“He gave me food in the kitchen,” Jason said with a shrug.
“When was that?” Eva pressed, her heart skipping.
“The other day,” Jason replied easily. “He gave me berries, then told Cook I could eat whatever I wanted,” he said proudly. “I ate so much,” he finished, patting his belly.
Eva laughed, a bright sound that startled a pair of doves nearby.
“I’m glad yer appetite’s come back,” she said, smoothing his hair.
Jason grinned and leaned against her side, content.
“I like him, sister,” Jason said simply.
As they sat there together, Eva felt something shift quietly inside her. She had known Connor was capable and commanding, butthis small kindness toward her brother touched her deeply. It warmed her in a way she had not expected, easing doubts she had carried in silence.
Watching Jason chase another beetle through the grass, Eva's confusion grew. Connor was hard to understand, hot and cold, then kind.
Jason scrambled to his feet again, chasing a fluttering butterfly toward the apple trees at the edge of the garden. Eva followed more slowly, her skirts brushing the grass as her thoughts lingered on what he had told her. She felt a soft ache in her chest, part relief and part longing, as she imagined Connor kneeling to Jason’s height and offering him food without expectation. It was a tenderness she had not known to look for in a man like him.
“Eva, look how fast it flies,” Jason called, spinning in circles until he nearly toppled over.
“Slow down, wee brother, or ye’ll fall flat on yer face,” she said, laughing as she caught his arm.
He giggled and leaned into her, unbothered.
They wandered back toward the stone bench, Jason’s chatter filling the space between them.
“Will we stay here forever, Eva?” he asked suddenly.
She hesitated only a moment before answering.
“Aye, I think we will,” she said softly.
Jason seemed pleased with that and nodded, as if it settled something important.
As he ran off again, Eva watched him with a smile that slowly faded into thought. If Connor could show such kindness when no one was watching, perhaps there was more hope in this marriage than she had dared believe. For the first time in days, the tight knot of worry in her chest loosened, just a little.
Eva left the garden paths and followed the stone corridor toward the healing rooms, her steps soft against the worn floor as the air grew warmer and thick with the scent of herbs.
The chamber was wide and bright despite its age, sunlight spilling through latticed windows draped in pale linen. Shelves lined the walls from floor to ceiling, crowded with jars of dried plants, oils, and powders, while low beds stood in quiet rows beneath hanging cloths. A hearth crackled gently, lending the space a feeling of steadiness and care that settled Eva’s nerves the moment she entered.
Nina stood at a long table near the fire, grinding herbs with a mortar and pestle, her silver hair braided tightly down her back. Years had bent her shoulders but had done nothing to dull her sharp eyes or the certainty of her movements. She looked up at Eva with a small, knowing smile, as if she had expected her.
“Good day to ye, lass,” Nina said, wiping her hands on her apron, her voice calm and sure.
Eva stepped closer, folding her hands together.
“Good day, Nina. I was hopin’ to find ye here.” She hesitated, then added quietly, “I wanted to ask after me maither.” Her fingers tightened together as worry crept into her voice. “Jason’s up and about again, but Maither still rests so much, and I cannae help but fret.”
Nina nodded and set the mortar aside, her expression thoughtful but not troubled.
“Aye, that’s to be expected,” she said evenly. “Bairns bounce back quick, their bodies mendin’ faster than ours ever could.” She lifted her gaze to Eva’s, steady and reassuring. “Yer brother’s strength carried him through, but yer maither needs more time.”
Eva swallowed, bracing herself. “Has there been any change?” she asked, barely above a whisper.
“There has,” Nina replied, and the corner of her mouth curved upward. “I just came from Annabeth’s room nae an hour past.” She crossed her arms loosely as she spoke. “She’s much better this day, fever down and color back in her cheeks, and she took her broth without turnin’ away.”
Eva sucked in a sharp breath, her eyes widening. “Truly?” she asked, hope rushing through her so quickly it left her lightheaded.
