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Flynn satin his study wondering why his mind kept returning to Astrid. It had been two days since they had almost kissed that night, and every time he had seen her since, things had been perfectly fine between them.
It felt as if she was purposefully trying very hard to make sure that things remained platonic. He understood and respected her boundaries for not stepping into a romantic attachment with him, considering the betrothal was fake, but he knew he was still just as attracted to her, and it was apparent she felt the same way.
“Oh, damn it,” he whispered to himself, standing up from his chair.
He knew he needed to step out for some air. He had been cooped up in one position for too long and was probably tired. Hence, his thoughts kept returning to Astrid, which was something he did not wish for.
Flynn stood up and walked out of his study before quickly stepping downstairs when his eyes caught a sudden movement of familiar blonde waves. He watched as Astrid disappeared in the corridor that led to the kitchens, and he wondered if she had given in to the urge and was finally going to meet Joel. Only last night she had begun to compliment Joel’s cooking again, and his grandmother had reminded her to never tell this directly to the old man or else it will go straight to his head.
Although, knowing Astrid, Flynn knew she would tell Joel sooner or later. This was an interaction he wished to see, thus he quickly followed after her towards the kitchens but stopped mid-way when he saw her upturned head facing slightly away from the kitchen doors.
From his vantage point, he could see her and listen to what was happening inside the kitchen. The silence of the room was enough to tell him that it was empty or perhaps hardly anyone was inside.
What is she listening to, then?
Flynn inched closer in order to make sure Astrid did not see him. She had Bannock in her arms, but the cat was extremely quiet too.
“Of course, she isnae fit for the Laird. Have ye even seen her? She has nay beauty, nae at all.” Flynn scrunched his eyebrows as the voice of a woman, who was definitely a maid of his household, reached his ears.
He immediately understood what was happening. It was apparent that Astrid had heard these women talking about her and did not feel right walking inside.
He noticed how her expression was completely unreadable, but her lower lip slightly quivered as she heard the maids talk. Flynn wished for nothing more but to interrupt them right there and then, but he needed to hear a little more to be certain about what the maids were really talking about.
“I believe beauty comes secondary to character anyway. The things I have heard about that lass are extremely scandalous,” another voice added.
“What do ye mean? What have ye heard?”
“We cannae really blame her for this because we all ken how every lass in the O’Donnely clan is just the same. They are all what ye can callloose women.”
“What is it that ye have heard about her, though?”
“She used to go out with several men and would be attending a feast or going to the pub every night to meet them. It is also said that if it were nae for the King’s orders, she loved another man and was planning to run away from her house to marry him, since he wasnae of noble blood.”
“Me goodness, really?”
“Yes! Laird O’Donnely is rather strict when it comes to his daughters, which has turned both of them into these women who are not fit to marry at all.”
“Our laird could have married a good, sweet girl from the clan or from some other noble family. He deserves better,” the first voice said.
“He most certainly does! Having to marry the daughter of yer worst enemy, the man who waged war against yer clan, cannae be easy.”
“Could have been easier if the lass was pretty at least.” The other maid laughed.
“Or cared for him or loved him.”
“Yer absolutely right, she is so cold towards him. Laird MacKie will be the perfect husband for whoever he gets to marry, but look at his sad luck. Having to marry such a useless chit.”
Flynn dug his nails in his palms to keep from lashing out. If it were two men who were gossiping this way about Astrid, he would have made sure they suffered the physical brunt of his anger for saying such unceremoniously unkind things about the woman who was going to be their lady.
Although, since it was two maids, he knew this was not an option. Despite that, every word they had said simply angered him all the more, and he knew he needed to say or do something. He could not stand quietly as anyone abused Astrid in front of him and over clearly false and baseless rumors. He looked at her face once again and could sense she was trying very hard to stay calm and keep her head high.
He couldn’t even imagine what it must feel like to her. She must have never been subjected to such insults. Here he was, trying to make sure that she felt at home in his castle, but his own people disliked her so.
Flynn finally decided he had waited long enough and could not stand to listen to these maids abuse his betrothed any longer. He walked quickly towards the kitchen, and Astrid looked up as his footsteps reached her ears. Her eyes widened at the angry expression on his face, which must have been indication enough to her that he had heard everything.
“Flynn, don’t,” she whispered as he reached the door and stood right in front of her. But instead, he ignored her and walked straight into the kitchen.
“And do ye ken—” The maid stopped mid-sentence as her wide gaze landed on Flynn, and she motioned to her partner to look in the direction of the door.
