Chapter 16
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
Arianna sat upon the cushioned stool near her window, the small bunny nestled in her lap as she fed it bits of carrot. Sunlight streamed through the glass, warming the chamber and catching in the creature’s soft fur. She stroked its ears absently, her thoughts drifting.
It's been two days since Ian took me to the woods, and the final outing must be soon. Am I ready? Ian has nae said a word about the next outing, or much at all.
It made her stomach twist with restless nerves.
“Ye daenae ken what awaits me, do ye?” she murmured under her breath. She sighed softly, watching the bunny’s nose twitch.
The creature only continued chewing, blissfully unaware of human bargains and promises. Arianna pressed her lips together, her pulse quickening at the thought of what she must soon give.
A firm knock sounded at her chamber door, startling her from her reverie. Before she could answer, the latch turned and Ian stepped inside with easy authority.
He closed the door behind him and regarded her with quiet amusement.
“And how is the fierce beast this mornin’?” he asked lightly.
She arched a brow, adjusting the bunny in her arms. “It’s fine, as ye can plainly see,” she replied. “I think I shall take it into the garden, let it lie in the sun, and nibble the grass.”
Ian nodded thoughtfully. “A spoiled creature already.”
She gave him a pointed look. “It is well cared for, nae spoiled.”
He stepped closer, glancing down at the rabbit. “Aye, well, I cannae fault kindness.” Then his expression shifted, turning more purposeful. “Prepare yerself, Arianna. Our third outing will be tomorrow.”
Her head snapped up. “Tomorrow?” she echoed, her voice rising. “So soon? We’ve just had one.”
“The timin’ isnae up to me,” he replied evenly. “A travelin’ troupe has arrived in the village. They’ll perform but a few days before movin’ on.”
Her eyes widened, the nerves momentarily replaced by excitement. “A troupe?” she breathed. “I havenae seen one since I was a bairn.”
Ian’s mouth curved faintly at her reaction. “Then this shall delight ye, even if it is so soon.”
She searched his face, noting the mischievous glint in his eye.
“Ye look as though ye’re plottin’ somethin’,” she said cautiously.
He only shrugged. “I always am.”
With that, he inclined his head and turned toward the door. “Be ready at after breakfast,” he added before slipping out.
Arianna remained still long after he had gone, the bunny forgotten in her lap. Tomorrow would be the third outing. And after that, she would be bound to uphold her end of the agreement, a thought that filled her with equal parts dread and longing.
The next morning dawned bright and restless, and Arianna stood in front of her mirror while Melissa laced her gown with careful hands.
“Hold still, me lady,” Melissa murmured, tugging the laces firm. “If ye keep twistin’ so, I’ll never have it straight.”
“I am holdin’ still,” Arianna insisted, though her fingers fidgeted in the silk at her waist. “It’s only…” She hesitated, catching Melissa’s knowing look in the mirror. “Nothing.”
Melissa’s lips curved in a soft smile. “Aye, I ken well what yer thinking.”
“Ye do?” Arianna was confused.
“Aye, yer nervous about spending time with yer husband.” She tied off the laces neatly and smoothed the fabric down Arianna’s back. “Ye look beautiful.”
Arianna exhaled slowly. “Right of course. Me nerves are restless.”
Melissa stepped around to face her, adjusting a loose curl near her temple. “Are ye afraid of him still?”
“Nay,” Arianna answered at once, the word firm and certain. “That’s what troubles me.”
Melissa laughed quietly. “Then ye’ve nothin’ to fear.” She clasped Arianna’s hands gently. “Flynn says the laird has been near insufferable these past days, stridin’ about as though the walls were closin’ in.”
Arianna blinked. “He has?”
Melissa nodded. “Aye. A man can only be so patient, and this man seems to enjoy yer company.”
Heat crept into Arianna’s cheeks. “Melissa,” she whispered, mortified.
Melissa only grinned. “Go on with ye. Let the man look at ye and be struck speechless.”
Arianna left her chamber with her heart pounding and crossed into the courtyard. To her surprise, a polished carriage waited at the gates, its dark wood gleaming in the sun. Ian stood beside it, dressed in deep green, his posture straight and commanding.
She slowed her steps, confusion flickering across her face. “A carriage?” she asked as she approached. “Have the horses offended ye?”
Ian’s mouth curved faintly as he offered her his hand. “Nay. But this is our final outing.” His voice lowered slightly. “I’d have ye comfortable.”
