Page 29 of The Ruthless Highlander's Hellion
Nicholas shot her a dry, weary look and muttered, “Readin’ a children’s story was pure agony.” Then, without another word, he strode off down the hall, leaving her to mull over the unexpected scene.
She stood alone, feeling a flush of warmth creep into her cheeks despite herself. There was something undeniably attractiveabout Nicholas when his guard came down, a raw vulnerability beneath the arrogant, brooding surface.
She had noticed that the lines of his strong jaw softened in the flickering candlelight, and the sharp edge in his eyes dimmed just enough to show a glimpse of the man beneath the mask.
Alexandra shook her head quietly, chiding herself?—
He's a brute, even if a fair-lookin’ one. He is me captor and I must remember that.
Her thoughts wandered to the boy asleep in the room behind her and the man who carried him with such care. Perhaps there was hope yet for them both, if only Nicholas could find the strength to let go of his fear and let her go.
Alexandra walked away, heading to her handmaid's door. As she walked, she smiled softly to herself, knowing she’d never admit it to him outright, but seeing that hidden side of Nicholas was like catching a rare, fragile moment of light in a long, dark night. And deep down, despite all her frustrations, that moment was enough to stir something fierce and unexpected within her heart.
Alexandra reached Erica’s door and gave a soft knock, her fingers trembling slightly from the weight of the day. The door swung open, and Erica’s warm smile greeted her like a hearth in winter’s chill.
“Come in, lass,” Erica said, stepping aside to let her enter the cozy room. Alexandra sighed quietly, grateful for the small comfort in this strange, cold place.
"How are ye this evenin’?" Alexandra asked.
"Good as can be in such a strange place, I suppose. I was about to come to your rooms to help ye with getting’ ready for bed," Erica said.
"Aye, I think I am exhausted," Alexandra said.
Together they left Erica's room and walked down the hall to Alexandra's bedchamber.
Erica moved swiftly and expertly, pulling at the heavy layers of Alexandra’s traditional dress and cloak, the stiff fabric that weighed her down like armor.
“Ye’ll nae be wantin’ to be wearin’ this for yer shift, Alexandra,” she said gently, folding the thick skirts with care and setting them aside.
Alexandra watched, a bit embarrassed, as Erica helped her out of the bodice and loosened the laces that pinched at her sides. It was a small kindness, but it made Alexandra feel comforted by her maid, who also happened to be the closest she had to a true friend.
"Erica, thank ye for endurin’ this with me. Ye make me feel as though I'm nae just another prisoner of circumstance in this castle. I can bear it if I have ye with me," Alexandra said.
As Erica handed Alexandra a simpler shift, she said "I am glad to be at yer side," with a smile.
The two women settled by the small fire, the flickering flames casting soft shadows across their faces.
“So, tell me, what’s got ye all knotted up the noo, eh?” Erica asked, her voice a soothing murmur.
Alexandra hesitated, then gave a wry smile. “It’s Nicholas,” she admitted, “He’s a hard man, but there’s somethin’ about him that I cannae seem to shake from me mind.”
Erica nodded knowingly, pouring a cup of warm tea from the kettle. “Aye, he’s nae the easiest man to read. There’s fire in him, and sometimes ye find yersel’ caught in the middle.”
Alexandra wrapped her hands around the cup, feeling the heat seep into her cold fingers. “I should hate him, ye ken? But instead, I’m drawn to him, and it frustrates me to nae be able to walk away.”
Erica chuckled softly, eyes sparkling. “That’s the way of the world sometimes, Alexandra. The ones who vex us most are the ones that can break our hearts or make them dance.” She took a sip of tea and leaned back in her chair. “But ye’ve got to becareful, lass. Men like Nicholas carry burdens darker than most can see, and they can drag ye down with them.”
Alexandra looked down, biting her lip thoughtfully. “I think he’s afraid, ye ken? Of losin’ his son, of hurtin’ the only family he has left.”
She sighed deeply. “I miss me own parents terribly, and I see the way he holds himself back — like he’s protectin’ himself from some danger that I cannae even name.”
Erica reached out and squeezed Alexandra’s hand gently. “Ye deserve more than fear and distance. And as for Charles, well a bairn needs love and time, nae just trainin’ and duty.” Her voice softened with compassion. “And ye... well, ye deserve to be more than a pawn in some cruel game.”
Alexandra’s eyes flickered with gratitude and a quiet resolve. “Thank ye, Erica. It’s hard to keep me head clear with everythin’ shiftin’ around me.”
She stood slowly, feeling lighter despite the tangled mess of emotions still swirling inside her. “I think I’ll try to rest. Tomorrow’s a day full of reckonin’, I fear.”
Erica smiled warmly and stood with her as well, gathering the discarded layers and setting them neatly aside.
