behind the main dining table. She hadn’t been in this part of the castle before, and the lower ceiling made her feel a little claustrophobic. The walls were bare, and a lone narrow window stood at the end of the corridor, before they stopped near a door adjacent to it.
The girl gestured to the room, and looking inside, Abby saw Aedan sitting behind a large desk. He was studying some scrolls—one laid out and held open by what looked like smooth rocks.
She entered, but was startled as the door slammed closed. Still, he didn’t acknowledge her presence. Abby narrowed her eyes and looked about the room, instead. The walk to his office had seemed cold and menacing, yet this room was warm and welcoming. Tapestries covered the walls, and being a corner room it housed two windows, allowing plenty of light to enter. A large fire burned in the grate and an assortment of candles sat atop, giving off more light.
The room looked softer compared to the rest of the castle. As this was his domain, did it reflect his personality? She had to concede from what the villagers had said about him he was a fair laird.
“Sit.”
The curt order put to rest the nice thoughts she was having about him. “What’s the magic word?” she taunted, not willing to do what she was told.
“Excuse me?” He did look at her then. Well, maybe look was the wrong word. Glare? Dismiss as an idiot, could come a close second.
Abby would allow him this win. She sat and raised her brows. “Never mind. I don’t expect you to get it.” She paused. “You wanted to see me?”
He studied her a moment, his features unreadable. “I did. I wanted to talk to you about the games next week and what is expected of you. We need ye to be prepared for the questions that will be asked, and ensure you know how to answer them appropriately. I don’t need any trouble brewing between the clans who’ll be meeting here. They’re volatile enough without witchcraft and a time travelling wench making them ill at ease.”
“Wench? Really?” She sighed. “So, what is it you want me to know? Perhaps we ought to start there.”
He pulled out a piece of paper and skimmed it quickly before saying, “You’ll be a family friend from abroad; France, perhaps. That would, at least, explain your strange accent.”
“It’s not strange, it’s American. I thought your sister would’ve explained that to you since she’s the one who brought me here.” Sarcasm laced her tone, and she questioned why he aggravated her so. She wasn’t normally snappy and cross, but he seemed to bring out the worst in her. That he made her nervous, didn’t help. She looked up to him glaring at her again, his piercing green eyes like a beautiful, angry sea.
“I think she may have mentioned that.” He looked back at his paper. “Now—”
“Does your concern over my behavior in front of the clans have anything to do with your sister, Jinny?”
His gaze snapped up. “What do you know of Jinny?”
“Just that she lives away in solitude due to her mistreatment from Clan O’Cain. That they blinded her in some way and threw her away when she was no longer useful.” He regarded her for a moment before leaning back in his chair.
“It will be helpful to keep the visiting clans my allies rather than foes. I’m hoping they’ll stand with me against the O’Cains when the time comes.”
Abby could understand that. She may not like conflict or the outcome it brought with it, but since she also needed many friends in this time, Aedan’s similar need made sense. “I am sorry your sister was treated in such an abhorrent manner and because of it, I can promise I’ll not cause you any harm with the clans. I may not always say or do the right thing, but I’ll try my best.” Abby doubted she’d ever shocked someone more.
“I’ll be grateful to ye, if ye do.” He cleared his throat. “Now, getting back to who ye are in our time, you have no family and know no one here. We’ve never met before your arrival and you’re not married, nor have you ever been. You’re a maiden, and while you’re here, you shall act like all the other young women looking to marry.”
She snorted. “You want me to act like a maiden. Tell me exactly how a maiden acts. Is it different from any other young woman?” Abby