“Well…” Finlay rubbed the back of his neck. “Caden hates cats.”
“Well, he’s just going to have to live with it,” Ava scoffed, sticking her nose in the air.
It isnae like he spends time with us anyway.
The three of them spent time bathing the cat and brushing her fur, which turned into a beautiful silver-blue once clean. Ava had never met a more docile and friendly creature. It did not even bat an eye at being put in the bath.
“Are ye sure this is a cat?” Thalia laughed. “She acts more like a dog!”
As the afternoon dragged into eveing, Nathan was growing quieter as the afternoon dragged into evening. Ava assumed it was because he had had a long day.
When they gathered for supper, Caden did not join them.
Nathan said nothing during the meal, his cheeks flushed and his appetite gone. He just stared down at his plate and pushed his food around. It was very unlike him.
Ava wondered if the excitement of the day made him retreat into himself again.
Once the plates were cleared, she picked him up and carried him to his bedchambers. “Darling, are ye all right?”
Nathan moaned and buried his face in her neck. His skin was hot and clammy.
She laid him down on his bed and sat down next to him. She saw that his clothes were drenched with sweat. A hand to his forehead told her everything she needed to know: he was burning with fever.
His small body began to shiver. His breathing grew shallow and fast. Ava’s heart rate quickened as she pressed her ear to his chest. His heartbeat was slow, too slow.
“Nay,” she whispered. “Nay, nay, nay…”
CHAPTER 26
Ava bolted through the corridors,past torches and startled servants, her skirts gathered in her fists. She burst into the study, where Caden stood with Finlay, arguing about something to do with the negotiations.
“He’s burning up,” she croaked, tears rolling down her cheeks. “Nathan… he… he has a fever.”
Caden was at her side before she had finished speaking. He took her hand and pulled her toward the door.
“Finlay!” Ava called over her shoulder. “Get Thalia!”
They ran back to Nathan’s bedchamber.
The boy’s eyes were closed, and he slept fitfully. The cat was curled up at his feet.
Ava let out a sob.
“What is that thing doing here?” Caden whispered harshly, moving to the bed.
“Daenae touch the cat,” Ava hissed.
She had never spoken in such a harsh tone before, but she did not care.
“Ava, what if that mangy thing gave him the fever?” Caden argued.
“It couldnae have.” Ava rolled her eyes. “I’ve been with him all day. That cat wouldnae hurt a fly. And she doesnae have mange!”
Caden swore under his breath.
“I’m tellin’ ye, me Laird,” Ava pressed. “The cat isnae the problem. She didnae scratch or bite him. She actually brings him comfort.”
At that moment, Thalia and Finlay stepped into the room.
