Page 74 of A Wife for the Highland Villain
A maid stopped nearby and tilted her head. “Me Lady, is everything all right?”
“Aye,” Lily replied quickly, straightening. “It is fine. Carry on with yer work.”
The maid nodded and turned away, and Lily let out a quiet sigh. Without the roots, she could not make the brews. She reached for another basket and slung it over her arm.
There was no need to head into the woods today. She had seen the very same roots growing in the garden on the far side of the castle the day before, and she would gather them there. She exhaled as she made her way out of the hall and stepped into the sunlight.
She waited for a moment to feel the fresh air on her face, gripping the basket as hard as she could. The weather had been kind to them this week, and she was immensely grateful for that. Who knew how many men could get complications from the cold?
She shrugged and crossed the courtyard and toward the stables, behind which the garden was located.
One of the stable boys spotted her and quickly bowed his head. “Good afternoon, me Lady.”
“Afternoon, Joshua,” Lily greeted warmly. “How is yer neck today?”
The boy reached behind him to rub the spot just under his collar. “Much better than yesterday,” he answered with a grin. “Ye truly are a magician, me Lady. In another world, I think ye might be one.”
Lily laughed, shaking her head. “Nay, just a healer. But remember, Joshua. Daenae put weight on it while ye sleep. Rest on yer back if ye can manage it.”
He nodded eagerly. “Aye, I will. Thank ye again. Is there anything I can help ye with?”
She studied him for a moment, amused by his eagerness. “Do ye ken the root that grows low with a red stem and pale leaves?”
Joshua frowned and shook his head. “Nay, me Lady. I fear I daenae.”
“Then I am afraid ye cannae help me,” Lily teased, though her smile softened the words. “Carry on with yer work.”
“Aye, me Lady,” he said again with a grin, before turning back to the stables.
Lily continued toward the garden. The air was different in this part of the castle. It wasn’t as stuffy or as filled with groans. The quiet around her slowed her thoughts, and soon, she began digging out the roots. Hopefully, she would have enough this time to ensure better treatment.
Then she heard it. The clash of steel against steel.
She froze, her brow creasing. Another clang followed, louder this time, echoing off the stone walls. Curiosity pulled her forward. She rose and walked around the edge of the castle, the sound guiding her steps.
And then she saw him.
Alasdair.
He stood in the training yard, shirtless, his sword flashing in his hand. He moved with pure precision and poise, the kind she only saw in powerful warriors. A question gnawed at her as she watched him move, his skin glistening in the sun.
Since when could he do that? Since when could he move and fight like that?
Sweat rolled down his back and disappeared into the worn waistband of his leather pants. The sight made her throat go dry.
She swallowed hard, unable to look away. The way his muscles rippled with every movement stirred something fierce in her chest. For one wild moment, she imagined running her hands down his slick skin, tracing his arms, feeling the heat of him.
She shook her head quickly, but her eyes betrayed her. He stopped for a second to stretch his bandaged arm, and the muscle flexed beneath the cloth. Her knees felt weak, and she pressed the basket tighter against her hip, her breath caught in her throat.
“Me Lady?”
The voice behind her made her jump.
She spun around, her hand to her chest. Daisy stood there with a sealed letter in her hand and a bright smile on her face.
“Christ, Daisy, ye frightened me,” Lily gasped.
Daisy’s eyes widened. “Forgive me, me Lady. Is everything all right?”
