Chapter 13

CHAPTER 13

M ae woke early to take a leisurely stroll across the castle grounds, soaking in the breathtaking view of the sunrise. The air was crisp, carrying the scent of dew-kissed grass and blooming wildflowers. Birds welcomed the day with their melodious songs, their tunes dancing in harmony with the awakening nature.

There was a hum of activity as the castle staff went about their morning duties. They'd been up and at it for a few hours it seemed, from all of the activity. Mae observed them, each going about their tasks with purpose and determination. A pang of yearning tugged at her heart as she realized she didn't have any real work to occupy her time. She longed for a sense of purpose to fill her days. Well, a purpose that didn't involve babysitting Brian's stupid drunken behavior.

She thought back to her life before coming here and all of the plans she'd made. How hard she'd worked to get her degree and become a licensed therapist. And it was all just gone now. All that work she'd put in. All the plans she put into motion to start her life fresh. Gone with a single cab ride into the past.

Lost in her thoughts, Mae continued her walk, the dirt pathway leading her to a small garden nestled within the castle's outer walls. A sense of tranquility washed over her, offering a brief respite from her inner turmoil as she gazed upon the blooms.

Just as she was about to retreat from the garden, she heard Niall calling to her. His tall figure emerged from the kitchen doorway. A smile lit up his face, his eyes reflecting the warmth of the rising sun.

"Mae," he greeted her, a charming lilt to his words. "I see you've discovered our wee flower garden."

Mae turned to face him, her heart fluttering at the sight of him. "Niall," she replied, "I didn't expect to see you here."

He approached her, his footsteps light yet purposeful. "Did you not, lass? He looked left and right, as though making sure they were alone, and then leaned in and said, "I was hoping for some alone time with you without prying eyes. When I noticed you out here, I thought I'd best join you."

Mae felt her cheeks heat at the look he was giving her. "I'm glad you did. I must confess I was feeling a bit at odds before you came out here."

Niall reached out to gently cup her cheek. "You've been feeling under the weather?"

"No, not that, just not, well… useful, I guess. I feel like I've lost my purpose. Back home I was supposed to be a starting this brand new life. I was going to be a therapist and help people, but now… well."

Niall wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her close. "Lass, you have been very useful. You have brought me joy every day since you've come here. I know tis nae the same as it twas in your world and you're struggling to find your place here, but trust me when I say you are helping people. You are not just helping me, but all of the Donald clan with this Campbell problem."

Her eyes welled up with emotion as her heart felt full to bursting. "Thank you, Niall," she whispered. "You always seem to know exactly what to say."

He leaned in, his lips brushing against hers in a tender caress. "Tis easy with you, lass."

A moment later, a voice called out, "Niall, Cam is looking for you," from the doorway of the kitchens. Niall sighed. "I must go. Shall I see you later?"

Mae nodded and watched him return. She followed him at a slower pace, deciding that she wanted to make herself useful in more than just helping with the Campbell problem. Mae entered the kitchens, the savory aromas of breakfast wafting through the air. She rolled up her sleeves, ready to lend a hand. Mira was overseeing the staff who were all busy at various stations around the room.

Mae approached her with a friendly smile. "Morning, Mira! Mind if I lend a hand in here?"

Mira glanced at Mae, her worn apron stained with flour. "Aye, Miss, you can chop some of these vegetables. Mind you, they're to be finely sliced."

Mae grabbed a knife and a cutting board, focusing on the task at hand. As she chopped the vibrant vegetables, she marveled at their freshness. "Mira, what are these?"

"Neeps, Miss." Mira looked at the vegetable Mae was holding up.

"It looks almost like turnip," Mae said softly, turning it over in her hands.

"Oh, aye, Lady Jen says that's the name she knows them by. Called them turnips, she did."

"The ones we had back home had purple tops to them, they weren't all white. I wonder what other differences I'll find here." She smiled over her shoulder at Mira. "Is this all of the vegetables?" she asked, glancing at the basket of peas, beans, turnips and cabbage.

"Aye, tis all that grows in our garden. The soil isnae good for much else. We sometimes can get exotic vegetables from travelers, but nae often."

"Exotic?" Mae asked as she chopped.

"Oh, aye, carrots, leeks, parsnips and artichokes. Oh, the delicious smells and flavors we'll have when we have those." Mira closed her eyes, and a small smile touched her lips.

Mae shook her head as she thought about how readily available all of those were in her world. Mira would be in heaven, she thought with amusement, but she didn't share. While many here knew that she and Jen had come from a different time and place, they didn't really understand it and often thought they were witches, so it was sometimes best not to bring it up.

"Mind you, twill be a bit before we get a traveler willing to part with such treasure for a decent price."

Curious about how the money worked here, Mae asked, "What do these travelers ask for a bunch of carrots?"

"Carrots they ask a right fortune, an' they get it too. A whole Scottish merk, though, I'm sure seeing as you're new to us, you'd know that as thirteen shillings four pence. Could pay nine days of wages with that," Mira said with a sigh. "But oh the joy everyone has when we do manage to come across them makes it worth it."

Mae paused in her chopping and looked over at Mira. "Nine days of wages? For carrots?" Now she really didn't want to share how easily and readily available they were in the twenty-first century.

"Tis a king's ransom, I agree," Mira said.

As they continued to work, Mae couldn't help but admire how amazing everything smelled and tasted with such few ingredients to work with here. While she chopped the turnips and cabbage, another woman shelled peas and snapped the ends off of green beans. Mira got to work making dough for the bread and then putting it into one of the stone ovens. Over the fire a large pot simmered putting off a mouthwatering scent.

