"Of course. I knew him well after these many years. If he knew how you felt about her, he would approve of the match, especially with her being a chief's daughter and of your social station. Your da would wish you to be happy. Anna told me that Kristina was blind for two years and miraculously regained her sight a few days before arriving here."
"Aye. It happened after I left Bearach. When she was blind, I asked her to marry me and she refused, not wanting to be a burden to me."
"Oh my. She seems such a good and honorable lady."
Colin frowned, annoyed his mother would see Kristina's side more than his own. "Of course, but 'twas not enough of a reason to refuse me. Would you have refused to marry Da if you'd been blind?"
His mother considered for a moment. "Mayhap, but I would have regretted it if I could've known then what a wonderful marriage we would have. Lady Kristina does not wish to be selfish. She's a principled lady."
"Well, I think that was one reason she came here… to let me know she'd changed her mind and now wishes to marry me. Do you think the clan elders will approve?"
"I know not. But I will speak to them on your behalf."
***
Two nights later, Colin gazed down at the lovely sleeping lass who had so entangled his heart. She still had not awakened, though she had moved a few times, as well as frowning and grimacing. He prayed she was not in terrible pain and unable to let them know. Of course, there was naught they could do about it if she couldn't swallow the herbal tea.
The longer she remained knocked out, the more his stomach knotted with worry.
He picked up her hand and kissed her exposed palm. "Kristina, no matter what happens, I want you to know I love you," he murmured. "But please, I beg of you, remain with me. We can have a wonderful life together. I can easily see how bright our future will be."
Kristina's eyelids fluttered, and her mouth opened as if she might speak.
His heart drummed with excitement. Filled with expectation and hope, he stood and stroked her cheek. "Wake up and smile at me, beautiful Kristina."
Frowning, she opened her eyes a crack and tried to move her injured arm and turn onto her back. She cried out, and tears trailed from her eyes.
"Wait, Kristina." He tried to hold her in place. "You must lie still. Deidra! She's awake." He kissed Kristina's forehead. "Thanks be to God."
Deidra pushed herself up from the pallet by the fire and rushed to the bed, the kerchief on her head askew. "'Tis the miracle we've prayed for. How do you feel, m'lady?"
Eyes closed and face contorted, Kristina gritted her teeth.
"I believe her arm is giving her great pain. She tried to move it."
"I'll make some herbal tea with poppy." Deidra set about mixing herbs and pouring hot water.
"Colin?" Kristina's voice was weak and raspy.
Thrilled at hearing his name upon her lips, he leaned closer. "Aye,mo ghraidh. I'm here."
"My arm hurts. What happened?"
"'Twas broken. Just rest and don't try to lift it so the pain will ease. Deidra is making some tea for you."
"Aye," Kristina breathed, lying quietly but still frowning.
"How does your head feel?" he asked.
"Hurts, too," she whispered, then seemed to slip back to sleep.
Thank you, God, for bringing her back to me. Colin wanted to leap with joy but had to restrain himself. His eyes burned with unshed tears of gratitude. He swiped his sleeve across his eyes lest Kristina or Deidra see his emotion. Men weren't supposed to cry with happiness, were they? What difference did it make? He wanted to shout from the battlements, but that would wake everyone in the castle in the hours before dawn and terrify them.
Staring into Kristina's lovely face, he held her hand and kissed it again, though he wanted to kiss her from head to toe. Aye, they would have a wonderful future together. He could easily imagine it.
"Here we are, m'lady." Deidra turned from the bedside table with the wooden cup. "I've cooled it and weakened it a wee bit with cold water. But it should be steeped enough to give you some pain relief. I've added a touch of honey so 'twill go down easy." She glanced at Colin. "Could you help me raise her up so she can drink?"
Remembering the pain she'd been in when she'd first awakened, Colin cringed, but he knew she had to drink it to feel relief. He moved to the back side of the bed. "Kristina, I'm going to lift you up."
