Page 52 of Trapped By the Wicked Highlander
Cassandra nodded, her throat tight. “Thank ye, Daniel.” She glanced at the coin purse and swallowed hard. “That's all Hunter gave ye to give to me? Payment?"
"Aye, lass. That is all," Daniel said.
Cassandra gulped down the sob that threatened to come out. "Me bag is ready, but I need to find Elena before I go to say goodbye.”
Jessica frowned slightly. “Ye’ve grown quite fond of the wee lass, haven’t ye?”
Cassandra exhaled, trying to keep her voice steady. “Aye, I have.” Her voice cracked on the words, and she clenched her jaw. “I cannae leave without sayin’ goodbye.”
Daniel nodded in understanding. “Go on, then. I'll fetch yer things. We’ll be waitin’ for ye by the stables.”
Cassandra turned and made her way toward the nursery, her heart growing heavier with every step. When she reached the door, she paused, listening to the soft sound of a child’s laughter.
Pushing it open, she found Elena sitting on the floor, giggling as she played with Leonora, the large hound dog. The sight of them together brought a bittersweet ache to her chest.
Elena’s face lit up the moment she saw Cassandra. “Cassandra!” She scrambled to her feet and ran toward her, throwing her arms around her waist. “I’m so glad to see ye!”
Cassandra knelt, wrapping her arms tightly around the child. “And I’m glad to see ye too, wee one.” She smoothed Elena’s hair back, trying to memorize every detail of her sweet face. “But I came to tell ye that it’s time for me to return home to McAllister Castle.”
Elena pulled back, her face falling into a deep pout. “I daenae like that,” she said stubbornly, crossing her arms. “I want ye to stay!”
Cassandra forced a small smile, though her heart ached. “I wish I could, love. But there are people at McAllister who need me healin’ as well.”
Elena’s lip trembled, and she clung to Cassandra’s arm. “Will ye come back?”
Cassandra hesitated, stroking the child’s cheek. “I daenae ken, lass.” The words were painful to say, but she would not lie. “But I’ll always remember ye.”
Elena sniffled but nodded, throwing her arms around Cassandra once more. Cassandra held her tightly, pressing a kiss to her temple. Then, with great effort, she pulled away and stood, forcing herself to step back.
Leonora whined as Cassandra turned toward the door. She hesitated for only a moment before leaving the nursery, her heart breaking with every step she took.
Cassandra walked the dimly lit corridor when a sharp smack and a yelp broke through the quiet. She froze, her body tensing at the sound of distress. Without a second thought, she ran toward the noise, her footsteps echoing off the stone walls. Rounding the corner, her heart dropped when she saw Margaret standing over Heather, the young servant girl kneeling on the floor, her cheek reddened.
Margaret’s hand was still raised in the air, as if she were ready to strike again, but Cassandra's presence made her freeze. The tension in the air was thick as Cassandra’s eyes narrowed with barely contained fury.
“What seems to be the problem that would warrant hittin' the girl?” Cassandra asked, her voice low but filled with cold authority. Her fists clenched at her sides as she stepped forward, not backing down.
Margaret straightened, a sneer crossing her face as she turned her eyes toward Cassandra. “Mind yer business, healer,” she spat, her tone dismissive. “Ye’ve nay place interferin’ with what happens between me and the staff.” The venom in her voice was unmistakable, but Cassandra didn’t flinch, her anger rising further.
“I beg to differ,” Cassandra retorted, her gaze unwavering. “It is me business, as the Laird himself sent me to fetch Heatherto help with me departure. We cannae defy the Laird’s orders, now can we?” Her words were sharp, as she made it clear that she would not stand idly by while someone, especially Margaret, mistreated one of the castle’s people.
Margaret’s face flushed with rage, her nostrils flaring as she gritted her teeth. Then she smiled a brilliant smile.
"Departure did ye say? Oh, then by all means take the girl to help ye and good riddance!" Without another word, she stomped off, her heels echoing down the corridor.
Cassandra stood still for a moment, her heart pounding, as the sound of Margaret’s retreating footsteps faded into the distance. The calm returned to the hallway, but the anger inside Cassandra still simmered.
Cassandra knelt beside Heather, who was slowly rising to her feet, her face pale and shaken. The young girl winced as she touched her cheek, but she quickly tried to hide the pain, forcing a faint smile at Cassandra.
“Ye shouldnae have interfered,” Heather whispered, her voice trembling.
Cassandra shook her head, her expression softening. “Nay one should ever have to endure that, Heather. Nae under any circumstance.” She offered her hand, helping the girl up, her touch gentle yet firm. “Come on now, let’s get ye to the courtyard where ye’ll be safe."
Together, they made their way down the corridor, Cassandra keeping a protective arm around Heather. As they stepped into the bright light of the courtyard, Cassandra scanned the area, her eyes landing on Jessica.
Jessica noticed them approaching, her expression filled with concern. “What happened?” she asked, her voice low but urgent as she stepped forward.
Cassandra glanced over her shoulder, making sure Margaret was nowhere in sight before answering. “Margaret. She struck Heather. The poor girl dinnae deserve it.” Her voice was laced with frustration as she guided Heather toward Jessica.
