She quieted, closed her eyes, then opened them again. “W-where am I?”
“In the captain’s tent. Ye fainted.”
She shot up, looking wildly about, finding Kai on the bed next to her. “Tell me he isna dead! Tell me I got to Cadha before she stabbed him. My memory is failing.”
“I promise ye, mistress, no blade touched our captain.”
“Thank the Almighty. She poisoned the bread. Ye must make sure no one eats it.”
“As far as I know, no one else ate the bread. We had our own. Buying bread in the village was an excuse for our presence once we encountered the hostile men living there. Ye never should have eaten it.”
“I doona blame anyone. How could we have expected Cadha to be there?” She dangled her legs over the side of the cot and slowly rose to her feet, staying close to Kai. “Where is Cadha?”
“Her body is being prepared for the funeral pyre.”
“So it wasna a dream. My aim was true.”
“Aye, yer dirk ended her life.”
“Not too long ago, Captain Kai told me he hoped I never had to kill a man.”
“I am sorry ye had to drink that bitter draught, milady. Death is never something to take lightly. I remember the face of every man I’ve killed. Ye did it in the defense of our commander, so ye are not guilty of any sin. Believe me.”
Color slowly returned to Lady Miran’s cheeks, but Colin knew she was suffering inside. Only time would help her heal.
Miran held Kai’s hand to her heart. “Ye may go now. All of ye.” She looked around the tent. Two of her maids and several guards were still there. “I will watch over the captain.”
“As ye wish.” Colin stood.
“Colin?”
“Yes, mistress?”
“Did ye get Tiva?”
“Aye.” He smiled. “She is with Dedra.”
“I am happy for ye.”
“Thank ye.”
“As soon as Captain Kai awakens, I will send for ye.”
