Draven withdrew his hand from her hair, and it was that motion that drew her attention to him.
“You’re awake,” she said with a smile.
She left the chair and sat on the mattress next to him. Her touch gentle, she stroked his brow. “Your fever is gone.”
“How long have I been out?”
“A sennight.”
He frowned at the news. “A full sennight?”
She nodded.
Draven started to rise, but she stopped him by placing her hands on his chest and pushing him back toward the bed. “‘Tis the middle of the night. Where are you going?”
“The garderobe,” he said gruffly. “And I suggest you let me.”
She blushed, then released her hold of him. “Then let me assist you.”
His head spinning from his effort, Draven sat up, and slowly put his injured leg on the cobbled floor. He gathered a sheet around his waist to cover himself from her gaze.
She gave him her shoulder and using her as a crutch, he slowly rose from the bed.
Draven was careful not to hurt her as he took a tentative step. Pain exploded through him at his first step. Grinding his teeth, he forced himself to ignore it.
“Are you all right, milord?”
“Aye, and you?”
“Never better,” she huffed as she helped him take another step.
Draven almost smiled at her bravado.
It was slow progress to the room across the hall, but they finally made it. Draven left her outside while he went to relieve himself.
When he opened the door a few minutes later, he found her still there waiting for him.
“You should take yourself to bed,” he said gruffly, noting her look of exhaustion.
She waved his words away and again took him by the waist. “Are you hungry?”
“Nay.”
They worked their way back to his bed. Draven sat down and carefully lifted his legs back to the mattress.
He’d never in his life had anyone take care of him. It was strange to watch her buzz around the room bringing him a cup of ale, fluffing his pillows and tucking the covers in around him.
“What?” she asked as she caught his frown on her.
“I’m just amazed. I didn’t expect you to do so much for me.”
“Well, ‘tis what people do when they care for each other.”
“And do you care for me?”
“If I said aye, would you believe it?”
He thought it over. Did he dare believe she could care for him?
