Chapter 7
The following day, Katie was still troubled by the previous night’s events.
She found solace in the soft light filtering through the windows of the guest room, casting gentle patterns on the stone walls.
The quiet of the castle was a stark contrast to the chaotic emotions she had been wrestling with.
She wanted to embrace the beauty of Scotland, but the constraints of her situation made it difficult.
She had spent the night dreaming of the lush countryside, of rolling green hills and mist-shrouded valleys.
The natural beauty surrounding the castle, the rugged landscape stretching out in all directions, was breathtaking.
It was a land of contrasts—majestic mountains, serene lochs, and ancient woodlands, all bathed in the golden hues of the morning sun.
Despite the grandeur, she felt trapped within the confines of the castle and its obligations.
Her dreams were also haunted by images of Aiden—his bright eyes, lustful gazes, and hands that roamed over every inch of her flesh.
She had dreamed of his lips trailing across her collarbone and her chest, and the thought of his tongue teasing her breasts sent shivers down her spine.
He’d been in her dreams nearly every night since they’d met, and they had slowly turned from distress to pure pleasure.
That morning, she woke up surrounded by his scent, tingling from head to toe as she remembered the way his fingers had kneaded and massaged her most sensitive parts, the way he’d nipped and growled.
The way her body had responded to every overwhelming sensation had made her cheeks flush long after she’d awoken.
When Griselda appeared, offering her kindness and understanding, Katie felt a glimmer of hope.
“If ye wish to find some solace,” Griselda said, her tone gentle, “please feel free to use me study. Ye may have all the privacy and materials ye require. We have many good books and volumes. Me husband was an avid reader, even if he didnae seem so.”
Katie’s heart warmed at the gesture. She then remembered Leah’s letter that Aiden had given her. It included Leah’s latest book and Katie wanted to read it, to provide feedback and to find some comfort and small joys in admiring her friend’s hard work.
“Thank you, Lady Griselda. That is exceedingly kind of you. I would love to use your study.”
“Wonderful, me dear. Come…”
After grabbing her copy of Leah’s book, Katie followed Griselda to a small study near the main hall.
The room was quaint and filled with warm light.
It had a large wooden desk with a plush chair, an array of writing supplies artfully arranged on the desk, and a small window that overlooked a beautiful garden.
The scent of blooming flowers wafted through the air, mingling with the scent of fresh ink and paper.
Katie sat at the desk, feeling a mix of relief and gratitude.
She took a deep breath and began to read, eager to enjoy the fruits of Leah’s labor.
She didn’t know how long she had been reading, but she’d devoured the book, unable to put it down until she’d read the final page with a wide smile on her face.
It was brilliant, beautifully written, and captured the imagination of any romantic.
Katie felt a rush of pride for her friend and immediately decided to write her a letter, the flickering sunlight fading as she lit some candles.
It was a while later, after writing to Leah about her book and being in Scotland with Aiden, that she left the study to find something to eat.
When she emerged from the study, the scent of roasting meat and cooked bread embraced her as she made her way to the hall. When she reached the narrow stairwell, she ran directly into someone and tried to apologize.
When she realized it was Aiden, she stepped back, waiting for him to pass. When he didn’t and stood firm and unspeaking, she ran out of patience. She walked past Aiden, slipping down the thin staircase and as far away from him as possible.
The wonderful world of romance, love, and excitement seemed very far from her reality, but she wanted to linger in it as long as possible.
Aiden hadn’t expected a warm greeting from Katie, since she’d been subtly avoiding him the whole day. However, as she passed him in the hall, her direct snub had been icy and scathing.
Where had she been all day? With who? She wasnae in her chambers earlier…
Aiden watched as she emerged into the hall below, interacting with the castle staff and soldiers. The beast inside his chest roared when he glimpsed the swell of her breasts and listened to her laughter ringing like a bell throughout the castle.
Aiden watched, stunned, her friendly demeanor earning smiles and praise. However, the soldier she had been speaking to had become a little too friendly, causing the ache in his chest to grow.
He descended the stairs quickly, his eyes immediately landing on her. The soldier was being sociable, and she was smiling, but the situation did not sit well with him. She didn’t offer him such a smile.
“Oh, I’ve not seen enough of the castle grounds,” she chimed in, and the soldier’s eyes widened in shock. “But I’d like to.”
“I could escort ye, Me Lady. There is a beautiful rose garden, a large park nearby, and of course the forest and hills of the huntin’ grounds.”
“Oh, I’d love that.” She nodded. “But first, I must eat. I’ve been occupied all day.”
“I’m sure they will bring ye some food, Me Lady,” the soldier assured her, still not noticing Aiden. “Shall I fetch one of the maids?”
“Please,” she said. “And after, you can escort me through the grounds…”
Aiden emerged from the shadows, his presence commanding immediate attention. “I will show me betrothed around,” he stated, his voice firm and uncompromising.
