Chapter Ten
Two days later, Colin was honored to sit beside Kristina in the great hall, for she was a woman like no other he had ever met. Though her face was still bruised a blueish-violet color, she was improved enough to eat supper with the clan, and he was thankful for that. Several clansmen had stopped by the table to welcome her and to tell her they were glad she was improving. She gave each of them a bonny smile, and he could hardly keep from staring at her.
The servants carried large platters of venison, grouse, fish, bread, cheese and various other foods to the tables.
Kristina leaned toward him and whispered, "Is anyone staring at me?"
"I am."
Grinning, she blushed. "Cease your teasing, Colin Cameron."
"'Tis true."
"Rogue," she whispered, her smile turning mischievous. "I mean others."
Wondering why she was concerned, he glanced around the hall, then back to her. "Nay, I see no one looking in your direction. Why do you ask?"
She shrugged and shook her head, sitting straight again and looking a bit uncomfortable.
"If they are staring, 'tis because you're beautiful."
Her blush deepened, and she offered a slight grin. "Nonsense. But I thank you for lying to me."
"I'm not lying," he said firmly. Leaning closer, he whispered, "You are the only woman here I wish to stare at."
Her smile seemed more genuine now. Saints! He would love to kiss her but would have to wait until they had some privacy.
Neacal's white-haired great uncle, Bhatar, stood from his seat at the high table, a few chairs down, and began saying grace.
Colin bowed his head and closed his eyes, realizing this darkness was all Kristina saw every moment of the day and night. He tried to imagine what life must be like for her—how incredibly difficult.
After the prayer was finished, Colin kept his eyes closed a moment longer. A chorus ofamenwas murmured. Then many conversations began at once, blending into a roar, the clatter of ale tankards, spoons against wooden bowls, knives against wooden trenchers. The many sounds had to be confusing and chaotic for Kristina. His greatest anxiety would be that he couldn't see who might be sneaking up behind him.
He opened his eyes and leaned toward her to speak low. "Do you ever get leery of who might be slipping up behind you?"
"I used to. But now I can hear or sense, somehow, if they do."
"In truth? That seems a useful ability. You will have to tell me more about that sometime."
Kristina nodded.
Anna, sitting on her left side, lifted Kristina's hand and placed a piece of crusty bread in it. "Here's bread, sister."
"I thank you." She sniffed it, took a small bite, and chewed. "'Tis heavenly. We could've used this in the cave, aye, Colin?"
"Indeed." He relished her companionable tone. "Would you allow me to cut up your venison?"
"I would appreciate that."
Colin enjoyed helping her. After he'd finished, he watched her carefully sliding her fingertips across the linen tablecloth until she encountered her own tankard of ale. She then picked it up, held it in both hands and gracefully took a dainty sip. Afterward, she placed it back where it had been.
He found her skills at the table nearly the same as a sighted person.
She faced him and raised her brows. "Are you still staring at me?"
Colin couldn't hold back the smile. "How did you ken I was?"
"I sensed it. You're sitting very still and not eating. I can tell you're turned toward me because I hear your shallow breathing."
