Page 18 of Trapped By the Wicked Highlander
“It feels strange, bein’ away from the castle for a while,” she said, her gaze on the distant horizon. “The air’s different out here.”
Hunter glanced at her, his thoughts briefly drifting from the illness and back to her.
“Aye, it’s peaceful here. Much better than bein’ cooped up in there, nay doubt.” He paused, his eyes scanning the horizon before he added, “The clan’s strong, though. They’ll pull through. We’ve seen worse.”
“Aye, they are a strong bunch. I’ve noticed it. The way they support each other, even when they’re all sick. It’s somethin’ I admire.” She paused for a moment, her words weighing in the air before she continued, “I think it’s what makes them who they are—the McDougal clan, I mean.”
Hunter felt a swell of pride at her words. He had always known his people were resilient, but hearing it from someone outside the clan made it feel more real.
“They’ve been through much in their time,” he said, his voice softening. “We’ve faced enemies, lost kin, but still, we stand. I’m proud of them.”
Cassandra nodded, her eyes thoughtful. “It’s clear, Hunter. Ye care about them deeply. It’s more than just a duty for ye, isn’t it? It’s family.”
Her words, though simple, carried a weight of understanding that caught him off guard. He wasn’t used to people seeing him like that, seeing past the walls he had built over the years.
Hunter’s throat tightened slightly, but he forced a smile. “Aye, they’re family. And I’ll do whatever it takes to protect them.” His gaze shifted toward the castle, where he knew his people were still recovering. “I couldnae imagine lettin’ them down.”
“They’re lucky to have ye,” Cassandra said, her tone sincere. “I daenae ken if I’ve ever met someone who carries the weight of their clan the way ye do. It’s nay small task.” She paused and added, almost as if to herself, “But I reckon they’d follow ye anywhere.”
Hunter felt a strange warmth spread through him at her words, though he couldn’t quite place why. He didn’t seek praise, but hearing her say it, hearing her see him in a way that few did, made him feel something deep inside.
“I do it because I have to,” he replied, though the words felt hollow in the face of what she had said. “But it’s nae about me. It’s about them.”
The two of them walked in comfortable silence for a few moments, their footsteps in sync with each other. The meadow felt endless, the wide sky above them offering a sense of freedom neither had known in recent days. For a brief moment, the weight of the illness, the responsibilities, and the tensions between them seemed to vanish into the fresh air.
“Ye were right,” Cassandra said after a while, breaking the silence. “The fresh air does help. I feel a bit lighter.” She smiled at him, the expression soft and unguarded. “Thank ye, Hunter.”
Hunter gave a small nod, his eyes meeting hers. “It’s the least I could do, lass.” The air between them was quiet but charged, as if something unsaid hung in the space between their words. And for a fleeting moment, Hunter allowed himself to imagine a life where he didn’t have to carry the burden alone.
CHAPTER TEN
"Let us see how the patients fair," Cassandra told a maid that aided her.
"Aye, Mistress. Anythin’ ye need," the maid said.
It was the following day, and Cassandra moved from patient to patient, tending to their needs with practiced hands. Her mind remained focused on the work, but her thoughts wandered, constantly circling back to the nagging discomfort she had felt the day before.
"And how's me fair lady, today?" Cassandra whispered as she sat beside Elena.
As she checked, she noticed a small movement—a twitch of her fingers, followed by a faint groan. Cassandra leaned closer, her heart leaping as she realized the girl was waking.
“Elena’s wakin’,” Cassandra murmured to herself, a sense of relief flooding through her.
She quickly turned to the maid. “Go and fetch Jessica and Hunter. Tell them Lady Elena is respondin’.”
As the maid rushed off, Cassandra’s chest tightened with an odd mix of emotions she couldn’t quite place.
Cassandra tried to push the turmoil down, but it lingered like a shadow at the edge of her thoughts. She had to face the fact that Hunter had a family—a wife, a daughter. It made her stomach churn with discomfort, knowing that she, a mere healer, was feeling drawn to a man who was already taken.
She quickly shook the thought away, telling herself that her feelings were foolish and immoral.
Ye have nay right to feel this way.
He was not hers, yet he had claimed that she was his at the inn. And yet, every time she found herself near him, something in her heart stirred. It was a bitter pill to swallow—being attracted to a married man, someone she could never have. It was wrong, and she knew it.
Hunter, Jessica, and Daniel burst into the hall, their footsteps heavy with urgency. Hunter’s eyes immediately locked onto Cassandra, his voice low and rough with concern.
“What’s happenin’, Cassandra? Is she—?” His words trailed off as he stepped closer to the bed.
