“I am blessed with the ability to heal and will use it any time my family needs me. The thought of losing any of us is not to be borne.”
Lilly held her shoulders, looking into her eyes. “Are you well?”
“A bit stiff and a small cut, but nothing more than that.”
“And what of your heart?”
“P-pardon?”
“I know you love him, Kate. Does he?”
She was literally speechless.
“Forgive me, my words have shocked you and you have suffered enough today already. We will speak on this no more now, but know I am here if you need me.” Lilly patted her hand. “Now you must rest.”
Did all her family know she loved Rory?She looked for him and found him with his siblings. As if sensing her, he turned, and their eyes caught. It was he who pulled away first.
He must feel something for her.
“Come. Wolf told me I have to take you to your room and put you to bed.” Alice arrived at her side. Acknowledging everyone in a general goodbye, the sisters slipped away.
Kate let Alice chatter about how excited she was for tomorrow and was pleased when she did not mention Rory. After changing into her nightdress, Kate climbed into bed and pulled the covers up to her chin.
“I’m so glad Lilly saved you, little sister.”
“Me too.”
“And now I’ll leave you, but know that all will be well, Kate. You’ll see. Rory loves you; I know he does.”
“How do you know?”
“The way he looks at you, it’s the same way Nicholas looks at me. Now sleep, sister.” Alice kissed her forehead and then left the room.
She slept then but woke to find it was still dark outside. Her thoughts turned instantly to Rory. Was he still here in the castle or would he have slipped away? Dared she go to him?
Climbing from her bed, Kate pulled on her robe and slippers, then left the room. Hurrying along the hall past where her family slumbered, she took the stairs up, then counted the doors to Rory’s room. Taking a deep breath, she didn’t knock, simply turned the handle and walked in.
“You should not be here.”
He sat on the rug before the fire, looking into the flames. His shirt was loose, and he wore breeches, but his feet were bare. He looked golden, just like the lion she’d thought him to be.
“Go back to your bed, Kate.” His words were clipped and cool.
She closed the door and advanced. Heart pounding, she knelt facing him on the rug.
“I want to talk to you.”
“I don’t want to talk, I want you to leave.” His eyes flicked to hers, then away to the fire once more.
Kate touched his arm. His muscles were clenched tight.
“Damn you, I said leave!” He grabbed her shoulders. “Don’t you see I must go?”
She saw the pain and turmoil then, etched deep in his eyes.
“I love you.” Kate cupped his cheek.
“No one loves me.”
