In her enduring loneliness, the weight of solitude pressing upon her, Claire’s path crossed with the girl she had noticed fleetingly outside the castle kitchens. Until now, Claire had paid little attention to her presence, merely catching glimpses of the girl’s watchful gaze upon Jamie – both before and after their marriage. Yet, as time passed, Claire couldn’t help but sense an underlying tension within the young girl. Her outward appearance might have conveyed a sense of flourishing, but beneath the surface, there was a palpable restlessness and moodiness that spoke volumes. Sympathy stirred within Claire as she observed the girl’s struggle.