Page 28 of The Mad Highlander
Robyn made a cooing sound before focusing on Iris over the rim of her goblet. “I thought that maybe ye an’ Cayden had gone for another walk in the forest,” she teased Iris, giving a not-so-subtle wink that had Margot rolling her eyes.
“Dinnae fuss with the lass; she’s had a long day. Have some of the stew, dear. It’s rabbit tonight, me favorite.” Margot placed her knife and fork beside her plate before passing the bowl to Iris.
Iris accepted it gratefully before ladling a few scoops of rich stew onto her plate. “Actually, I haven’t seen Cayden all day,” she admitted sheepishly, trying to hide the note of bitterness in her voice.
Margot gave her a sympathetic glance before handing her the tray of bannocks. “I wouldnae fuss about that, lass. I saw Laird McLaren here earlier; they must be busy with the council.”
A faint smile spread over her lips as Iris felt a small wave of reassurance. It was selfish of her to want more of Cayden’s attention if he was truly spending all of his time trying to get her brother back. Astrid popped into her mind as she dug into the stew. They had laughed and joked with each other as if they had been intimate or at least shared a deep bond.
The nasty feelings of yesterday came back as she sat in silence, eating her food. She didn’t like not knowing things, and Robyn and Margot had reacted so strangely when they had set eyes on her. She knew Astrid was the healer, but there was more to herthan that. It didn’t seem appropriate to ask them who Astrid truly was.
“I hope ye dinnae mind me barging in like this? Cayden wanted to send me on me way, but I said I wouldnae dream of it until I at least set eyes on me other maither,” an unfamiliar voice broke the silence, bouncing off the walls in the great hall.
Iris looked up in surprise to see a large blonde man striding toward the table with Cayden following behind. His kind brown eyes fell on Iris as his lips spread into a knowing smile that puzzled her.
“Hunter!” Robyn jumped from her seat and practically launched herself into the man’s arms. He looked a little older than Cayden, and Iris instantly felt herself being drawn to his personality which reminded her of her own father.
The man laughed joyfully and spun her around in a great big hug before placing her back on her feet. “Ye look bonnier by the day, lass. Why are yer cheeks so red? Have ye a fever?” The man cocked his head to the side and examined her.
Rubbing her cheeks sheepishly again, Robyn let go of him and took a step back.
“She’s only gone an’ painted her cheeks again after we told her not to.” Margot stood and allowed the man to hug her, scolding him when he let go. “Dinnae hold me so tight, Hunter; ye ken I am nae as young as Robyn.” Her eyes twinkled lovingly as she took a step back.
Hunter.
Iris felt more and more curious about the jolly man when Margot offered him a seat beside her. Her breath caught in her throat when she looked up to see Cayden staring at her with a veiled expression on his face. He didn’t seem angry with the man, nor did he seem comfortable when Hunter approached her.
“An’ this must be the lovely Miss Iris; it’s a pleasure to finally be making yer acquaintance, Me Lady.” Hunter bowed, reaching for her hand and pressing a kiss on top that made her blush.
“Never mind yer flirting; will ye be joining us?” Robyn interrupted when Iris blushed.
“Of course, he will be joining us.” Margot placed her hand on Hunter’s shoulder and guided him to the chair beside her.
Cayden came forward and took the chair across from Iris, making her heart skitter when he held her gaze.
What is he thinking?
She wondered what he was thinking and if he disliked the attention that his friend was giving her. His gaze certainly never seemed to stray from her face, especially when Hunter addressed her directly.
“So, Iris, how are ye settling in here at Castle O’Brien? Has Cayden been making ye feel at home?” He winked at her before pouring himself a mug of ale and drinking deeply.
He was large, loud, and quite obnoxious yet charming in such a way that she instantly felt safe in his presence. None of his actions seemed guarded or even calculated as he made himself at home at the table.
“I cannae complain about any of the hospitality I have received since arriving.” She smiled warmly yet left out the fact that it had been Robyn and Margot who had been the ones to welcome her.
Robyn seemed to pout a little when Hunter wasn’t paying her enough attention. “Ye haven’t been coming around lately, Hunter; I feel as if ye dinnae care anymore.” Robyn glared at him, unable to keep herself from smiling.
“It isnae I that hasn’t been coming; Cayden has been hiding his bride-to-be from me,” Hunter teased, shooting a challenging glance at Cayden.
To Iris’ great surprise, Cayden didn’t shy away or even get angry. “Aye, I feared Iris would run for the hills an’ nae want to marry me anymore if she met our neighbors. Any woman would run once they’ve met yer ugly mug,” Cayden shot back before reaching for the mug of ale and helping himself to stew.
A joke?
Iris couldn’t help but be surprised at the sudden display of humor; in all the time she had been at the castle, she hadn’t seen him so much as laugh at anything anyone had said.
Hunter threw back his head and laughed, banging on the table until all the silverware rattled. “I must admit, lassie, yer presence here has brought out the best in Cayden. I can see that he’s chosen well with ye.” He winked at her again before turning his full attention to Robyn and Margot. “So, tell me, what have I missed?”
Margot pursed her lips and stopped cutting a piece of meat in her stew. “Nae much, just Robyn meddling again. We’ve had to replace several maids in the past month, an’ another one has just handed in her notice a few days ago.” She narrowed her eyes at Robyn who feigned innocence and looked away.
