“Well, in this case, Lily, it is ye who willnae stop bleeding, nae him.”
The words struck her as her eyes fell on the folded green dress, which shone rather faintly. She wanted to argue and defend herself, but the words would not come.
Because deep down, she knew Brigid was right.
Brigid gave her hand a small squeeze. “He loves ye. I saw it the moment he walked into the hall. Times have changed, andhehas changed. Ye need only let go of the fear that holds ye back.”
Lily nodded, as it was the only thing she could do at that moment.
Brigid then turned to the tray before them, her eyes lighting up. “I need to eat this before it grows cold.”
Lily shook her head, laughter soft on her lips. But when Brigid turned away to pour them both water, Lily’s gaze fell once more on the dress. She traced the silk with her eyes and felt the truth settling inside her.
Her sister was right; she was the one who would not stop bleeding.
And she was not sure how much longer she could keep it up.
Later that evening, Lily stepped out of the bath, feeling fresher and more relaxed. She stepped into her chamber and tried to help Daisy, who was making her bed.
The maid, however, refused to let her do anything more than fluff a pillow. Lily laughed at the gesture but decided to do as much as she could anyway.
“What will ye wear for tomorrow night?” Daisy asked as she tugged the last sheet tight.
Lily glanced toward the small wooden box near the chest. “Me dress is in there.”
Daisy followed her gaze and let out a soft laugh.
“Ye daenae approve?” Lily asked, arching an eyebrow.
Daisy gave a smile. “Me opinion isnae worth much, me Lady. I am only glad ye willnae wear another of those ugly gowns. If ye attended the cèilidh wearing one of them, I think half the hall would weep.”
Lily laughed, shaking her head. “Daenae worry. I daenae hate Alasdair so much that I would do that to him.”
Her laughter died down, and she looked out the window. The night sky was clear, and the way the stars spread above like shiny pearls made her breath hitch. She was used to seeing this almostevery night, but for some reason, she felt even more drawn to it. Like she wanted to see more than her windows would let her.
“Would ye like something to eat before ye sleep?” Daisy asked behind her.
“Nay. I am nae hungry. The stars are quite bright tonight, would ye nae say?”
Daisy tilted her head. “Do ye wish to go up to the tower? The view there is the best in the whole castle.”
“Aye, I will. I want to see them properly.”
“Shall I come with ye?”
Lily shook her head. “Nay, it is fine. I willnae be long.”
Daisy nodded once and grabbed the rest of her dresses that needed washing before leaving the room.
Lily put on one of her gowns and gave herself a last look in the mirror. When she stepped out, the passageway was completely dark. There was nothing to be seen except the occasional sconce on the wall.
She exhaled and made her way up the stairs anyway, her heart pounding in her chest for some reason. She was only going to look at the stars. So why did she feel like a thief in the night?
When she reached the top, she pushed open the heavy door. The cold air hit her at once. The stars seemed close enough to touch.
Then, she froze.
Alasdair was already there, leaning against the wall, his shoulders broad in the dim light. For a moment, she thought of turning back, but his voice reached her.
