Chapter 7

7

E rica stood in the entrance hall, where Hunter left her and his niece. Her gaze raked over the intricately carved wooden beams and the stone walls that echoed with history.

The air was thick with the scent of woodsmoke and something sweet—perhaps honeyed bread. It was a far cry from the vibrant chaos of her family’s home, where laughter and chatter filled every corner. Here, the silence was punctuated only by the occasional bustle of servants and the distant crackling of the fire.

“Are ye all right, Lady MacKinnon?” a small voice broke through her thoughts.

Erica turned to see Lily standing a few feet away, her big, bright eyes studying her with an earnestness that took her by surprise.

“Aye, just gettin’ used to the place—and please call me Aunt Erica,” Erica replied, forcing a smile.

The child looked about the same age as her youngest sister Eileen, but something about Lily felt different. There was a sensibility in her eyes that seemed out of place for her age.

“Aunt Erica, I ken it can feel strange at first,” Lily said, nodding as if she understood exactly how Erica felt. “But it’s home. Uncle Hunter always says it protects us.” She glanced around as if ensuring they were alone before leaning in slightly. “I think it’s a bit grumpy, though. It needs a smile or two.”

Erica couldn’t help but laugh. “Grumpy, ye say? A castle can be grumpy?”

Lily nodded vigorously. “Aye! If the walls could talk, I bet they’d grumble about all the storms and the snow. Sometimes, I think they remember things—like the battles fought long ago. That’s why they’re so quiet.”

Her words were laced with an understanding that made Erica wonder about the child’s life in the castle. “What else do ye think they remember?”

“Och, lots!” Lily’s eyes sparkled, as though she was unveiling a treasure. “They remember when the sun shines and the flowers bloom in spring. I like the flowers best. They make the castle look pretty.”

“Do ye have a favorite flower?” Erica asked, intrigued.

“I like daisies!” Lily exclaimed, her enthusiasm suddenly surfacing. “They remind me of summertime and picnics. And I like how they’re so bright, like little suns on the ground!”

“That’s lovely,” Erica said, warmth blooming in her chest. “Perhaps we can plant some daisies in the gardens.”

Lily’s face lit up, and for a brief moment, she seemed to transform into the young girl she truly was. “Och, aye! I would love that! Uncle Hunter said we could have a garden party soon! I can help ye pick the flowers!”

“A garden party?” Erica repeated, her amusement mingling with curiosity.

When did he have time to tell her that?

“That sounds delightful. Is it for a special occasion?”

Lily shrugged, her expression turning serious once more. “Just a way to have fun. Sometimes we host parties, but nae often enough.”

“I’ll have to make sure that we host parties often then,” Erica declared, her resolve strengthening. “Maybe we can find some games to play?”

Lily looked thoughtful for a moment, tilting her head to the side. “Games? Like what?”

“Like hide and seek, or tag. Somethin’ where we can run and laugh,” Erica suggested, her voice light.

“Runnin’ sounds fun,” Lily murmured, her eyes narrowing slightly in thought. “But I’m nae sure how much I can run. Uncle Hunter says I have to stay safe and nae tire meself out.”

“Safety is important,” Erica agreed, her heart aching at the thought of the girl feeling tired. “But we can find safe ways to have fun. What do ye like to do for fun?”

Lily’s gaze drifted away as if she was searching her mind for the right answer. “I like to read,” she finally admitted. “And I like to help in the kitchens. Sometimes, I sneak in to watch the cooks make pastries. They always smell so good, do ye nae think?”

A pastry sounds good right now. I wonder if they’ll bring up some.

“Aye, they do!” Erica said, her curiosity piqued. “What do ye like to read?” she asked before looking around to call for someone.

Finding the bell pull, she walked over to it and gave it a tug.

“Fairytales,” Lily replied, her eyes sparkling again. “And stories about knights and brave ladies who save the day. They make me feel strong.”

“Ye sound like a strong lady yerself,” Erica commented, giving her a warm smile. “Ye should never forget that.”

“I try nae to,” Lily said, a hint of pride creeping into her voice. “Uncle Hunter always tells me that I’m brave. He says I have to be brave for him since… well, because of what happened.”

Suddenly, someone cleared their throat. It was a young boy. “Aye, Me Lady?”

“Ach, aye—yer name, dear?” Erica asked softly.

The boy straightened, and a light blush crept up his cheeks. “I’m Brian.”