Her breath caught at the weight beneath his words. Comfortable for what would follow was what he meant, and she understood perfectly. She placed her gloved hand in his and allowed him to help her inside, her cheeks warming despite the breeze.
“Ye didnae need to do this,” she murmured once they were seated opposite one another.
He shrugged lightly. “Perhaps I wished to.”
The carriage lurched into motion, wheels rumbling over the stone road. Arianna stared out the window, watching the castle shrink behind them. She did not trust her voice, nor the fluttering storm in her chest.
Ian studied her quietly. “Are ye displeased?” he asked at last.
She shook her head quickly. “Nay.”
“Then what troubles ye?” he asked.
She kept her gaze fixed on the passing hills. “I daenae ken what to think,” she admitted.
“Ye neednae think so hard, Arianna.”
She glanced at him briefly. “Easy for ye to say.”
“Aye, perhaps.” He did not push further, and for that she was grateful.
Soon, the carriage entered the village, and the air changed at once. Laughter and music drifted through the open window, mingled with the scent of roasted meats and sweet pastries. Villagers filled the streets, their faces bright with excitement.
Colorful banners hung between cottages, fluttering in the breeze. Children darted through the crowd, their cheeks flushed and eyes wide. The square ahead teemed with life.
The carriage slowed and finally stopped near the edge of the village green. Ian stepped down first and turned to help her, his hand firm and steady.
“Come,” he said quietly.
Arianna stepped onto the packed earth and looked around in wonder. “Oh,” she breathed. “It’s grand.”
At the center of the square, the travelling troupe had erected small stages and tents striped in bold reds and golds.
A juggler tossed bright wooden pins high into the air, drawing cheers from a ring of children.
Nearby, a fire twirler sent a plume of flame skyward, gasps rising from the watching crowd.
Arianna clasped her hands together. “Ian, look!” she exclaimed, pointing toward a group of card players performing quick tricks. A jester in motley skipped between them, bells chiming at his ankles as he bowed dramatically to giggling children.
Ian watched her more than the spectacle. “I thought it might please ye,” he said.
She turned to him, eyes shining. “It does.”
A troupe of musicians struck up a lively tune, fiddles and drums filling the square with rhythm. A pair of acrobats flipped and twisted upon a small platform, landing with graceful precision. The villagers clapped and whistled, their earlier labors forgotten.
A child tugged at Arianna’s sleeve, pointing toward a painted wagon where a fortune teller beckoned dramatically. “She says she can see the future,” the child whispered in awe.
Arianna laughed softly. “I think I prefer to discover mine as it comes.”
Ian arched a brow. “A wise choice.” She smiled at him, her earlier nerves easing beneath the bright sun and shared delight.
They wandered slowly through the square, pausing at each display. Ian purchased a honeyed pastry from a vendor and handed it to her without comment.
“Ye’re spoilin’ me,” she teased.
“Aye,” he replied easily. “I am.”
She took a bite, sweetness melting on her tongue, and felt laughter bubble up unbidden.
A fire dancer spun in widening circles, flames tracing brilliant arcs against the daylight. The heat brushed Arianna’s cheeks as she watched, enthralled.
“They’re fearless,” she murmured.
Ian’s gaze shifted to her. “Fear can be mastered,” he said quietly. She met his eyes, understanding flickering between them.
A troupe leader called for volunteers from the crowd, and children scrambled forward eagerly. The square rang with applause and joyful noise. For a moment, Arianna forgot everything but the bright wonder of the day.
Yet beneath her excitement, the awareness remained. This was the third outing. When the laughter faded and they returned to the castle, there would be no more delays.
She felt Ian’s hand find hers amid the crowd, his fingers lacing gently through her own.
“Are ye glad we came?” he asked softly.
“Aye,” she answered, squeezing his hand. “Very glad.” And though her heart beat fast with anticipation of what lay ahead, she did not pull away.
A thin man in a deep purple cloak appeared before them as though conjured from the very air. He bowed low, sweeping his hat in a grand arc.
“Me lord, me lady,” he declared in a voice rich with drama, “might I offer a moment of wonder?”
Before Ian could answer, the man flicked his wrist and produced a bright yellow flower from his sleeve.
Arianna gasped and clapped her hands together. “How did ye…?” she began, laughing as he placed the bloom into her palm.
The magician winked. “Trade secrets, me lady.”
Ian narrowed his eyes slightly, though amusement tugged at his mouth. “If ye’ve rabbits hid in that cloak, I warn ye, me wife is fond of them and will take them from ye.”
The magician chuckled. “Nay, sir, only illusions.”
