The room spun as he pushed to his feet, and he staggered toward the door. Bracing himself against the wall, he waited a moment to regain some of his balance. What was in the drink? Or was this him? Was he drunk from a single cup?
He didn't know. He looked down at his feet, realizing he wasn't wearing any boots. They were set by the door, but he couldn't even fathom the idea of bending over and putting them on. He sighed warily and unlocked the door. It swung open silently, and using the wall for support, he left the room, slowly taking the steps one at a time and heading out the back of the inn.
He only needed a wall or a tree. He relieved himself on the side of the building and took a moment to take a few deep breaths. The sky was already changing from dark sapphire to lavender, with a glimmer of gold over the hills. He made his way back to the room, his head pounding, feeling as though it might roll off his shoulders as he lay back down on the bed.
His stomach growled. He hoped there'd be time for a bit of breakfast before they had to leave. Instinctively he reached out for her again, this time touching her arm. His muscles and bones settled in for a brief bit of sleep before they had to leave. He needed all the energy he could muster so he could get her out of here and to safety, wherever that may be.
* * *
Willa woke and braided her hair, ripping a piece of her shift to serve as a ribbon. Lord Knightly woke as she began to move around the room, and she brought him his things. He sat up with more energy than he had yesterday.
“You’re looking better.”
He cocked his head to the side. “Truly, you're not lying to me?”
She snorted. “Of course not. I rarely lie. The truth is often more necessary and helpful than a lie.” Though she wasn't about to admit she enjoyed helping him dress. This was her first glimpse of a man. She liked the way his muscles shifted in his back as he lifted the shirt over his head.
The slope of his shoulders, the rounded bulges of his arms. Who knew masculinity could be so gracefully beautiful? His skin was particularly flawless for a man.
He tucked in his shirt around his waist, and Willa handed him his waistcoat. He donned that next while she shook out his jacket and presented it to him. This she helped him with. The coat was fitted to him, and therefore a bit snug to pull on.
“I wonder if you have a valet.”
He snorted. “You think I'm the kind of man who needs someone to help me dress?”
“Your coat is very fine. Fine clothing often requires the assistance of someone else.”
“Do you have a ladies’ maid?” he asked.
“I do, but for most of my life, I didn't. I just had sisters.”
“That makes sense. But if I have a valet, I don't get the sense that he helps me dress. I don't think I'm a fop.”
Willa giggled. “I don't think you are either. You would have never paired brown and brown if you were a dandy.”
They both laughed. Willa liked the sound of his laughter, rich and warm. She peeked under his helmet. He was smiling.
“You’re smiling,” she said.
“Yes, and it hurts like the devil. Stop making me smile,” he teased.
“This is the first I've seen of it. I had no idea I was causing you such pain.”
“I'd rather be pained by the smiles you give me than not speak to you at all.”
Willa ducked her head, her cheeks and her chest filling with warmth. “I will take mercy on you and try not to be so amusing and clever.”
A chuckle rumbled through his chest, and she was close enough to hear it before he let it out. Now they were both laughing.
“Stop. You’re distracting me,” she said as she dusted off his shoulders, though she really just wanted any excuse to touch him. She buttoned his coat for him.
“Sit so you can put on your boots.”
“You're going to help me with that too, I hope.”
“Of course I am. You’re hurt because of me.”
“Don't say that. It's not your fault. You didn't force anyone to swing a mace at me.”
