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“Why did ye get so quiet, Astrid?” Daphne asked, and Astrid looked up at the question, realizing that the smile was wiped away from her face. “Are ye all right?
Astrid once again plastered a smile on her face. “Oh, yes, I was just thinking how ye have such a beautiful castle here, and I still have nae seen most of it.”
“Well, me dear lass, it is because ye didnae give us a chance to show it to ye. I promise ye, I will show it to ye meself, or Flynn will,” Laila replied, pointing towards the silent man, who was seated beside Astrid.
Astrid had been so involved in her dinner and conversing with the rest of the family that she had completely forgotten that Flynn was there too. It was not as if he was making his presence known, though. He was more silent than she had ever seen him, but perhaps it was simply because they were with his family, and he certainly could not argue with her before them. She did not entirely mind the dynamics of their relationship, but she wondered if they would ever be able to have a cordial relationship with one another.
“I am sure Flynn will show it to me,” she said, turning to look at her betrothed, even if their betrothal was just for a little while.
Her heart jumped as she noticed how handsome he was even when dressed simply in his leine and kilt, which were made from a dyed fabric of his house colors. She wondered if he always dressed this simply. For some reason, she was certain he did. The man had no semblance of flamboyance attached to him, and this made him even more appealing in her eyes.
“If I get the time, I will,” he replied gruffly, his words sterner than Astrid had expected them to be. He must have realized his tone too, for he immediately softened. “Or else, Daphne or Grandmother can show it to ye. There isnae much to see, anyway.”
Astrid cut the meat on her plate and put it in her mouth as she chewed slowly, unsure if Flynn’s words granted a reply. It was strange how she knew nothing about the man and his nature and had only ever interacted with him a few times, and each time they had been at odds with one another. Except for that one night in that ceilidh…
She wished she could kiss him again.
She did not know what he was thinking, but she certainly wished to find out. She wished to know him well enough to know what was going through his head just by looking at his face. However, she knew it was impossible. The relationship between them was nothing more than a façade, and it would remain that way.
“Dinnae be such a rude host, Flynn. She is yer betrothed after all, and it is yer duty to make sure she has seen the home she is living in,” Laila scolded Flynn, and Astrid wondered if this was a usual occurrence.
The Flynn she had come to know emanated strength and masculine energy. He was a leader in the very sense of the word, and his staying quiet while someone scolded him was something Astrid simply could not have imagined.
Although, when he stayed quiet and did not reply to his grandmother, it was enough indication for Astrid to know that she had been right. If there was someone in the world whom Flynn would listen to, it was Laila. This warmed Astrid’s heart even more, for it showed her a more human, almost soft side of Flynn which he shared with his family.
Astrid wondered if he would ever share it with her, but she felt as if she already knew the answer to that.
“I am sure Flynn is very busy,” she said shortly, not wishing for the discussion to propel forward.
She did not know if he was acting cold towards her purposefully, but she knew that seeking his time and attention was something she would never lower herself to. She was his equal in all respects and was perfectly capable of looking after herself, especially when everyone else at the castle was being kind and courteous towards her.
“He will learn to make time eventually. I will make sure of that meself,” Laila said, her words stressed.
Astrid smiled to herself, knowing that Flynn’s grandmother had her ways of making sure that the people around her listened to her in all regards.
“But, Astrid, Flynn is right. There is more to see in the lands of the clan than at the castle. The scenery here is quite beautiful,” Billy added, turning the direction of the conversation to favor Flynn.
“Really?” Astrid asked. She had always been much closer to nature than those around her and enjoyed her time walking about her lands. For the past three days, being trapped in her chambers had been rather depressing for her, since she missed her daily walks at night with Bannock. “I am counting on ye to take me on a walk to see that, Billy. Perhaps Daphne and yer children will be available for that as well?”
“It will be our pleasure,” the large man replied with a grin, looking to his wife, who nodded and smiled softly at him.
This reminded Astrid of how different his nature was from his looks. Billy was the perfect representation of a strong man being soft at heart, and she could understand what Daphne must have seen in him.
The rest of dinner passed similarly, with Laila and Daphne telling Astrid about everything she might find interesting in the castle or outside. Astrid could not have ever imagined that in just a matter of a few days, she would begin to feel at home at Flynn’s castle. It was evident how everyone was trying their best to make her feel at ease and give her a sense of comfort that she had been certain would not exist before she had come here.
Flynn was the only one who was refusing to interact with her directly, and the tension in his shoulders was enough to tell her that he was worried about something or was perhaps simply worried about her getting closer to his family. After all, it was still a fake betrothal, and Astrid was not here to form lasting bonds. Despite that, she knew the people who were making genuine efforts for her to be comfortable around them deserved genuine efforts from her end too.
“Daphne, are ye going to yer kids now?” Laila asked as soon as dinner was over and servants began to clear away the plates.
“I believe so. Will ye come with me, Billy?” Daphne asked her husband, a sweet smile on her face.
Astrid wondered if she would ever share a relationship based on such pure love with anyone. She knew it was rather impossible, but hope was all she had.
“Do ye need me for something, Me Laird, or should I go?” Billy asked Flynn, standing up from his chair.
“Flynn is going to have a glass of whiskey with me, Billy. I am certain he needs ye for nothing at this late hour,” Laila replied for Flynn, and Astrid once again turned to look at the Laird.
“Ye can go, Billy. I will meet with ye in the morning.” Flynn nodded, standing up too.
