Chapter Two: Flourish

Siannon walked the cobblestone path from Asha’s cave on the cliffs above the sea back to her castle—Dylan’s castle, which he named Dylan’s Treasure, where they shared their lives together for 34 years. Dylan had spent his life adding to the castle, and although its beauty filled visitors with awe and wonder, it served as a knife across her soul, opening the wound of his loss that had yet to heal.

She walked through dark corridors and narrow staircases up to her quarters, confident she wouldn’t encounter any of the castle’s staff. Siannon maintained her official duties as kira, but beyond that, she made it clear she wanted to be left alone.

She slept in the bedroom that belonged to Erik, their oldest son, who married a Scottish girl and was now a Thane in the Highlands. Dylan passed away in their bed, and after he was buried, she moved her things out and bolted the doors.

Someone had seen her coming from her time with Asha and set out a cold dinner for her. She rarely had an appetite, but she ate enough to keep her health up. It was enough for her children to lose their father—she would not leave them orphans, even as adults, despite her grief.

A knock startled her, and without thinking, she called out, “Come in!” The door banged open, and a young man strode into the room and bowed to her with a dramatic flourish.

“Malcolm!” she said. “My darling boy!”