Page 60 of A Fearless Rebel

Ava’s gut tightened. In truth, her brother would, in all probability, succumb to his wounds. The injury was horribly infected. Nonetheless, she had to try to save him.

It took them several hours to get the infected area cleansed, and most of the infected flesh cut away. Ava stood by as the healer placed leeches into the wound. The small creatures would hopefully eat enough of the remaining infected area to save him.

Alastair was unconscious, his pale face wet with perspiration. Ava pushed hair from his brow. Her heart was breaking for the man who’d either die or survive as a maimed man. All for what?

“He has another injury to his side,” the healer pointed out.

Ava studied her brother as they did what they could for the green, infected wound.

By ruling over people without care for their welfare, their father had left her brother with nothing.

In his quest for power, he’d acquired allies through force and threats of war. Understandably, none of them were truly loyal to them and had cut ties as soon as he’d died. When everyone broke ties at once, it proved impossible to bring them back.

After all the damage her father had done, it was only fitting that, now, his family had to pay the price. However, seeing everything crumble and her brother on his deathbed remained one of the most horrible experiences of her life.

Needing to get something to eat, Ava went downstairs. She looked around the empty, dim great room and immediately compared it to the Fraser’s. There, people mingled, came to have their grievances heard and then remained for last meal.

The people of Clan Fraser actually cared for their laird and his family. Together, they shared life moments and celebrated.

Here, no one would come to inquire about Alastair’s health. It was rare that anyone outside the family felt comfortable enough to remain for a meal. It was so sad that her parents had preferred this type of austere life.

When she returned to her brother’s bedchamber, the linens on the bed had been changed and, already, the room smelled better.

Her brother continued to sleep. Ava wasn’t sure what Alastair would do upon waking. She hoped he would be too ill to do anything harmful, but one never knew with her brash brother.

“Go get something to eat and rest,” Ava told the healer. “I will remain here with him.”

She went to the window and peered out at the night sky.

How was her husband? If she were there, she’d be caring for him. But in all probability, they’d not allow her near him.

Somehow, she would get word to him that she was well and would be going to live with her mother at her uncle’s keep.

Even if Alastair recovered, he would not want her there. She turned to the bed and found that her brother was awake and watching her.

“I do not wish to live.”

His words were clear. Ava hurried to the bedside and lowered to sit.

“Ye are Laird Mackenzie. Ye must live to ensure the people are taken care of. Who will be laird if ye die?”

He turned away from her. “I do not care. Why should I?”

“A laird puts his people first. That is what a true laird does. Ye have an opportunity to change, Brother. To do well.”

“I can feel it.” Alastair closed his eyes. “Death is closing in on me. What will ye do?”

Ava took his hand. “I will remain here with ye, if ye need me.”

Turning to her, his half-closed eyes met hers. Alastair was so very pale, with dark circles under his eyes and his lips were a purplish-blue. “Remain with me.”

Her brother closed his eyes and, moments later, his hand went limp. Ava’s eyes rounded.

“Alastair?” She hovered over him. “Alastair!”

The healer walked in the next morning and glanced to Ava. “Is he?”

“Aye, he died last night. We must not tell anyone.”