"Do you think a scar matters? Neacal has many scars, as well. A larger one on his face than you have. And many scars on his body. I find him gorgeous beyond measure."
"We both ken 'tis acceptable and even admirable for a warrior to have scars. But for a woman, 'tis different."
"Regardless, you are a beautiful lass."
"Colin told me he will become a chief one day. He will want a beautiful and perfect wife, one who can see and attend to the duties of lady of the castle. One his people will admire, not ridicule."
"Nonsense. Someone can easily be hired to help with running the castle. And everyone I know admires you."
"I don't wish to speak of this." 'Twas too painful to think about, for she knew, no matter how much she would love to be Colin's wife, neither he nor his clan would find her suitable, with her many flaws and incapacities. She had been a great burden to him out in the wilds of the Highlands. It mortified her that he'd had to wait on her hand and foot. He would want a strong, capable wife.
"Very well." Anna sounded subdued. "Would you allow me to feed you this broth?"
"Mayhap in a little while." Kristina turned over and pulled the covers up to her ears.
She was thankful to be safe behind these castle walls. But now what? All she thought about was Colin, and she couldn't have him. He might think he wanted her now, but he would change his mind once he realized how difficult she would make his life. Tears dripped from her eyes into the pillow. She craved sleep, so she could briefly escape the hand she'd been dealt, the blindness. For when she slept, she had visual dreams. Even though some of them were frightening, she still treasured being able to see inside her dreams.
When the rumble of masculine voices awoke her, she did not know how long she'd been sleeping. She lay perfectly still and listened.
"She is sleeping," Anna said softly.
"I can sit with her for a while," Colin said, his voice rough and sensual. "You and Neacal get some rest."
"Maybe for a few minutes, but I don't wish to go to bed right now."
"Very well."
"A quarter hour," Anna said.
"Aye."
My, wasn't Anna being motherly, Kristina thought. But her main concern right now was that she likely looked even worse than usual. Her hair had not been brushed in days. Her face was swollen… but what did she care? Colin had already seen her at her worst. Still, mortification burned over her, for she did not feel attractive before a man she was incredibly drawn to.
Anna's footsteps receded, and the door closed.
Although it was clear Colin was trying to be quiet, his boots clomped across the floor behind her. A heated tension burned over her. She recalled what Anna had said about the way he looked at her. Was he gazing at her thusly now? She would give anything to have her sight back so she might see him. Her heart pounded hard at his nearness. The chair beside the bed squeaked as he sat down.
"You're not asleep," he murmured, slightly amused. "Are you?"
How did he know? She frowned and turned over to face him. "Your clunking boots awakened me."
He blew out a short breath, almost as if he might be smiling. "How do you feel?"
"My head still pains me."
"I'm sorry." His voice darkened. "I blame myself for your injuries."
The guilt in his voice dug at her heart. "Nay. 'Twas not your fault."
"I should've protected you better."
He was so kind and heroic, he wriggled his way into her soul. "You did protect me, Colin. You saved my life. Without you… I wouldn't be here." She closed her eyes against the burning tears that flooded them. "I cannot express my gratitude enough." Her voice caught.
He lifted her hand and kissed the back.
"Why would you risk your life in such a way?" she asked. "You didn't even know me when first you took me from Holme."
Colin was silent for a long moment. "When Anna and Neacal spoke of you… when they told me what had happened to you in the past, about your injuries and what Blackburn had done to you, I simply wanted to help."