Mae had always taken food for granted. After today, she wouldn't any more. The work these women put into making meals for the near hundred people of the castle was nothing short of miraculous and they did it twice a day, for the morning and evening meal. Lunch wasn't really a full meal, but they did have a light repast of cheese, bread and meats available for those who wanted it. Mae doubted there would be enough time in the day for the women to cook a mid-day meal like they did for breakfast and dinner.

Later in the afternoon, after chopping all the vegetables for the evening meal, Mae made her way to the stables, the scent of hay and horses filling the air. She stepped inside, her eyes adjusting to the dim light that filtered through the small wooden windows in the various stalls.

She was looking for Niall and had been told she could find him grooming his horse. He had her back to her when she approached, as he stroked the reddish brown coat of his horse with a brush. "Hey, Niall, there you are." She couldn't stop the smile that grew on her lips as he turned to look at her.

"Good afternoon, lass," he greeted, a broad grin on his face.

"Looks like you're keeping busy with your horse." She reached a hand out and stroked the beast's neck.

Niall chuckled. "Aye, he's a fine creature and needs a great deal of attention and care. I was happy to have a moment to see to him." Niall looked around the stables and then lowered his voice to a husky whisper, "The problem child as you've dubbed him, is having a wee sparing match with a few of the others so I could have a break from watching him. Which also means, now that you're here, we've got a wee moment alone."."

Mae's smile brightened, her eyes gleaming with anticipation. "Finally," she replied. "I was hoping to steal some time with you." Her eyes strayed to the giant horse sticking its nose between them and her grin grew teasing. "Though I don't think we're as alone as we think. This beast still wants our attention." She ran her hand over the sleek softness of its coat.

Niall leaned against the stall door, his gaze locked on Mae. "Aye, Captain does like his attention, but he's had enough for now." He set the brush down and grabbed a feed bag that was full of oats and put it in front of the horse. "Now he'll be occupied, and I can have you all to myself." He winked as he turned back to her.

Mae stepped forward a bit, entering his personal space. "I like the sound of that. Especially coming from you."

"Is that so, lass?" His grin turned roguish as he reached for her, pulling her into his chest. He leaned down and kissed her, stealing her breath away for a few moments.

Mae was breathing hard, and her toes curled as she stared up at him. "You make me feel like I'm on a great adventure every time we're together."

Niall's smile widened as he drew his hand up to gently touch Mae's cheek. "A grand adventure, indeed," he murmured. "And you, lass, make me feel as though every day is magical." He kissed her again, but the moment was shattered a few minutes later by the one person they both despised.

Brian sauntered toward them, his voice dripping with arrogance. "Well, well, what do we have here, then? The lovebirds enjoying a moment of privacy?" he sneered, his eyes fixated on Mae. "Don't you worry, lass. I'll make sure to give you both some entertainment."

Niall's jaw clenched, his fists tightening at his sides. "Brian, mind your manners," he warned through gritted teeth. "I'll nae be treated as your lackey."

Brian laughed cruelly, his words laced with disdain. "Trying to play the noble knight, are you, Niall? We all know your intentions toward the lass are no different than mine—just a quick tumble in the hay."

The air grew tense and Mae felt her temper rise, her eyes blazing with determination. "You have no right to speak about Niall that way," she retorted. "His intentions and mine are no business of yours. And as for your intentions toward me, well, in your dreams maybe."

Niall's anger flared too, because his voice was low and seething with fury as he stepped in front of Mae, blocking her from Brian's view. "You know nothing of my intentions, Brian. Nothing about me, and nothing about Mae. Your words hold no weight here. I suggest you leave before you truly provoke me."

Brian's laughter echoed through the stables, his mockery cutting through the air. "Oh, the mighty guardsman, showing off for the wee little lassie. Just remember, you're not the only one who desires her. And unlike you, I am nae afraid to take what I want."

Mae stepped forward, her voice firm and resolute. "If you think for one moment that you can do what you want when it comes to me, then you are sadly mistaken." Her fingers clenched into fists, ready to fight him should he even attempt to come near her. The idea that he desired her gave her the icks and sent a shiver of disgust down her back.

Tension crackled between the three of them. Mae glanced at Niall and met his steely gaze. He looked how she felt. Angry and ready to throttle the disgusting toad of a man before them.

Brian on the other hand, laughed. "I like a bit of spirit in my women. You'll do fine." With that, he sauntered off, out of the stables.

Mae was seething. The gall of that man. "I can't stand that creep," she muttered.

"I'm sorry you have to be around him, lass. He shouldnae speak to you in such a manner."

Mae flipped her gaze up to him and her anger gentled as she stared at him. "You aren't to blame Niall, though I think it might be best if we spend less time together." She put a hand on his arm and stared up at him. "Not because I don't want to, but because it's your duty to watch him and me being with you just makes him worse." She frowned, wishing there was a way that they could be together, but not seeing a way.

"I understand, lass, I do. I fear for your safety when he is near. I donnae trust the bastard, nor myself when he says such things." His hands clenched at his sides and a look of ire crossed his face for a moment and then gentled as he stared down at her. Slowly his shoulders relaxed, and his fingers unfurled from their clench, and he raised his hand to her cheek. "I care about you, lass. I donnae know what I would do if'n he hurt you."

Mae felt a well of emotion building in her chest, ready to burst forth at his words. "I care about you too."

"We'll find a way to handle him and then we can be together when we want. For now, perhaps you'd best return to the safety of the castle. Donnae be alone where he might corner you. Not that I shall be giving him a chance to do so, but t'would be safer for you to be indoors."

Mae covered his hand on her cheek with her own as she nodded. "Okay, but I'm not as fragile as you might think. I know how to take care of myself from the likes of him, you don't have to worry." She smiled as she drew his hand down and intwined her fingers with his for a moment. "We'll find a way," she murmured, feeling the growing affection she had for him and knew he was worth whatever risks they would face.