Chapter 9

CHAPTER 9

As the gates creaked open, Leona's eyes widened in awe as the carriage rolled through, drawn by two stunning black mares. She watched alongside Maisie, who was holding her hand so tightly that she wondered if there would be any feeling left in it afterward.

She knew who it was from the carriage alone, but that did not stop her excitement. Leona watched as a servant opened the door, and then the woman stepped out. Her blonde hair was pinned up in a fashionable way, showing off her slender neck and the intelligence of her expression. Leona stared; confusion faded into a sudden gasp of astonishment. "Isobel?"

It had only been two or three years since she had seen her dear friend, but the skinny, awkward-looking girl had blossomed into a stunning woman. Isobel Wilson smiled. Her large, doe-like brown eyes seemed to glimmer.

Leona turned and rushed at Isobel, hugging her close. She stood taller, not quite as tall as Maisie, but still much taller than Leona. Isobel wrapped her arms around her, holding her tight for a moment before pulling away. "I am yer gift," she laughed. "I jest, we have somethin' else planned, but I am the main one—and the best one, of course."

"Ye both are the best things I could hope for," Leona grinned.

Locking arms, the three turned towards the castle. There was no doubt in her mind that this night would be yet another sleepless one. As they walked towards the large wooden doors, Leona caught a quick glimpse of Caelan.

He stood far back, watching with a half-smile on his face. He had known about this as well and had kept it from her. Leona mouthed a word of thanks before turning to her friends, laughing along with them.

They spent the evening sharing stories, books they had read, and bottles of wine. The night was young, and the three had no intention of sleeping any time soon.

Leona sat at the fireplace, holding her own bottle as they sang. No doubt they were loud enough to rumble throughout the castle, but no one would dare to stop them, and even if they did, it would be vain.

"I am sorry," Maisie said in a solemn tone. She turned to Leona, her eyes pleading as she sniffled.

"Sorry for what?"

Maisie, holding her own bottle, motioned around Leona's chambers and sighed with a flourish. "'Tis m'fault that yer here, and everythin' has changed so much. It was all because of that silly wee note."

"I blame Shakespeare," Leona snorted.

Isobel, who sat poised and prim at the small table, eyed them both while shaking her head. "It's truly nae one of his best works, ye ken? I've had men say much more romantic phrases in passin' than that line."

Leona thought about how Caelan had recited it, how the words had flowed so perfectly. Her face turned a shade of crimson, more red than the sweet drink she took another sip from.

She composed herself and turned to Maisie, a seriousness overtook her that seemed almost comical. "Me dear sister-to-be, if ye dinnae send it, I would have married a man I dinnae want." Her voice was wobbly, and she giggled.

Isobel tilted her head, her eyes narrowing. "Are ye sayin' ye have a man ye want, then?"

Just when she felt her color returning to normal, she flushed some more. Leona nearly spat out her wine as the words washed over her.

"Do ye care for him, Leo?" Maisie asked wide-eyed.

Isobel, sensing Leona's hesitation to answer, raised her glass. "He is, from a logical standpoint, a good match. And forgive me, both of ye, but he's a fine specimen of the male species– which is a rare thing."

Laughter erupted from them all.

"Aye, ye're nae wrong," Leona admitted. "But he's still a mystery."

The soft, almost golden glow of the afternoon sun streamed through the window of the study. Leona sat comfortably in one of the plush chairs, her attention completely owned by the pages of the book held close to her face.

Leona had not planned on reading the book that Caelan had plucked from the shelf for her. In fact, she had moments where she had considered throwing it at him instead. Once she opened it, though, she was unable to steer herself away, and the words consumed her entirely.

Shakespeare's prose danced across the parchment. The story so far was enthralling, and she was engrossed in the relationship between Katharina and Petruchio, even though she had some strong objections. She wondered what Caelan's choice meant. He didn't think he could tame her , did he?

Beside her, seated in their own similar chairs, Maisie and Isobel were buried deep in their own books. The only sound was the quiet rustling of pages turning, which was absolutely perfect. Leona enjoyed this more than anything.

The words on the page blurred into vivid scenes within her mind, and Leona couldn't help but smile at the wit and cleverness of the characters.

The peace of the study was interrupted by the door opening suddenly, and all three women looked up. Caelan stepped into the room, a look of shock registering on his face as his eyes fell on them. His gaze drifted from one to the other before settling on her. He raised a brow in question. "What is this now?"

Maisie sighed. "Go away, brother. We are busy and daenae–"

"Do I need to remind ye that this is my study, Maisie?"

Leona tilted her head to the side, smirking. "Our agreement?"

A moment of confusion washed over him but was soon replaced with an understanding. He sighed, obviously knowing when to admit defeat. Caelan moved to his desk, took a seat, and then immediately began to sort through some paperwork.

Why did he have to come here?

