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“About finding a way to end the betrothal without angering the King?” Billy asked seriously, and Flynn nodded.
The prospect of ending the betrothal seemed dim to the Laird, as he realized how some part of him did not want it to end at all. Although, he quickly shook his head to rid himself of such thoughts.
“Yes.”
“I have been thinking, Me Laird, but doing anything too soon would be an indication that it was all stage since the start, and I think we should wait for a little while before progressing with it.”
Flynn knew Billy was right.
“Just keep thinking. I know Astrid’s father will be after me life to make sure the betrothal ends as soon as possible, and I dinnae want to argue with him over this. The sooner we get done with this, the sooner we will have peace again.”
“Ye dinnae have peace right now?” Billy asked, and Flynn was shocked for a second at the question. He couldn’t deny that he was rather at peace and quite happy with Astrid’s presence at the castle, but she was not here to stay, and he needed to keep reminding himself of that.
“I have always had peace, Billy,” Flynn replied offhandedly. “It’s about having peace in the clan as well.”
“Understood, Me Laird.”
Flynn watched as Billy stood there for a few seconds and finally turned around to leave, knowing he had been dismissed. Although, just as Billy had taken two steps back, he turned around to look at Flynn again and walked closer to the desk before sitting down in one of the chairs.
“What is the matter?” Flynn asked, “Do ye have to say something?”
“Aye.”
“I am listening.”
“Are ye developing feelings for her?” Billy asked hesitantly, and Flynn knew he should have expected such a question.
“I dinnae ken,” Flynn answered honestly, wishing he knew the answer to this.
“I think ye are,” Billy commented, and Flynn suddenly felt as if he did not know anything. He knew he needed to simply stick to the fact that the betrothal was fake and that he was not supposed to develop real feelings towards Astrid.
“Is that such a bad thing?” Flynn asked instead, not denying Billy’s observation.
“It could be, but I pray it works for ye. Although, I would suggest ye be careful, Me Laird. That’s it.”
* * *
The lush green trees looked much brighter as the sun shone over them directly, illuminating the entire garden. Astrid smiled as she walked barefoot on the slightly dewy grass, since it was still rather early in the morning. When Laila had asked her what she wished to see first for her tour of the castle, she had chosen to see the gardens, for nature always fascinated her.
As she walked under the crimson shade of the castle, the flowers spread around in vines all over the castle made everything seem more magical. It felt as if she was walking inside a fairytale right in the heart of Eden. Astrid knew she would be taking walks out here every day, since it was both beautiful and calming.
“Do ye like the gardens?” Laila asked her, and Astrid turned to look at the old woman, dressed in black, beside her.
“I do. I think they are the most beautiful thing about the castle,” Astrid replied honestly as Laila laughed.
“Ye haven’t even seen all of what’s inside yet,” the old woman said, and Astrid knew she was right.
“It is true. But, who cares? I have always been a lover of nature.”
Laila simply shook her head with a smile but did not reply as they continued walking. As Astrid looked at her, she wondered what was going on inside Laila’s head and what she must have been thinking when she had left Astrid and Flynn alone last night. Astrid had the distinct feeling that Laila wished for these two to somehow get closer in romantic aspects, despite knowing that the betrothal was fake.
Astrid did not know if she could even blame Laila or if it was something she herself did not wish for. Every moment she had spent with Flynn was a moment she came to cherish later. Even last night, when the two of them had been almost about to kiss, Astrid knew a part of her had wished for nothing more than to feel his lips on hers again. Although, she knew it might have complicated things between them, which was something she did not wish for. Despite that, it did not end the confusion in her mind.
“Astrid, are ye lost?” Laila’s voice kicked her out of her reverie and forced her to return to the present.
“I am right here,” Astrid said quickly, not wishing to appear dimwitted or lost.
“Should we go inside now?” Laila asked, pointing towards the castle gates.
