“But they were enough to let you know someone cared, had feelings to take a chance and steal a kiss, if only a quick peck. I have known no such demonstrations of feelings.”
“You wanted Tarr to want to kiss you?”
“No—yes.” She tossed her hands up. “I told you I was foolish. Why would I even consider kissing him? I have no wish to wed the likes of him.”
“He is a handsome man and a fine warrior. Why not share a kiss and see if you like it?”
“And what if I did like his kiss?” Fiona asked. “What then?”
“That would be up to you.”
After Fiona retired to the bedchamber they were to share, Aliss remained vigilant at Raynor’s bedside. She had made a soothing potion that would help remove the crusted blood on and around his eyes more easily, though it remained a tedious task.
She had to repeatedly and gently bathe his eyes, especially his long dark lashes. When he woke she wanted him to be able to open his eyes without difficulty, for fear he would think himself blind.
His features held an air of familiarity: a strong defined chin that most certainly meant he was a stubborn one, and creases between his eyes, which attested to a man with heavy thoughts. His face was round, his flawless skin sun-drenched, and his hair auburn.
It would be interesting to see the color of his eyes.
She jumped as her wrist was suddenly grasped.
“I cannot open my eyes. Where am I and who tends me?”
His grip promised punishment if he did not care for the answers. Aliss realized that he was much too alert to have awakened from a deep sleep, and he must have roused earlier from unconsciousness, listened to his surroundings to ascertain his whereabouts. His only recourse was to hold her prisoner to gain knowledge of his capture.
She remained calm and spoke soothingly. “You are in Tarr of Hellewyk’s keep. I am Aliss, a healer, and you shall have your sight back if you allow me to continue bathing the crusted blood from your eyes.”
He did not release her, though his grip loosened. “My eyes were injured?”
“Nay, it was a blow to your head that produced so much blood. I stitched it and it will heal with rest.”
She felt his hesitation in letting go of her, but finally his hand dropped away.
“I am not in the belly of Hellewyk’s keep. It is a soft bed that cradles me.”
Aliss returned to gently bathing his eyes. “Tarr’s choice.”
Raynor grinned. “I think not, fair lass.” He winced as the cloth caught on a chunk of crust that refused to budge.
Aliss felt his twinge and quickly apologized. “I am sorry. I meant you no pain. My tiredness makes me clumsy.”
“I will bear any pain if it returns my sight. I beg that you continue.”
She understood he felt vulnerable not being able to see, and her heart went out to him. “I will work until I can keep my eyes open no longer.”
“You are surely an angel.”
“A simple healer is who I am.”
“Nay, your touch is beyond gentle, your voice heavenly, and your skin smooth to the touch. You must be an angel sent from the heavens to rescue me, and I look forward to seeing your lovely face.”
“You may scream in fright,” Aliss teased.
“I will gaze in amazement on true beauty.”
“Do you charm all women as you attempt to do with me?”
“Intelligence and beauty, I am impressed.” He yawned.
“You should rest. Your head wound needs it,” she said with concern.
“I do not want to return to the deep sleep I fought so hard to escape.”
“No one knows you have awakened. You are safe for now.”
“I am safe with you by my side.” His speech slowed as sleep crept over him.
“Then worry not and rest.”
Before his eyes closed, he whispered, “Do not leave me, Aliss.”
She worked until she began to nod off to sleep. A few times Raynor had stirred, reached out and touched her arm, then settled once again in slumber. She thought he would not wake again until morning, a mere few hours away, so she stretched her back ready to stand.
His hand instantly found her wrist. “Do not go.”
Before she could reassure him, he drifted back to sleep, though his hand remained around her wrist. Try as she might, she could not break free of his grip unless he woke, and she did not want anyone to know he had regained consciousness. Her eyes grew heavy from the exhaustion she had kept