Returning to the pages in hand, Leona kept her eyes trained on The Taming of the Shrew, but something was different this time. The words did not leap from the parchment-like they had a few moments ago. Instead, it seemed as if her mind was pulling and dragging her focus away.

Letting her eyes flash from the book to the man sitting at the other end of the room, she watched as Caelan was focused on the work before him. She couldn't help but admit that even now, he was somehow still disarmingly handsome.

As if reading her thoughts, his eyes rose to meet hers before drifting down to the book in her hands. A sly, knowing smile spread like a fire across his face, and he winked at her.

Leona bit back the urge to curse at him. He was enjoying this far too much but didn't need to be so damn obvious. She gripped the book in between her hands; truly holding it so tight was the only way to keep her from chucking it at his head.

"What are ye smilin' at?" Maisie said, giving her brother an incredulous look. She did nothing to mask her annoyance at his presence.

Caelan's eyes found Leona's again. "Oh, just read somethin' funny."

"Why don't ye go read something funny elsewhere?" Maisie said in a sticky-sweet voice. Her bright eyes landed on him, a smile painted on her lips.

"I have a better idea," Caelan said, standing from his seat.

Leona watched with a furrowed brow as he moved across the floor to the door. Good, he is finally leaving. He stood there, his eyes falling on Leona before turning his focus to Isobel and Maisie. "Ladies, leave us."

No, no, no.

"Are ye bein' serious, Caelan?" Maisie snapped, closing her book.

"Aye, very. Get out," he said to Maisie before turning his gaze to Isobel. "Please."

Isobel did not protest, though she did give a sideways glance to Leona as she stood. Maisie followed after her, turning to face her brother with what Leona could only guess was a less-than-pleased expression. As the two moved for the door, they looked back at her, seeming to almost hover.

"It is fine," Leona sighed, waving lazily. "I will find ye both after."

She watched as her friends left, leaving her alone with Caelan.

"Are ye enjoyin' the book?"

She met his question with a raised brow. "Are ye done tryin' to embarrass me yet?"

Ignoring her retort, he stepped towards where she was still seated. Her heart fluttered as he grew closer and closer until he was stopped at her toes. Leona tilted her chin, looking up at him.

"Close yer eyes, Leona."

She hesitated for a moment, a mixture of excitement and nervousness welling up within her. Leona frowned, about to ask why, but based on the look he gave her, she simply obeyed. She closed her eyes and held her breath.

Was he planning on kissing her?

"Give me yer hand," his voice was sultry and smooth.

Reluctantly, Leona held up her hand towards him, confusion washing over her like a tidal wave. A current passed through her when his hand took hers. There was a tenderness to the rough fingertips. Then, something small and cold was placed on her palm.

One by one, Caelan closed her fingers around the object.

With her curiosity piqued, she opened her eyes. Their gazes met, and she found herself breathless. Slowly, she turned her focus to her hand and tilted her head to the side. The key was small but intricate, and the handle was delicate swirls and patterns.

"What is it for?" she asked, her eyes rising to find his again.

Caelan smirked. "To me bed chambers so ye daenae need to—"

He stopped himself, seeing the look on Leona's unimpressed face.

"'Tis the key to the study," he said.

The weight of his words settled upon her, enveloping her like a heavy blanket. Leona could not stop the smile from spreading across her face and did not try to. She closed her fingers around the key and held her fist against her chest. "Caelan, I daenae ken what to say."

"A thank ye will suffice," he smiled. "But…"

"But?"

He bent back down, again face-to-face with her. Leona was taken aback by this and felt herself stiffen. Caelan leaned closer still until his mouth was dangerously close to her own. "I would also accept a kiss as a token of thanks."

Leona wanted to kiss him.

She pushed herself forward, letting her lips brush gently against his at first. But with the key in hand and her heart beating like a drum in her chest, she deepened the kiss and melted against him. Her arms came around his neck while his hands reached at her hips and pulled her even closer together. She was losing herself in the way his strong body felt against her own, and the way his tongue was exploring her mouth was -

Caelan was the one to pull away, which seemed to surprise them both. "All right, lass. Ye had best leave now," he said, stepping back from her.

Leona looked up at him. "Why give me a key just to send me away?"

"I am sendin' ye away for yer own good, lass."

Leona frowned. "For me own good or yers?"

He raised a brow. "Daenae tempt me, Leona."

The way he said her name made her stomach roll and float; she wanted to hear him say it again and again. Leona stood from her seat, setting the key on the side table next to her book. "What if I wish to?"

"Wish to?"

What on earth am I even saying? Leona swallowed, immediately regretting her words as his eyes bore into her. She had been brave for a moment but now felt like retreating, hiding from him, and wallowing in her own foolishness. She knew why he was telling her to go; she wasn't so dim to pretend not to notice it. So, why did she feel the need to challenge him?

Caelan turned his gaze away. "Go now before I change me mind."

Leona knew what would be on her mind all day.