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He jumped to the ground and sauntered to the door and scratched it until I opened it. “Where are you going?”

He was no help as he slipped into the darkness, probably headed to the kitchen. Lucky cat, he’d likely get a scrap of something.

Even if I could find the kitchen, what would I do? I wasn’t furry and spectacular like a Maine coon cat, I would just be some lady, holding out a bowl, begging, ‘Please, brother, might I have some gruel?’

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ALEXANDRIA

1308 - THE THREE DAY HEALING SLUMBER HAS BEGUN

Torin stirred.

I dropped down on my knees on the floor and grasped his hand. “Torin?”

“Aye, mo leannan…”

I burst into tears. “I’m so sorry…”

He opened one eye. “Och, nae, why ye sorry?”

I clutched his hand to my tear stained face. “I ate the whole bowl of porridge and now you are going to die.”

He chuckled. “Ye think a bowl of porridge is standin’ between m’life and death and not the deep wound in m’shoulder?”

“I don’t know, but if you die it will be my fault, you’re hungry and⁠—”

“I am verra hungry.”

I sniffled. “I am the worst wife in the world.”

His brow drew down. “What are ye speaking on?”

“I ate the porridge. The monks brought in a bowl of porridge and I ate it while you were sleeping.”

He raised his head and followed my eyes to the bowl and chuckled again. “Aye, ye are, ye are a terrible wife.”

“How will you ever forgive me? I’m a monster.”

“Nae, ye are nae a monster, but ye are, despite all yer protestations, verra much a princess.”

I pouted.

He grabbed his stomach as if he were seized with pain. “Och nae.”

I jumped to my feet. “Are you okay, Torin? Oh no, let me get someone⁠—”

He chuckled and grinned.

“What are you… are you joking? You scared me, don’t do that! I thought you were dying.”

“I am dyin’. I am dyin’ of hunger. M’wife, the princess, ate m’pottage and now I am goin’ tae fade away…”

There was a rustle at the door and it pushed open.

Two of the brothers entered, carrying a wooden tray between them. The scent of warm bread and savory broth drifted into the chamber.

Torin grinned wider. “Och, the princess has had her reputation saved.”