, she walked over to it and gave it a tug.
“Fairytales,” Lily replied, her eyes sparkling again. “And stories about knights and brave ladies who save the day. They make me feel strong.”
“Ye sound like a strong lady yerself,” Erica commented, giving her a warm smile. “Ye should never forget that.”
“I try nae to,” Lily said, a hint of pride creeping into her voice. “Uncle Hunter always tells me that I’m brave. He says I have to be brave for him since… well, because of what happened.”
Suddenly, someone cleared their throat. It was a young boy. “Aye, Me Lady?”
“Ach, aye—yer name, dear?” Erica asked softly.
The boy straightened, and a light blush crept up his cheeks. “I’m Brian.”
“Brian, please bring up some pastries.”
“Yes, Me Lady. Right away,” the boy said, before taking off at a dead sprint.
Erica turned to Lily, remembering where they had left off before the distraction, and squared her shoulders. “What happened?”
Lily hesitated, her eyes clouding over. “It’s just… I used to have a family, but they arenae here anymore,” she mumbled, her gaze dropping to the stone floor. “Uncle Hunter took me in, but sometimes it feels lonely. I try nae to think about it too much.”