“Aye, Me Laird,” the soldier responded, nodding in understanding. “I’ll fetch the kitchen maid.”
“Go, we’ll sup together.”
Katie shot Aiden a withering glare as the soldier retreated to the kitchens. She didn’t speak—she simply turned away from him and took her seat at one of the nearest tables.
“Yer place is there,” he said, pointing at the high table.
“I’m comfortable here, My Laird.”
“Where have ye been all day?” he asked stubbornly, sitting across from her.
“In the castle,” she responded, glancing over her shoulder at the kitchen entrance.
“Where?”
“Does it matter? I was busy.”
“With who?”
“Just leave me alone. I’ve had an excellent day, and I don’t need you to ruin it.”
Aiden went silent, stewing in his anger as the maid entered the hall with a large tray of food and drink.
Katie was kind to the woman, thanking her before she ate silently.
The maid returned to the kitchen, and Aiden sat picking at his food, sipping the strong ale and wondering what Katie was hiding from him.
As he glanced at her, desire and annoyance swirled in his chest. Her supple skin, lush lips, and heaving chest caught his eye every time. He hated being so desperate for her, and he resented the power she had over him—a power to which she was oblivious.
Aiden waited impatiently as she ate. He’d never seen a woman eat more slowly. It was only when she set down her utensils and finished her ale that he stood up, firmly meeting her eyes.
“Come, I’ll show ye the grounds.”
Without waiting for a response, he turned on his heel and headed toward the castle’s entrance. He wanted her attention, her laughter, and most importantly, he wanted her to stop hating him.
Aiden and Katie walked side by side through the castle’s lush grounds, inhaling the crisp, invigorating Scottish air and admiring the expansive landscape that stretched out before them. The loch, a serene expanse of shimmering blue, glistened under the early evening sun.
As they approached the loch, Aiden glanced at Katie, who seemed genuinely fascinated by the beauty around her.
“’Tis one of me favorite spots,” he said, softening his voice. “’Tis where I come to clear me mind.”
Katie took a deep breath, savoring the fresh, earthy scent of the surrounding woods that Aiden loved so well. “It’s beautiful. I can see why you like it here.”
Aiden shrugged, trying to maintain his usual stoic demeanor without making her bristle. “Aye, ‘tis peaceful. Sometimes I need that. The sea can be as tumultuous as a ceilidh.”
Katie turned to him, curious. “I’ve always enjoyed them. They’re lively and fun.”
“Aye,” he replied with a hint of a smile. “’Tis a traditional dance event that can be amusing and spirited. I spent many years at sea, away from the noise and crowds. Those gatherings arenae me favorite.”
Katie raised an eyebrow. “But surely you must have enjoyed them once?”
“Nay,” Aiden said, shaking his head. “Too many people, too much fuss. I feel more at ease when I’m alone or with a small group. The sea… ‘tis a different kind of freedom.”
They walked along the edge of the loch, the water sparkling in the fading sunlight.
Katie’s curiosity was piqued. “What was it like, being at sea?”
Aiden’s gaze softened as he looked out over the water. “’Tis hard to describe. There’s a vastness to it, a feelin’ of being small against its grandness. The sea doesnae judge—it just is. When ye’re swimmin’ in it, ye can let go of everythin’ that’s weighin’ ye down. ‘Tis freeing.”
Katie listened intently, her thoughts wandering to the romanticized idea of a life at sea, far from the constraints she felt now. “That sounds… wonderful. Being so connected to nature in that way is something I’ve never experienced.”
Aiden glanced at her, noticing the wistful look in her eyes. “’Tis nae all romantic, lass. There’s danger and hardship, too. But ‘tis a part of me.”
Katie nodded in understanding. “I can see that. I’ve always dreamed of exploring new places, seeing the world beyond what I know.”
“Sometimes life doesnae go as planned,” Aiden said. “Sometimes ye have to fight for what ye want.”
Katie smiled up at him, and he was somewhat surprised by her response. “Thank you, Aiden. I’m trying to make the best of it. Maybe this loch is one of those unexpected joys.”
Aiden gave a small, approving nod. “Aye, mayhap it is.”
An awkward silence settled between them as they continued their walk. He glanced down at her and noticed that she was smiling again, just admiring the nature around them. It was a subtle, contented smile, and it made him feel proud, almost gleeful that he’d been there to witness it.
As they neared a secluded spot on the loch’s edge, Aiden stopped and turned to Katie. He had a mad idea, something he didn’t think she’d agree to, but it could be the exact thing they both needed to relax, and it would perhaps give them a fresh start.
“Do ye want to go for a swim? The water’s cold, but ‘tis refreshing.”
Katie’s eyes widened with surprise. “A swim?”