Better would be an old laird out there with less spirit and sway but plenty of coin. What difference does it make to you? You must return at once, appeal to the elders, and follow their decree. It is for the best, Bea. You know that as well as we do…
Beatrice crumpled the parchment into the smallest ball possible and threw it into the glowing fire under the painting of Venus. Through the whole scene, Venus watched in silence, her face placid. The serenity she radiated made Beatrice want to scream. She had to tell Leo before Tyler did.
First thing in the mornin'.
Collapsing onto the bed, Beatrice surrendered to sleep. Her dreams were fitful, enigmatic, and riddled with nerves.
A second knock on the door yanked her back to consciousness, the room still dark and the fire little more than glowing embers.
“Who’s there?” she called, her voice hoarse from sleep.
“It’s Shona, mistress. I’ve got someone who would like to see ye.”
“Come in, then.”
Beatrice sat up in her bed, squinting at the two shadowed figures entering her room. Shona stood behind Effie, who was shuffling forward before the door was fully open. She took no time making her way over to Beatrice, and in the dim light, Beatrice could see a crooked smile on her face.
“I keep having bad dreams,” Effie croaked, leaning her slight weight against the side of the bed. “Can I stay in here with ye? Just to keep the nightmares away?”
“Of course, Effie.”
Beatrice hoisted the girl up and settled in next to her after Effie made herself comfortable. Shona whispered a goodnight before she disappeared.
Nay doubt happy to get back to her own dreams.
Beatrice rested her head against Effie’s and slept more comfortably for the rest of the night, her dreams appearing in short vignettes with no spike of anger or fear.
But in the morning, when she rested her head against Effie’s like she did earlier, she was alarmed by how hot to the touch the girl was. She rolled Effie onto her back and wiped the sweat beading on her face.
“Effie, are ye all right?” she asked, stroking the little girl’s flushed cheeks. “Ye’re burnin' up, lassie. Ye’re on fire.”
“I daenae feel very well,” Effie managed in a weak voice.
“I’ll go get Shona.”
Effie grabbed her hand, shaking her head earnestly. “Nay, daenae leave me.”
Well, she seems to have enough strength in her. That’s a good sign.
Beatrice settled back next to her, gently wiping her brow and whispering reassurances in her ear. She hoped Shona would come by soon to see if either of them needed assistance, but at the moment, she obeyed Effie’s weak request not to leave her alone.
If she needs more help than I can give her…
Beatrice pushed down the churning panic inside her and did her best to keep steady and calm. Effie burrowed into her, occasionally making small whimpering sounds.
“Let me get Shona,” Beatrice murmured. “If ye’re sick?—”
But Effie just grabbed her hand and clung to her. There was nothing Beatrice could say to convince the girl to let her leave.
Eventually, Shona came by, and at the sight of the feverish child, she went about tending to her. The entire time, Beatrice stayednext to Effie, marveling at how tightly her little fingers were interwoven with hers and how determined the small girl was not to let her leave.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
“Ithink we’ve been away long enough, lads,” Leo told the group that had come along with him to patrol the outlands. “Back to Castle MacSween!”
The guards gave their customary cheer. They were tired and dirty, the way they always looked after patrolling, but still keen enough to race him home again as he kicked his heels into his horse’s flanks and started the journey back to the castle.
The return ride took longer than anticipated. A storm broke overhead and forced them to find shelter for hours before they could continue on their way.