He snapped his fingers, and a small coin seemed to vanish from behind Ian’s ear. Arianna laughed outright, the sound light and unguarded.
“He’s robbed ye in broad daylight,” she teased.
Ian gave the magician a measured look. “Return what ye’ve taken, or I’ll have the guard search yer sleeves.” With a flourish, the coin reappeared between the man’s fingers, and he bowed once more before slipping into the crowd.
A loud horn blast cut through the chatter of the square, and a tall woman in bright red stepped atop a wooden crate.
“Gather round!” she called. “The play shall begin shortly!”
Ian gently touched Arianna’s elbow. “Come,” he said. He guided her toward a simple wooden bench set before a painted wagon that had been transformed into a stage with draped cloth and lanterns.
They sat side by side, knees nearly brushing. Children crowded at the front, settling cross-legged on the ground, their faces alight with anticipation. Arianna leaned forward eagerly, clutching the flower still in her hand.
The play began with a flourish of music as a young man dressed as a wandering knight strode onto the stage.
He boasted loudly of his bravery, declaring he would slay a fearsome dragon that had plagued the land.
Arianna smiled as the “dragon” appeared moments later, clearly another actor beneath a painted cloth, smoke puffing from a small hidden pot.
The knight stumbled comically at first, dropping his wooden sword and tripping over his own boots. The children roared with laughter, and Arianna covered her mouth to hide her grin.
“He’s nae much of a hero,” she whispered.
“Give him time,” Ian murmured beside her. “All heroes begin as brutes.”
The play shifted when a clever village girl entered the stage, scolding the knight for his foolish pride. She spoke boldly, hands on her hips, telling him courage meant wit as much as strength. Arianna’s eyes brightened at that.
“I like her,” she said softly.
“Aye,” Ian replied. “She’s the clever one, like ye.”
The knight and the girl worked together to trick the dragon, luring it with a fake treasure chest and binding it with ropes while it roared dramatically.
The crowd cheered as the dragon fell, defeated not by brute force but by cunning teamwork.
Arianna clapped enthusiastically, caught fully in the tale.
When the knight offered the girl a place at his side, she demanded equal standing rather than praise alone. The line drew murmurs of approval from the villagers watching. Arianna felt a small thrill at the boldness of it.
“She kens her worth,” she said quietly.
Ian glanced at her. “As do ye.”
She felt his gaze linger, and her pulse quickened. “I am still learnin’,” she admitted.
The final scene ended with music and dancing, the knight and girl sharing a triumphant bow as the dragon stumbled offstage in mock defeat.
The square erupted in applause and whistles.
Arianna rose slightly from the bench, clapping until her palms tingled. “That was wonderful,” she breathed.
Ian stood beside her, a faint smile softening his usually stern expression.
“Ye were lost in it,” he observed.
She turned to him, eyes shining. “For a moment, I forgot everything.”
“And now?” he asked quietly.
She hesitated, then met his gaze steadily. “Now I remember,” she said, though her voice held no fear.
The actors began mingling with the crowd, children rushing forward to touch the dragon’s painted scales.
Arianna watched them with a tender smile. “It’s good,” she murmured, “to have laughter in the village.”
“Aye,” Ian agreed. His hand found hers once more, steady and warm.
She looked down at their joined hands and felt coins in them.
“What's this?” she asked.
“Go ahead and pay those actors for their fine job. It will mean much coming from Lady McGuire,” he said.
She felt warmth move through her, and she immediately went to the actors and placed coins in their hats. They bowed with gratitude.
The crowd slowly thinned, though the warmth of the performance still hummed in Arianna’s chest. She moved back to Ian's side and held the yellow flower beneath her nose and breathed in its faint sweetness. “’Tis a simple thing,” she murmured, “yet it feels like treasure.”
Ian watched her closely. “Ye deserve treasures far finer than that,” he said.
She arched a brow. “And will ye conjure them from yer sleeve as well?”
“If that magician will teach me, mayhap.” His hand remained wrapped around hers, steady and possessive, and she felt the weight of it in more ways than one.
She thought of the clever girl in the play, bold and unafraid to demand her place. “Do ye think folk truly change so easily?” she asked. “From brute to hero?”
Ian’s thumb brushed lightly across her knuckles. “Nay easily,” he replied. “But with the right reason, aye.”
She swallowed, sensing more beneath his words than he openly spoke.
I must not trust him yet. For there might be more I am not seeing, just as in the play, people hide their truth behind a mask… or an eyepatch.