"Ye need nae worry so."
"Were ye even in the village with me or was that someone else? Because I remember bein' attacked in the alley with ye. So, aye, there is in fact a reason for me to worry about ye."
Leah glanced at Vance, who was still locked in the cage but alert to his surroundings. Clearly, there was no hope for him; Killian had already made his mind up, and there would be no one around to change it.
She was hurt by Killian's brutal display, yet she couldn't deny the thrill that ran through her when he'd saved her from the bandits. And then there was the confession he'd made about killing his father... surely, there was a reason behind that act, a reason that would explain the depth of his pain and anger.
"Well, as ye can see, I'm fine," Leah answered, hoping to keep the lashing out of her tone.
"Aye, but are ye?"
"Depends on if ye’re goin' to be merciful to yer prisoner," Leah asked.
"That's to be determined. If he sings for me, then there will be nay reason for me to hurt him. But if he doesnae give me what I want, then there will be consequences. Surely, ye can understand that? Or did yer faither spare ye the rod growin' up?"
"I've been switched me fair share," Leah answered as pity struck through her. " I understand where ye're comin', from I do. An eye for an eye? Is that it now?"
"Has it ever been any other way?" Killian asked. "If altered, ye'd have all sorts of problems to deal with. I daenae think me clancould handle a break in our traditions. And right now, that noble tradition is questionin' the prisoners of war."
"I hope ye get what ye’re lookin' for," Leah said as she started through the archway. Although welcoming, the castle felt like a prison. Leah wanted to be there, to spend time with Killian, but she just wished she knew which version of him she would be getting.
Climbing the steps to the castle felt like a chore. The moan of the doors widening caught her off guard. Leah glanced up to find Elsie rushing down the steps to greet her.
"There ye are. I was so hopin' ye come back today," Elsie said, scooping her arm into Leah's before pulling her faster up the stairs. "Ye see, there's been a bit of a problem. Mason has been worried sick that Killian might have killed ye or somethin' horrific. He wants ye to go and see him in his study the moment ye come through the doors."
"Can I nae unburden meself first?" Leah asked as she glanced at the leather bench next to the steps. Elsie smiled and nodded as Leah took a moment to herself. If she was going to see Mason, she would need a clear head. Surely, he was going to bombard her with a ton of questions she wasn't sure she wanted to answer just yet.
"I daenae think Mason will take too kindly ye keepin' him waitin'. He was up all night expectin' ye to come and visit him," Elsie explained as Leah slowly rose to her feet. Despite herlegs aching and muscles cramping, Leah knew she'd have to see Mason eventually.
"What in the world put that notion in his head?" Leah asked.
"Nae what, who," Elsie said.
"Alan," Leah grumbled, saying his name like a curse.
"Aye, he's been around," Elsie said as they walked down the long corridors and stopped at the doorway of the infirmary. "But I think it would best ye go in alone."
Leah rolled her eyes and took a long, deep breath as she pushed open the door to the infirmary. A strong whiff of alcohol and herbs poured out of the room, making Leah's nose crinkle. She spotted Mason's familiar form lying on the bed, his eyes scanning the room with a mix of worry and frustration etched on his face.
"Leah?" Mason's voice was raspy and strained, almost as if he'd been screaming all night. Leah took a step closer as she wiped her sweaty palms against her skirt.
"Aye, it's me," she answered as she stepped into the light.
"Where have ye been? I thought ye were goin' to have dinner with me last night and ye never showed. I thought maybe ye had left for good."
"There was a fire in the village," Leah started to explain as she moved to Mason's side.
"So I was told," Mason said as she felt his eyes boring into her. "But are ye sure ye’re all right? Me brother, he dinnae…"
Leah's cheeks flushed as her heart skipped at the memory of last night. She swallowed hard, hoping there wasn't enough light coming through to give her blush away. She couldn't help but think of Killian's tongue tracing the curves of her body, the memory sending a shiver down her spine. Forcing a laugh, Leah tried to shake off the question lingering over them like a blade.
"Oh, Mason, ye worry far too much for someone so young," she said, her voice a little too bright.
"I'm seventeen."
"Aye, but as ye see, nay one was hurt or ye'd have far more company. I just wanted to see the fair and Killian wouldnae allow me to stay alone."
Mason's brow furrowed, his eyes narrowed, "And ye think that is to make everythin' all right then? Me brother was doin' the noble thin' and seein' ye werenae harmed, aye? Do ye have any idea how much danger ye’re puttin' yerself in? Me brother is dangerous. There is a dark side to him. Please, ye have to believe me."
