"'Twould be my pleasure." And the reason he'd come here.
"I must also scribe a missive to Aunt Matilda and Uncle Gilbert in Stirling, letting them know we're both all right. Neacal said he would have one of his messengers deliver it."
"Oh, how I miss them. Tell them I love them," Kristina said.
"I will." Anna exited, leaving the door ajar.
"You look near recovered, Kristina. Do you feel better?" The chair squeaked as Colin sat down in it. The wooden chair legs scraped over the floor as he dragged it closer to the bed. Kristina was glad. She wanted him as near as possible.
"Aye." She did feel better, especially now that he was here. "The herbal tea and cool compresses have helped. The pain is gradually going away."
"Thank the saints." He took her hand into his big, warm one. She squeezed his fingers, enjoying his strength, thankful for his presence. She wished he would never leave her side. Wished he would always be close enough to touch her. He instantly brought a calm peacefulness over her. But she could not become too attached to him, she reminded herself.
"Have you been eating?" he asked.
"Anna is making sure of it. She near pours the broth down my throat."
He blew out a breath of a snicker. "She's a good sister. With her care and Tavia's you will be up and around in no time. Hopefully, soon, you will be eating in the great hall with us."
She nodded, something far less pleasant coming to mind. Something she'd been mulling over for a couple of hours. "Anna told me about the funeral for your two clansmen. I'm so sorry for your loss and I feel horrible they were killed while protecting me."
"Nay, do not feel bad," he said in a compassionate tone. "They loved being soldiers and guards, and they considered it an honor to help rescue you."
Tears sprang to her eyes as she imagined such good men losing their lives to the brutal Holme.
"Please don't blame yourself." Colin stroked his thumb over her palm. "They would not wish you to do that."
She nodded and swallowed, trying to force the constriction away from her throat. "Will you take me to their graves, so I might place flowers there and thank them?"
"Of course, my sweet, if you wish it."
"In a few days, when I feel better."
"Aye. They would be honored, and I'm sure they already ken of your gratitude."
For the next quarter hour, he told her amusing stories of Thorburn's and Patrick's exploits and adventures. She knew he was trying to brighten her mood. But she was also saddened that the two couldn't have any more adventures. This brought to mind Ralston, the guard who had helped her on her journey here.
"Do you know if Ralston was killed in the battle?" she asked.
"Who?"
"I think I mentioned before… Ralston was one of Blackburn's guards who protected me from Holme during our travels here."
"I have no inkling if he survived. I could ask Neacal, but I would need a visual description."
Her heart sank. "Aye. And I don't know what he looked like. I would have to identify him by his voice."
"Did you… become close to him?"
"He treated me like a sister. Even though he worked for Blackburn, he seemed a good man."
"If I find out anything, I'll let you know."
The door creaked open. "Supper is being served, Sir Colin," Tavia said. A food tray clattered onto a nearby table.
"Aye." He stood, his chair making a creaking sound. "Lady Kristina, would you like to accompany me to the great hall?"
"Mayhap tomorrow. I'm not certain I'm able now. But I hope you enjoy your meal."
