Page 39 of Wedded to the Heartless Highlander
The next morning, Erica found herself smiling despite the sleepless night she had. She waited until Kara came to her chambers before she approached her with the idea.
“Would ye help me prepare a picnic, Kara?” she asked, thinking of how much Lily was looking forward to it.
Kara’s eyes lit up. “Of course, Me Lady! In fact, we could even head into the village to pick up a few treats if ye wish. I think Miss Lily would love it.”
Erica’s smile widened. “That’s a wonderful idea,” she replied, already picturing the excitement on Lily’s face.
The prospect of going into the village was unexpectedly thrilling. It was a rare opportunity to venture beyond the castle walls, and she found herself looking forward to the outing more than she’d anticipated.
Erica walked to her dresser and pulled open the small drawer where her pouch was tucked safely in the corner, hidden beneath a stack of linen cloths. Her fingers traced the leather, rough and weathered from years of careful handling. That pouch contained all her savings.
For a moment, she held it close to her heart, letting her fingers tighten around the cord as memories flooded back. The night before the wedding, she had been filled with fear and fierce resolve, her thoughts focused on escaping. She’d been so sure of what she wanted then, or at least of what she didn’t want.
But now, as she loosened her grip and felt the leather against her skin, she couldn’t help but smile, a small chuckle escaping her lips.
How far we have come.
She glanced over at the flowers Hunter had sent her last night. A warmth pooled low in her belly as she recalled the look in his eyes when he’d caressed her face. His touch had ignited a fire within her that she knew only he could put out—although she wasn’t sure she wanted it to be put out.
His kiss had been the most surprising. Hunter was not the same man she had once dreaded meeting and marrying—nor was she the same woman who had clutched her pouch with plans to escape. Before that night, she had planned to use her small savings to open a school. And that dream had vanished when this marriage was thrust upon her. But today, the world felt different.
The weight of the pouch in her hands felt like a gift, something to help her carve out a place for herself here, in the castle she was beginning to see as her home. It wasn’t much, just a modest amount, but it was enough to buy a few treats and things to brighten Lily’s day.
Tying the pouch carefully to her belt, a soft smile lingering on her face, Erica turned to leave.
“Ready?” she asked cheerfully as she skipped down the last few steps, meeting Kara outside the castle gates a few moments later.
“Aye, Me Lady,” Kara said, and together they made their way down the cobbled road toward the village.
The air was crisp, carrying the faint scent of wildflowers, and the sun cast dappled light through the trees. Erica felt lighter, more alive than she had in days.
They hadn’t walked far when Kara, who had been unusually quiet, hesitated as if she wanted to say something.
Erica glanced over at her, raising an eyebrow. “What is it, Kara?”
Kara opened her mouth, then paused, shaking her head with a small smile. “It’s nothin’, Me Lady. I…” She started chuckling nervously. “I was just tryin’ to remember what I was goin’ to say, actually.”
“Hmm… all right.” Erica shrugged.
Her curiosity was piqued, but she didn’t press the matter further. She knew that Kara would speak when she was ready, and the thoughtful look in her maid’s eyes told her it was something of importance.
They continued down the road, the morning birdsong filling the silence. The thick fog retreated into the depths of the forest, and the sunlight filtered through the canopy above them as they entered the village. Kara asked a few villagers where the market was and then led the two of them through the slightly confusing twists and turns.
It happened quickly as they approached the hustle and bustle of the market. Erica felt a prickle on the back of her neck. She glanced around, certain for a moment that someone was watching her. Her eyes scanned the darkened door stoops and closed windows around her, but she saw nothing out of the ordinary.
She scanned the alleyways on her right and left, but they were both filled with villagers going about their daily business. Not one of them had been paying her or Kara any mind.
Strange…
She then dismissed the feeling, shaking her head sharply and taking in the splendor of the market.
The marketplace was lively, filled with vendors selling everything from fresh produce to small trinkets. Erica and Kara moved through the stalls, picking up a few pastries and a selection of cheeses.
Meanwhile, Erica’s thoughts kept drifting back to the dream she had the night before. The memory of Hunter’s touch, the roughness and gentleness, sent a fresh wave of warmth through her.
“There’s a twinkle in yer eyes today, Me Lady,” Kara observed with a grin as they paid for a small bundle of sugared nuts.
“Och?” Erica murmured, feigning innocence. “It must be the excitement of the picnic.”
