She shivered a little at the sound of his deep voice. It went through her like a hot knife through butter, making her want to melt into a puddle. Her cheeks heated, and she turned away from him, busying herself with handing things over for storage in the carriage.
As they rode away, the villagers gathered to wave and cheer. Lilliana could not help but feel gratified by their support.
They rode in silence for a while before she noticed that they were close to Fergus’s cottage.
“We should stop by and tell him of our findings, do you not think?” she asked. “He might have some ideas on what else to look for or how to treat this.”
Kayden frowned. “If ye think it might help. Are ye worried about the hair loss?”
Her eyes widened, surprised that he’d noticed. “Yes. It’s a sign of poisoning, you know.”
“Some kind of poisoning, nae all.”
“Yes. But my point is that it’s a clue.”
He gave a deep sigh. “So, ye really think someone has poisoned the water?”
She shrugged. “All the signs point to it. I am sorry. I know it must be disconcerting to find out that someone wishes your people harm.”
He shook his head as the carriage shuddered to a stop. “It isnae a good thing for sure.”
He hopped down before turning to offer her his hand.
They walked up to the door and knocked. The door swung open to reveal a dark and empty space, no fire in the grate, and no sign of Fergus.
Lilliana frowned. “What could have happened to him?”
“He’s probably still at the castle. Perhaps Moira invited him for dinner, and he didnae want to make the journey back in the dark. It would take three hours on foot,” Kayden snorted.
Lilliana flopped onto a nearby bench, suddenly exhausted. It had been a long day; it was hitting her all at once.
“Do you think he’d mind if we stayed here then? I am so tired. Can’t imagine getting back in the carriage for another hour and a half.”
Kayden looked her over intently. “Ye’re nae feeling ill, are ye?”
She shook her head slowly, a jaw-cracking yawn escaping her. “No, I’m fine. Just done in.”
“Alright. We can stay here tonight. Fergus willnae mind.” He moved towards the fireplace, throwing in some wood. “Ye get some rest, and I’ll find us something to eat.”
He started the fire, before searching Fergus’s things for a pot, which he filled with water and hung over the fire.
“I’ll make us some soup with a coney, carrots, and onions if that suits ye,” he said.
She raised her eyebrows at him. “I didn’t know you could cook.”
He smirked. “There’s much ye daenae ken about me, lass.” He walked out of the cottage, leaving her alone.
Lilliana made to stand and follow, but then sat back down.
If he wanted me to come with him, he’d have said so. Maybe he went to fetch some water or look for food.
She shifted in her seat, feeling uncomfortable being in Fergus’s home alone.
Sooner than she expected, Kayden’s bulk filled the doorway. He had something in his hand, and when she peered at it, she realized it was the rabbit he had talked about.
“Did you hunt that just now?” she asked in awe.
Kayden laughed. “Nay. Old Fergus has a few strung up in his cellar for when he doesnae want to come to the castle to eat.”
