“There has to be more to this prophecy than we know,” Evie said. She turned to Callum. “Did Hamish mention anything else about it?”
He shook his head but it was Jamie who spoke next.
“There is more to it, brother,” he said. “Ye dinnae care to remember.” Then he glanced at Malcolm. “But we do.”
Malcolm looked deep in thought as he tried to recall the words. “All I remember is something about a maiden.”
“When the stars align and twilight fades, a maiden from the future comes. Through time’s veil, her path she will find, with heart and courage, to mend all Time.”
As Jamie said it, his gaze met Brianna’s. In that moment, her heart leapt into her throat to beat a wicked beat. He granted her a knee-melting smile. She sank back into the chair by the fire, her strength drained.
“You need to eat something, Brianna,” Evie said in her mothering tone.
“Aye, eat, lass.” Jamie pulled a chair next to her. He handed her the cup.
Taking it, she took a sip, letting it warm her.
“I’ll fetch you some pottage.” Evie started to rise, but Callum put ahand on hers.
“I will,” he said and gave her a stern look that said she’d done enough for one day. He pushed from the table and left them to head to the kitchen.
Unease shifted through her as she was aware of all eyes on her, as though waiting for her to say something profound.
“I’m too tired to eat,” she said. She reached a hand for Jamie.
He took the signal and helped her to her feet.
“Bri—” Evie objected.
“Later,” she snapped.
Jamie led her back up the stairs and to his bedchamber, where he closed the door with a snap. He helped her to the chair by the fire, stoking it to make it come alive once again.
“Yer sister is right, lass. Ye need to eat to keep yer strength.”
He bent to pick up the mess she’d left behind when she had her second vision. He righted the table between them and slid the tray back on top of it.
“I know, but I…I needed away from all those prying, expectant eyes. I should help you clean that up.”
“Nay.” He scooped up the discarded food and dropped it on the tray.
It appeared he or someone had already cleaned up the spilled ale. When he stood straight again, there was concern deep in his eyes.
“I’ll fetch ye the food. Then we can talk more.”
He picked up the tray with the old food and slipped out of the room and closed the door behind him, not waiting for her reply. She expelled a breath, the energy leaving her as she gazed into the fire. She didn’t want to talk about the visions anymore. She didn’t want to talk about the damn keystone anymore. All she wanted was to be left alone.
And truly, she wanted to return to her life in the Caribbean. She was not cut out to carry such weight. She was notthe one to alter destinies or shift timelines. As these thoughts consumed her, she realized with some discomfort she had left her piece of the keystone behind once again.
Jamie returned and placed fresh food on the table in front of her. It was a steaming bread bowl of something that smelled delicious. Next to it, fresh baked bread. He poured two tankards of ale and took the chair opposite her.
“Eat,” he insisted.
“I can take care of myself.” She frowned, pouting into her bread bowl.
“Aye, I ken that. Now, eat.” There was the glint of annoyance in his eyes. “Or I’ll feed ye myself.”
She took that for the threat it was and scooted to the edge of the chair. Taking up the wooden spoon, she ate. She hadn’t realized how ravenous she was until she had that first taste.