“Brian, please bring up some pastries.”

“Yes, Me Lady. Right away,” the boy said, before taking off at a dead sprint.

Erica turned to Lily, remembering where they had left off before the distraction, and squared her shoulders. “What happened?”

Lily hesitated, her eyes clouding over. “It’s just… I used to have a family, but they arenae here anymore,” she mumbled, her gaze dropping to the stone floor. “Uncle Hunter took me in, but sometimes it feels lonely. I try nae to think about it too much.”

Erica’s heart clenched, and she sensed the weight of the unspoken words. “I’m so sorry, Lily. I cannae imagine how hard that must be. But ye have a family now, with me and Uncle Hunter.”

“Aye, but it’s different,” Lily said, her voice barely above a whisper. “He loves me, but he doesnae talk much. He’s busy with… things.”

Hunter’s name lingered in the air, heavy and charged with tension. Erica glanced toward the hallway where he had disappeared, a fresh pang of concern lancing through her. “He does care for ye. I can see that.”

Lily nodded, her expression resolute yet wistful. “I ken that. He tries hard. But I want to see him smile more. I want him to be happy.”

The sincerity in the child’s words struck Erica deeply. “And ye, too, deserve happiness, Lily. We can find ways to make each other smile.”

Lily beamed, her youthful spirit brightening the dimness of the castle once more. “I would like that, Aunt Erica.”

Erica’s heart swelled with affection for the girl. “Then let’s start by plannin’ that garden party together, shall we? And perhaps we can go down to the kitchen tomorrow and bake some pastries too?”

Lily’s eyes twinkled as she clapped her hands together in delight. “Aye! I’ll teach ye me favorite recipe! It’s for sweet buns, and they’re so fluffy!”

“Ach! Speakin’ of!” Erica said as Brian returned shortly with a tray filled to the brim with pastries.

The two of them moved to the Great Hall, still deep in conversation, their laughter mingling with the faint crackling of the fire.

For the first time since her arrival, Erica felt a glimmer of hope, a sense that maybe, just maybe, she could find her place in this castle, this family.

As the day wore on, they wandered through the castle, exploring its nooks and crannies. Lily spoke about the castle’s history, weaving stories about brave knights who’d fought for their land and ladies who’d outsmarted foes with their cleverness. Erica listened intently, realizing how much the girl had absorbed despite her tender age.

The hours passed slowly, filled with laughter and discovery. Lily showed Erica the library, a dusty room lined with towering shelves filled with leather-bound books, and they spent time flipping through volumes of tales and lore, discovering a shared love for adventure.

“Can we read one together?” Lily asked, her eyes bright with excitement.

“Aye, let’s find a good one,” Erica replied, scanning the titles until she found a tome filled with tales of knights and daring deeds.

They settled into a cozy corner by the window. The sunlight filtered through the glass, casting warm rays across the room. Erica began to read aloud, her voice soft and animated, and she watched as Lily became completely absorbed, hanging onto her every word.

As the sun began to set, painting the sky in hues of pink and gold, the reality of her situation crept back in. She thought of Hunter, the tension that seemed to hover between them, and the undeniable pull she felt whenever he was near.

She shook her head, trying to dispel the thoughts.

“Ye look thoughtful, Aunt Erica,” Lily noted, breaking into her reverie.

“I was just thinkin’ about how much I like this place,” Erica replied, smiling down at the girl. “And about how wonderful it is to spend time with ye.”

Lily beamed, but Erica could see a flicker of concern behind those bright eyes. “Do ye like Uncle Hunter?”

“Aye,” Erica said carefully. “He’s very brave, and I admire him.”

Lily narrowed her eyes slightly as if she were assessing Erica’s sincerity. “But ye’re nae… in love with him, are ye?”

Erica felt her cheeks flush. “Well, it’s a bit complicated, lass. We’ve only just met, after all. There’s much we still need to learn about each other.”

“But he’s yer husband now,” Lily pointed out, her eyebrows knitting together. “Ye should love him. It’s important.”

Silence fell between them, heavy with unspoken truths.

“Ye are right, Lily. It is important. And love can grow in many ways. It’s just that…”

“It’s just that he’s grumpy,” Lily finished for her, a mischievous glint in her eyes.

Erica laughed softly. “Aye, he can be grumpy. But perhaps we can show him how to smile more, just like we discussed.”

