His head shot up, his eyes widening. “Leah? Why are ye here? Ye shouldnae come down here. The air is foul, and?—”
“I’m here to look ye over,” she said firmly. “I’ve brought some powder that I can dissolve in water. It’s a strengthening tonic; ye will need it.” She glanced over her shoulder at Evander. “Will ye let me in, me Laird? Please.”
“I will have to lock ye in with him, lass. I cannae leave the door open. We cannae afford for him to escape.”
Leah nodded. “I understand.”
Evander wordlessly unlocked the cell door.
She slipped inside, and the door was closed and duly locked after her. She showed no fear or discomfort at being locked inside.
“Come over here,” she murmured, placing a hand on Mason’s elbow and leading him to the stone bench. “Sit. Me Laird, could I have a cup of water for him, please?”
“Aye. Fergus is bringing a water bucket now.”
Skye inched toward the door, curling her fingers around the bars.
Neither Mason nor Leah noticed. They sat side by side on the stone bench, heads bent together. Leah whispered urgently tohim. He hung his head, nodding. After a moment, he extended his hand, revealing a graze on his forearm. He likely got it during the struggle with Evander. It was hardly a serious injury, but Leah tenderly dabbed it with the same green paste she’d put on Skye’s cut.
Skye’s chest tightened.
Of course.
Fergus approached, carrying a bucket full of clean water. He and Evander whispered together, oblivious to Leah and Mason doing just the same thing in the cell.
“Leah,” Skye said.
The healer lifted her head. Her eyes were brimming with tears.
“Do ye ken why he has been arrested?” Skye asked.
Mason met her eyes pleadingly.Daenae tell her,his expression begged silently.
Skye closed her eyes briefly before continuing. “He was the one who kidnapped me. He willnae tell us who his conspirators are.”
Leah swallowed thickly. A fat tear escaped from one eye, streaking down her face. She glanced briefly at Mason and then away just as quickly.
“Oh,” she whispered.
Fergus and Evander had stopped whispering now. They stood silently, watching Skye.
“We couldnae understand why Mason was still lying to us, but now I ken. They threatened him. Isnae that so, Mason?”
Mason lifted his chin and drew in a ragged, tear-choked breath. “Ye think I am so weak as to be cowed by threats? I’m nae afraid of death, or pain, or anything.”
“Nay, ye arenae. But it’s nae ye they threatened, is it?”
Mason gave a low whimper, closing his eyes. “Daenae put me in this position, me Lady. Please.”
“I have to,” Skye whispered. “For all our sakes, nae just mine.”
“She’s right,” Evander muttered. “Listen to her, man. She’s got yer best interests at heart.”
Mason swallowed, his gaze sliding to Leah.
Of course.
“It’s her they threatened, is it nae?” Skye breathed. “They threatened to kill Leah. That’s how they forced ye to kidnap me and hide the truth if ye were caught.”
