She carried a single candle in a brass holder and shielded it from the draft as they walked. Serena yawned and covered her mouth. She hoped she could stay awake long enough to properly prepare for bed. "I thought ye might like to be on the same hall as Gavin for protection. Though the laird doesn't have many overnight guests, the castle has a lot of strange noises. Having someone nearby will be a comfort." "Ye're so thoughtful, Doreen. Why did ye not put me with the rest of the servants or near ye?" "I've a verra strong feeling the laird would prefer ye to be treated as a guest. It might be less comfortable with the other maids," Doreen said, moving ahead. "Why?" Serena blinked, confusion mixing with her weary mind. "Have I done something to offend the others? Do they already know about this morn at the market?" "Nay." Doreen shook her head. "I've yet to hear that tale. I'm talking 'bout how the laird favors ye. Have ye not seen the way he looks at ye? 'Tis odd that ye were invited as a guest to the feast—to be served by those ye normally work with." Serena gulped.
