Page 38 of Trapped By the Wicked Highlander
Hunter ran a hand through his hair, frustration etched into his features.
“She’s growin’ up without a maither. I see it in her eyes, Jess. She watches the other children cling to their maithers, and I can feel her wantin’ the same.”
Jessica folded her arms, her expression unreadable. “And what have ye done about it?”
Hunter tensed at her question. “What can I do? I cannae be a maither to her.”
Jessica huffed, shaking her head. “Ye say that, but have ye even tried? The lass doesnae need a maither—she needs ye. She needs to ken she’s loved, that she’s safe, that ye are more than just her laird, but her faither.”
Hunter let her words sink in, the weight of them settling uncomfortably in his chest. He had done his duty, made sure Elena had everything she needed, but had he truly been there for her?
He thought back to the times she had reached for his hand, the moments she had looked up at him with hopeful eyes, only for him to push her toward the maids or tutors. Shame prickled at his skin.
Jessica’s voice softened. “Ye can be both maither and faither to her, Hunter. But that choice is yers to make. So far, ye’ve done nothin’ but push her away.”
Hunter swallowed hard, staring at the fire. The truth burned as much as the flames.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
Cassandra moved through the healing hall with practiced grace, her hands brushing over linens and feeling foreheads as she checked on her patients. The room smelled of herbs and clean cloth, a welcome contrast to the scent of illness that had lingered only days before. The progress was undeniable—fevered brows were cooler, weary eyes a bit brighter. The worst had passed, and for that, she was grateful.
At a small table near the hearth, Daniel sat across from his cousin Elena, their heads bent over a deck of worn playing cards. Elena’s tiny fingers clutched her hand of cards, her expression one of fierce concentration. By her side, Hunter’s hound, Leonora, lay curled up, her great body stretched lazily across the floor. The beast’s ears twitched as Cassandra passed, though the dog remained perfectly content to doze in the warmth of the fire.
"Good day, Mistress Cassandra," Elena said.
"Good day to you, Lady McDougal," Cassandra curtsied, which brought a smile to Elena.
Cassandra smiled to herself and turned her attention back to her work. She moved from bed to bed, speaking softly with each patient, checking their wounds, and offering words of encouragement. Some still bore the weariness of their illness, but most were improving, their color returning and their strength growing. It was satisfying work, and seeing them heal filled her with purpose.
As she straightened from adjusting a patient’s blankets, she caught sight of Elena out of the corner of her eye. The girl was standing just a few feet behind her, watching in silence.
Cassandra’s lips parted in surprise, but she said nothing, only offering a warm smile before moving on to the next patient. When she reached the next bedside, she glanced back to find that Elena had followed her once more.
A quiet joy bloomed in Cassandra’s chest. That the girl had enough strength to wander was a wonderful sign. Not too long ago, Elena had been too weak to even lift her head, and now here she was, moving about with quiet determination.
Cassandra’s heart ached with tenderness as she continued her work, pretending not to notice the small shadow trailing behind her.
Leonora, ever faithful, had also taken up the role of silent follower. The great hound padded softly alongside Elena,watching her every move with keen, intelligent eyes. Cassandra suspected the dog had appointed herself the child’s guardian, just as she had done with Hunter. The sight of them together, both hesitant yet determined, warmed Cassandra in a way she hadn’t expected.
She crouched beside an elderly man, adjusting the bandages on his arm while murmuring soothing words. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Elena inch closer, her little hands clasped in front of her. The girl was watching her intently, studying every movement. Cassandra finished her task and turned, meeting Elena’s curious gaze.
“Would ye like to help, lass?” Cassandra asked gently.
Elena’s eyes widened, and she hesitated for only a moment before nodding. Leonora gave a soft huff, as if approving of this decision. Cassandra handed her small basket of clean cloths, to the girl with a smile.
“Then come,” she said. “Ye can be me little helper.”
Elena stepped forward, her small frame trembling with both excitement and uncertainty. Cassandra reached her hand out to Elena any time she needed a new cloth, and Elena handed it over with eager interest. Leonora kept at their feet, keeping a watchful eye on them both.
As they moved to the next patient, Cassandra’s heart swelled with quiet pride. Elena was healing—not just in body, but inspirit. And for the first time, Cassandra wondered if she, too, was beginning to find her place in Castle McDougal.
Cassandra turned just as Hunter entered the healing hall, his broad frame casting a shadow in the doorway. The moment Elena saw him, she went completely still, her small hands clenching at her sides. Then, without a word, she ran to him, wrapping her thin arms around his waist. Hunter stiffened for only a breath before his arms came around her, holding her close.
For a moment, Cassandra saw something unguarded in his expression—relief, maybe even tenderness. But it was gone just as quickly, replaced by a stern furrow of his brow. He gently pushed Elena back, his hands resting on her small shoulders.
“What are ye doin’ out of bed, lass?” he scolded. “Ye’ve barely got yer strength back.”
Elena looked up at him, her lips pressed into a thin line.
