"Are ye tryin' to draw attention to us?" Elsie asked. Leah arched an eyebrow as she scanned the open field. There wasn't anyone around save for those in the castle.
"Sorry," Leah said as Elsie's attention wavered just a moment before returning to Leah.
"What does it matter?" Elsie asked as she leaned back. "It's nae like any of the gossip around here ever comes to fruition. And I shouldnae be spreadin' it as if it is news."
Leah's heart sank to her stomach. The very thought of skipping over tidbits that could help her get to know Killian better was heresy.
"I'm sorry, please, continue. If I'm to be here for a spell, I'd like to ken what sort of place I'll be restin' me head in," Leah said as she inched closer to Elsie. A mischievous smile tugged at Elsie's lips. The playful sparkle returned to her eye as she leaned closer.
"Word is the clan is nae too happy with Killian, ye see? The council is lookin' to replace the laird, but ye've seen the size of Killian. Nay one can make him do anythin' that he doesnae want to do."
A loud trumpet rang out, drawing as much attention as possible. Leah's head whipped about as the warmth of her blood ran cold.
"What's that for?" Leah asked as she turned to Elsie for the answer.
Elsie lifted a hand to shield her eyes from the sun. "The doesnae look good. We need to go."
"Where?" Leah asked as her panic shifted to terror. The mere thought of seeing blood caused her head to get woozy.
"The courtyard," Elsie answered as she rushed to help with Leah on her heels.
"There ye are, good, I need ye to tend to this poor lad."
"Alan? What happened?" Elsie asked as she pressed the back of her hand to the lad's forehead.
"There was an accident at the trainin' grounds. Blasted fools. I told them to be careful, did they listen to me, nay. Of course nae," Alan rambled on as Elsie grabbed the lad by the arm and hoisted him up.
"Help me with him," Elsie asked Leah. Immediately, Leah grabbed the other arm and helped Elsie get the boy into her infirmary.
"He's nae the only one," Alan said. "There's others."
Leah's heart stopped. She stared wide-eyed at Elsie. If she had to go out to the training ground she knew the jig would be up. Everyone would see just how much the sight of blood affected her.
"Ye stay here with this one," Elsie said before Leah could open her mouth. "I'll see to the men out there. They've come to ken me face. If ye go out there they'll wonder who ye are and if they can trust ye."
"I understand, ye ken where I'll be if ye need," Leah said as she watched Elsie rush off to the training grounds. Leah glanced at her patient. He didn't look to be too badly injured. From what she could tell, he had a knot on his head and would certainly have a headache when he woke up.
"And how has yer mornin' been goin' so far?" Alan asked Leah as she dipped a rag in cold water before placing it on his forehead.
"I have to say it has been rather peaceful up until now," Leah said. "Did ye ken what happened?"
"Trainin' with lit arrows," Alan answered with a hearty chuckle. "There is always a handful who like to test the limits of the arrow and grease."
"I suppose the only real way to learn any lesson is by goin' through it," Leah said. Her words seemed to have a warming effect on Alan. His smile stretched as a spark touched his gaze.
"I daenae think I could have said it better myself. The sad thin' is how a young man must go through many mistakes to learn," Alan said as the young man began to stir.
"Bless me soul, have I died?" the man asked as he stared dumbstruck at Leah. She flashed him a crooked smile.
"Sorry lad," Alan chuckled. "Nae today. But better luck next time."
Leah couldn't help but giggle as she watched the young man sway as he sat up. With gentle care, she helped him to his feet and held him till he felt steady.
"Best take it slow," Alan warned. "I'll bring ye back to the trainin' grounds, see that ye daenae have any more accidents."
Leah waved goodbye and watched as Alan and the young man disappeared around the corner. As Leah was tidying up the room, she felt the hair rise on her neck. A smile tugged at her lips as she turned to find Killian filling the doorway.
Her heart fluttered wildly as she stared at him in awe. He was even more handsome today than he had been last night. Maybe it had to do with the fact that for just a brief second, an easy slip,Leah saw Killian precisely as she had seen him the night before. Instead of proudly wearing his colors, he was fully in the nude.