Lily nodded vigorously, her enthusiasm returning. “I want to help! I want him to smile, and I want us to be a happy—” She stopped herself before saying ‘family’, but Erica understood.

“Yes, quite happy,” Erica repeated carefully, but she let the unsaid word resonate in her heart.

She wished she could share Lily’s innocence and optimism, but the reality of their situation weighed heavily on her shoulders.

Can we really be a family? I dinnae see how…

As night fell, the castle transformed, shadows creeping into the corners. The hearth in the Great Hall beckoned to them, and the scent of roast meat wafted from the kitchens.

“Come, let’s find some dinner,” Erica said, taking Lily’s hand in her own.

They wandered through the castle, the flickering torches casting dancing shadows on the walls.

The dining table had been set for only two, and Erica expertly led Lily through the various courses. After dinner, as the servants began to clear away the dishes, Erica took Lily to her chambers.

The room was dimly lit, and Erica felt a wave of fatigue wash over her.

“Goodnight, Aunt Erica!” Lily chirped as she pushed the door to her room open. “I’m glad ye’re here!”

“Goodnight, sweet Lily,” Erica replied, smiling as the girl disappeared into her room.

“Me Lady?” she heard Kara call from the shadows of the hallway, and she breathed a sigh of relief.

“Och! Kara, good. I thought I was goin’ to have to navigate this maze by meself.”

“Nay, I’m here now. Follow me,” Kara said proudly and led her mistress to her chambers.

The bath was drawn and the fire was kindled. Her nightgown was laid out on the bed with care.

As Erica lowered herself into the steaming hot water, Kara reappeared with a small tray of pastries and a cup of tea. “Thought ye might want a treat before bed,” she said with a warm smile, setting the tray down on the table in front of the fireplace.

“Thank ye, Kara,” Erica replied gratefully.

Kara hesitated, a hint of concern crossing her features. “Ye’ll be all right tonight, Me Lady? I mean, with him…”

“I… I dinnae ken, to be honest,” Erica admitted, her voice wavering. “I’ve been thinkin’ about it all day.”

“It’s natural to feel anxious,” Kara said, her voice gentle. “He’s a good man, Me Lady. He may seem stern, but he cares deeply for Lily, and he’ll come to care for ye just the same if nae more.”

Erica took a deep breath, trying to steel herself against the rising tide of uncertainty. “I ken he does care for Lily. I can see that. But what if…”

“What if he doesnae want to come to ye?” Kara supplied, her voice laced with understanding. “That’s a worry, right?”

“Aye,” Erica murmured, the thought clinging to her like a shadow as she rested her chin on the edge of the tub. “I cannae help but feel that a part of him is still… distant.”

“And ye want him to come to ye?”

Kara’s question gave her pause.

Do I? What does it mean if I do?

“I just dinnae ken what to expect from him, but I want to be ready if he does.”

“Ye can say nay… ye can also say aye. Ye have to decide what ye want.”

“What if I do and he doesnae come?”

Kara nodded, her gaze softening. “Men like him carry burdens that are often hard to understand. Ye’ll have to be patient, Me Lady.”

“Patient,” Erica echoed, her heart heavy as she rose from the water and pulled the towel from the heated rod to dry herself. “I’ve tried to be patient, but tonight feels so important. What if he never comes?”

“He will,” Kara reassured her. “He may just be tryin’ to find his own way, and the last thing he wants is to pressure ye.”

Erica stepped out of the tub before she picked up the cup of tea and took a sip. The warmth of the brew spread through her, but she couldn’t shake the trepidation that hung in the air.

“Thank ye, Kara. I suppose I just have to prepare meself for whatever comes,” she said, her voice trembling slightly.

“Exactly,” Kara replied with a nod before turning to leave. “And dinnae forget that ye have Miss Lily and that ye have a place here. Focus on that, for now.”

Erica managed a small smile, her heart swelling with gratitude for the young girl who had brightened her day. “Aye, I’ll try.”

As the evening wore on, the castle settled into a tranquil silence. The flickering candlelight cast gentle shadows on the walls, and Erica felt her eyelids grow heavy. She lay back against her pillows, her mind a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions.

Yet, as sleep began to pull her under, the uncertainty of the night loomed large. Hunter had yet to come to claim her, and a profound sense of solitude seeped into the corners of her heart.

With a final thought of young Lily’s bright smile and the promise of laughter in their future, Erica surrendered to the embrace of sleep, the weight of the day lifting as she drifted into dreams.