Page 66 of The Highlander Steals a Virgin
And then, a flicker of doubt.
Should I stay?
Could I?
If her faither sent word for her now, she was even more unconvinced that she would obey his wishes and leave. She was unconvinced that her life was leading her back to Murdoch Keep.
Nina arrived shortly after she finished the food and tea that Rhys had brought her. After dressing and discussing different areas for her to explore that day, Nina was pointing her down the corridor and speaking directions at her back as Amara set off.
She found her way to a small library, down to the kitchens, and through the inner bailey before she ventured out into the late morning sun.
The storm that raged through the night had left behind dew on every blade of grass and the scent of wet stone.
She wandered quietly, hands clasped before her, letting the breeze tease at the edge of her gown. She looked over her shoulder to see if she was being followed by Myles or William, not only once, but twice, and found she was truly alone and free to explore as she wished.
Amara smiled to herself.
It felt strange to walk freely. A few O’Donnell clansmen passed her by and nodded, and while it wasn’t quite with warmth, it was with civility. No one scowled. None muttered insults under their breaths.
Progress, mayhap?
She reached the edge of the stables just as a high-pitched giggle tore through the morning air.
Amara smiled instantly.
There, in the field before her, was Daisy. With outstretched arms and trotting next to a red pony in a wide circle.
The stablemaster watched them from a safe distance, arms folded, eyes half-exasperated.
“Faster, Cherry!” the young girl shouted, a hint of impatience lacing the demand.
The pony tossed its mane and broke into a light canter at the girl’s order, and Daisy ran to keep pace for just a moment before she stumbled in the soft grass. She rolled dramatically before bursting into a fit of laughter.
The stablemaster sighed, “Mind yer footin', lassie.”
Amara moved closer, staying near the fence post. “That’s a mighty fine trick, Daisy,” she called.
Daisy turned, spotted her, and beamed. “Lady Amara! Look! I’m training her like Uncle Finn showed me!”
“I can see that,” Amara said with a grin. “And do ye always throw yerself to the ground after ye’ve gotten yer way? Or is it just with ponies?”
Daisy giggled again and trotted over to the fence. Her cheeks were flushed from the wind, hair was wild and tangled, knees grass-stained. “ItoldCherry she had to work harder today, but she’s been so lazy!”
Amara leaned on the fence. “Well, perhaps Miss Cherry has just been enjoyin’ her peace and ye have come in with yer demands… overwhelmin' her.”
“Da says peace is important, but so is bein’ ready! So…” Daisy’s eyes fell to the ground before meeting Amara’s gaze once more. “So, how do I stop overwhelmin’ her then, but still get me way?”
“Well, I think yer papa is very wise. I’m a firm believer that carrots will help.”
The stablemaster pointed into the stable and Daisy’s face lit up and she started her run toward the entryway, but not before she skidded to a halt and turned to face Amara once more. “Thank ye! I’ll see ye at supper, Lady Amara!”
“Aye, I’ll be there,” she said softly, and waved at the girl before she turned and disappeared into the dark stables.
Amara nodded at the stablemaster once, and turned away from the field. Her shawl fluttering wildly behind her as the sun climbed higher.
The path behind the stables sloped gently downward, curving past old stone walls and the outer gardens that Nina had pointed her toward when she was giving her directions that morning.
Amara had meant only to follow it a short while, just enough to stretch her legs after speaking with Daisy, but something about the air urged her onward.
