Page 37 of Tempted By a Highland Beast
“Come,” he said, gesturing toward the bailey. “There’s more tae see.”
Outside, his men were finishing their morning training, and Rowena found herself studying their movements with professional interest. Several nodded respectfully as they passed, and she noticed how they looked at Constantine, not with fear, but with genuine admiration.
“They seem devoted tae ye,” she observed.
“Most followed me here. Loyalty built on shared blood runs deeper than loyalty bought with coins.” Constantine’s tone was matter-of-fact.
“And the others?”
He glanced at younger men training with wooden swords. “Clan MacLean born and bred. Still deciding whether tae trust the bastard their laird acknowledged.”
“Are ye concerned?”
“Nay. They’ll come around.”
They climbed to the outer walls, where guards kept watch over rolling hills dotted with cottages, fields prepared for winter, the dark line of forest in the distance.
“‘Tis beautiful,” Rowena said softly, meaning it.
“Aye.” But when she glanced at Constantine, he was watching her face rather than the landscape. “What dae ye see when ye look out there?”
The answer came without hesitation. “Good land, hard-working people, natural defenses.” She pointed toward cottages near thetree line. “Though those homes are vulnerable. If raiders came from the forest, the families would have little warning.”
Constantine moved closer, and she caught his scent again—leather and steel, masculine. “I’ve been planning a watchtower there. Clear back some forest, position it for heightened visibility.”
A sort of pride flooded through her that he’d already considered the problem. “That would work well. The horn could reach both the village and castle from that position.”
“Mmm.” His voice held approval that made her flush with pleasure.
She turned slowly, studying the vista. “The road curves too close tae the ravine. One bad storm could wash it out.”
“Aye, it could. We’ve been fortunate so far, but a solution is currently in the works.” Constantine leaned against the battlements, still watching her. “Anything else catch yer eye?”
Rowena hesitated, then gestured toward the distant mill. “Would it be more efficient tae have grain processing closer tae the castle? The distance seems... impractical.”
“It daes, daesnae it? The mill’s been there since me grandfather’s time from what I’ve ken. But ye’re right, we waste time and effort in transport.”
“I didnae mean tae criticize?—”
“Ye didnae. Ye offered a practical observation.” He straightened, moving closer until she had to tilt her head back to meet his eyes. “Tell me, lass, would ye really want tae spend yer days thinking about mill placement and watchtowers?”
The question caught her off guard. “Instead of what?”
“Whatever it is other ladies dae with their time.”
She laughed despite herself. “What dae ye think other ladies dae?”
“Embroidery? Music? Gossiping about servants?” His mouth quirked upward, and she realized Constantine MacLean had a devastating smile when he chose to use it.
“Some dae, aye. But those are ladies who’ve never had tae keep their people alive.”
Constantine frowned at her. “What dae ye mean?”
The pain was still sharp, even after all this time. “After me maither died and me faither remarried, everything started falling apart. Me stepmaither was too gentle, too trusting. I had tae learn tae manage or watch our people suffer.”
“And I’m sure ye did a great job, lass. In the past hour ye’ve identified problems and offered solutions that hadnae occurred tae me. Ye’ve shown respect tae the servants while understanding their work. Ye’ve demonstrated interest in every aspect of running an estate.”
Something like hope unfurled in her chest. Maybe this alliance could be more than just survival. Maybe Constantine truly understood what she had to offer. She met his gaze directly, feeling suddenly brave. “I’d nae be content tae become ornamental here”
