Page 17 of Her Reluctant Highlander Husband

“I don’t see that kind of misery in her eyes,” Kenna said. “She cried yesterday when we went to visit her, but it was with frustration more than hopelessness. She was excited to come to the castle today to learn to cook. If she wanted to gain access to the castle, she had that already. If she was lonely, she had plans to be with us today.”

Lach nodded again. “For now we’ll keep watch over her. Either for her protection or for ours.”

Bryce nodded and kept silent about his wife’s ability to speak. For some reason it felt like something to be addressed privately.

But soon enough, he’d get an answer.

…

Dorie wasn’t sure what the group outside Bryce’s room was discussing. They were too far away for her to hear, and she was distracted by trying to figure out how she might have come to be poisoned. Perhaps her new husband had enemies and mistook her for an opportunity to hurt him.

She might have laughed at such a thought if it weren’t for the seriousness of the attempt on her life.

Eventually Kenna came back into the room and smiled down at her. “I’m going to have food sent up.”

Dorie winced.

“I know you don’t have much of an appetite, but you need to eat something to get your strength back.”

Dorie nodded. She would try her best.

A serving girl brought broth and bread. Dorie had only managed a few bites of both before Bryce walked in.

“You must eat all of your food.” He frowned at the barely touched broth. “I’m told it’s the only way you’ll be strong enough to get out of my bed.”

Of course he wouldn’t appreciate her taking up space in his room. She gasped and sat up, planning to leave, but the room spun around her.

“Rest easy. It was but a jest.” He winked at her, and she relaxed when she realized he was teasing her. He closed the door and came to sit next to her on the bed.

“How do you feel?” he asked. It wasn’t an empty question as most people asked. It was as if he truly expected her to answer him. Aloud.

She might have considered it if Mari hadn’t knocked just then and come in.

“Do you need anything?” she asked.

Dorie shook her head and offered her friend a smile.

“Who would do something like this?” Her question was directed toward Bryce.

“We can’t think of a reason for anyone to want to hurt Dorie. So it must have been an accident,” Bryce answered.

“An accident?” Mari didn’t seem any more convinced of that possibility than Dorie felt. Mari turned her question to Dorie. “Your brother Wallace was a monster. Do you suppose he had something to do with this?”

Dorie shrugged. It had crossed her mind more than once in the time since she’d found out she was poisoned. But why would he bother? She was no longer his responsibility. If he’d wanted her dead, he could have done so long before now. It would have been easy to poison her when she still lived at Baehaven.

“We’re not sure,” Bryce said. “What we do know is she needs to finish her meal and rest.”

Mari took the hint and patted Dorie’s hand. “I’ll be back later to visit after you’ve rested.”

A rest sounded good. Dorie was exhausted. Plus it would keep Bryce from pressing her to speak. It was clear he was waiting for a chance to bring it up again. However, he waited until she finished her food, then he took the tray and left.

She tried to sleep, but her mind continued to conjure up possible enemies. Who would want to be rid of her? She swallowed when she realized Bryce was the one person who truly didn’t want her around. He’d done his duty and married her. But now they were wed, could he be trying to get rid of her?

He’d married her only to make an alliance. He’d said so himself. What did he need her for now?

Not a thing.

…