“Ahhh, let’s not disturb this paragon of an orderly. Add some more pillows you say?”
Perri fetched two more pillows and cognizant of his lordship’s recent injuries gently raised his head and shoulders slightly higher. At one point he muttered something, but she wasn’t sure if she heard him right.
“Did you say you wished for honey in your tea?”
“I’m fond of honey, or certainly becoming a convert, but for the moment I’m sure the tea is fine.”
Whilst he took an appreciative sip Perri dipped the cloth covering his forehead and closed eyes in fresh cold water, wringing it out before replacing it.
“Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” Having served Brandth his tea it seemed silly to sit here and just watch the man purse those sensual lips and gulp it down. Perhaps the floors could use another sweeping.
“Don’t go.”
He must have heard the rustle of her dress as she began to rise. Sinking back down, Perri sighed. “Was there something else you needed?”
“A break from doing nothing but listening to myself breathe. Tell me, how are the gentlemen who were hurt?”
“All are doing reasonably well. Healer Mary is pleased with their progress.”
“Really? Even Molphs? I could have sworn I saw the man gored in the chest.”
“Master Molphs is our most direly injured patient, but all the hunt parties are sent out accompanied by a lay healer. Thanks to their actions and getting him back to the Lair quickly so Master Healer Mary could attend him, there is no reason he should not recover.”
“This place, the Lair, as you refer to it. It’s part of Baron Gloomenthrall’s holdings?”
“We maintain close ties with the Keep, but his Lordship does not rule these grounds.”
“Huh? That seems… unusual.”
“Perhaps to you. But it’s all we’ve ever known here. Now, if there’s nothing else, I should be-”
“Wait.”
Brandth’s hand reached out searchingly, cannily grabbing hold of Perri’s. How had he done that effectively blindfolded? His hand warm, his hold firm but not hurting her. Heavens, when was the last time anyone had voluntarily touched her? Automatically Perri yanked her hand away, rubbing absently at the back of her hand where the skin strangely tingled.
“Don’t go yet. It’s not like I can read to pass the time. Please, just a few more minutes of your time.”
Master Healer Mary had requested Perri care specifically for this patient, she would be failing in your job if she neglected him. Settling back down in her seat, Perri found herself staring at Brandth’s hand, the one that had touched her. It was lying on the bed, palm up, callouses and scars marring the skin. This was not an idle man, for all his languid airs. He rode often and was trained in weaponry. It must be hard for him to be ill, to be effectively tied to this bed.
Still, Perri found herself surprisingly restless. Her? Restless? She was renowned for her tranquillity. Yet, she had to fight the urge to fidget. “Would you like me to freshen your tea?” At least that would give her a credible excuse to leave his side.
“No. This has been sufficient. Why don’t you tell me about yourself?”
“Me?” She couldn’t have been more shocked if Brandth had asked for her hand in marriage. “Why would you want to know anything about me?”
“I like hearing people’s stories.”
Yes, she just bet he did. Making it easier for Brandth to manipulate others. The poor naïve idiots, tripping all over themselves to spill the details of their meagre existence to such a golden god who blessed them merely by showing some passing interest. Perri would not fall for his games. “I told you my name. You know I have healing skills and work here. What more is there to know?”
“Do you enjoy your work?”
“It’s very satisfying.” Short and to the point.
“What led you to take up such a career?”
“Witnessing people I care for in great pain. I chose never to feel that helpless again.” Determinedly Perri pushed away memories that threatened to shred her composure and sanity.
