Page 14

“Aye, they daena care much for the ladies, but they will feed a man’s wife when he is a guest in their home.”

“So you were just having fun with me when you pretended to share your food?”

“It started fun, but it quickly turned cruel, mo leannan, I daena like it when ye weep. I am sorry ye were worried on me.”

We were quiet while we ate, and Torin licked the last of his bowl. I shared the last bite of my bread and we didn’t talk anymore about shame and sharing.

“The way you’re teasing me, you seem like you feel better.”

He shook his head. “The sleep helped, the food filled me up, but nae, Princess, I daena feel better. Twill take a three day healing slumber.”

“Three days?” I gulped. “I know you need more than a day, but three days… how will they find us?”

I cleared the tray from his lap and piled our dishes together.

“They will find us.” He slowly got up with a groan and swung his feet from the bed.

“Where are you going?”

“…must pish…” He rose to his feet with a louder groan. “Och nae, tis sore.”

I frowned. “Our first aid kit is here now, I think… I’ll look for some pain killers. Do you need help getting to the chamber pot?”

“Nae, I winna make ye suffer by watchin’ yer handsome, heroic husband dribble pish down his leg.” He staggered to the corner completely naked.

I said, “Maybe aim. I won’t watch, but do your best.”

I did watch for a moment. He swayed as he pissed. Then he staggered back.

“Twas too dark tae see if I aimed well enough, but m’legs dinna get wet, that is all that matters.” He settled down on the bed, wincing as he moved his arm, drawing in a deep breath with a hiss as he climbed in the covers.

I pulled the sheet up to his chest. And brushed the damp hair from his forehead. “You feel hot.”

“Aye, I need tae burn off the battle, how long did I sleep?”

“Just a few hours.”

“Then I will still hae most of the three days of healing slumber tae go.”

I frowned. “You’re serious about the three days?”

“Aye, for a proper healing. Everyone kens, tis the Highland way. After three days I will be all good.” He smacked his lips, his eyes growing droopy. “Daena be scared, I will be sleepin’. I must sleep tae heal.”

I looked around the dark room. “What will I do? I’m not sure I can sleep for three full days⁠—”

“Ye said yerself that I already slept for some of it.”

“Yes but… there’s still hours… and this place is… it’s pretty strange. What will I do? I guess I could go through our packs. I need to do that. I have to find the first aid kit. Do you think we have a flashlight?”

“If we do, ye canna let anyone see it. And ye ought not leave, ye are safest here…” His voice was gruff and low, sleepy. “Daena go out, I canna rescue ye in this state.”

“Are we in danger? Just to be clear, just so I know…”

“We daena ken who is about, there might be someone looking for us⁠—”

“But that’s good, right? Uncle Ryan or Max will be looking for us, any day now.”

“…or someone villainous. I am certain the brothers ken about the battle at the castle, but I daena think they will tell anyone we are here, we are safe if we remain hidden…”