Page 58 of Ruined By the Ruthless Highlander
His expression faltered before shifting into something she’d only ever seen in her imagination. He burst into laughter for the first time ever.
Marian froze, and so did Lilly and Finn.
For a moment, Lachlan did not look like the Laird who could not help but challenge her, corner her, and test her at every turn. He looked lighter. Younger, even.
Her brow furrowed as she watched him try to force his laughter away.
What has happened to him?
CHAPTER TWENTY
Marian woke up late the following morning, her entire body sore from the activities of the previous day. She drew a deep breath as she sat up in bed, her hands pressed slightly against her lower back.
Good heavens.
Sunlight streamed softly into her chamber, casting a warm glow over the foot of her bed.
“Thank goodness,” she whispered, slipping out of bed to enjoy the warmth of the morning sun.
She stood by the window for a moment before going to take a bath, humming a quiet song as the warm water caressed her body.
The Highlands were unforgiving and harsh, but after the last challenge, she knew that she would not let anything break her. Especially not on a day as beautiful as this.
She went downstairs for breakfast, savoring the hearty broth that Mrs. MacBride had prepared for her. The woman had put extra effort into the meal, and it showed, satiating her before she’d even finished it.
Marian had barely finished her breakfast when Lachlan appeared in the doorway, his mere presence cracking the semblance of peace she had just started to enjoy.
He folded his arms across his chest and cleared his throat, as though he’d been waiting hours for her. His face was set in a deep frown, and it looked as though he did not possess the ability to smile. Yet, he had laughed in the field the previous day.
Or had I dreamed it?
Marian wiped her hands with a napkin and then rose from the table, her chin lifting as she approached him.
“Mairi.”
“My Laird.” She curtsied. “To what do I owe this pleasure?”
His gaze swept over her briefly before he spoke again.
“Come,” he said simply.
Marian blinked. “That is all?” she asked, not moving. “No horns to summon me this time?”
“Daenae tempt me.” A faint smirk touched his lips before he turned on his heel and headed down the corridor.
Marian followed quietly, her mind combing through different possibilities of what might be happening. After yesterday’s challenge, she was hesitant to find out, but she finally asked Lachlan just as they turned a corner.
“Where are we going?”
Lachlan did not slow down. “There’s somethin’ ye need to learn.”
Marian’s eyebrows knitted together. Somehow, the answer unsettled her more than she had expected.
Marian did not know what to expect.
The food store was located at the back of the castle, nestled between the enormous stone walls and the castle’s supply sheds. Its entrance was obscure, such that she would never have found it if she had come looking on her own. It did not have a proper door or guards. Instead, a narrow passage led toward it, partially hidden behind stacked barrels and worn wooden crates.
She followed Lachlan closely as they passed through the narrow passage, finally arriving at the main store. She looked around for a moment, fascinated by the arrangement and structure.
