Page 61 of A Fearless Rebel

The healer nodded and went to the window. The room still reeked of infection, making it impossible to breathe properly. Ava herself had slept next to the window.

“If word gets out that yer brother is dead, I am positive we will be attacked immediately.”

Ava shrugged. “I am not sure about it. No clan wishes to garner my uncle’s ire. Although he’s not as impulsive as my father, he is very powerful.”

Moments later, there was a knock, and Ava slipped out, not allowing the young man to look in. “Ye must deliver a message to my uncle immediately. Alastair needs his assistance.”

The man nodded. “Of course, Mistress Mackenzie.”

She didn’t bother correcting him that her name was now Fraser.

“Ride without stopping,” she instructed. “Take the swiftest horse.”

When she walked back inside, the healer turned to her. “I am hopeful they will arrive within two days. We cannot possibly maintain the illusion that yer brother lives.”

“We have no choice,” Ava said wearily. She’d not slept for two days other than dozing for a few moments on the chair. “We will take turns staying here. I will instruct the servants that my brother does not wish to be disturbed.”

“Who do ye think will take over this clan?”

Ava pictured her uncle’s family. “I do not know. He has three sons. So perhaps the second born, Cayden, since the oldest cousin, the first born, will take over for my uncle when he dies.”

*

For the next two days, Ava and the healer managed to keep everyone at bay. Being her brother was not well-liked, no one had insisted to enter the room. The only person who seemed suspicious was the leader of the guard, who insisted her brother would want to hear his reports.

Ava crossed her arms and stared up at the warrior whose broad shoulders prevented her from seeing around him. “My brother is very sick. I doubt he will remember anything ye tell him. The healer and I are doing our best to maintain Alastair’s dignity,” Ava whispered. “He was shot between the legs, as ye know.”

The man grimaced and nodded. “Alastair does not wish anyone to see the extent of his injuries, which cannot be covered because…well, there are leeches being used.”

This time the warrior paled. “Leeches?”

Ava nodded. “Which is why I doubt he will be able to focus on a word ye say.” She reached for his forearm. “Please do not say a word. He will be most cross at me for saying what I have.”

After a moment, the man sighed. “Very well. I am sure ye will send word when I can speak to him.”

“Err.. aye, of course. I must inform ye that the Mackenzie of the north will be arriving in a day or two.”

“Very well.” The man turned and walked away.

Ava let out a long breath. Would her life ever be normal? Would she ever have a day without a life hanging in the balance or without fear of what will happen next?

The next day slogged by until, finally, late in the day, a small army appeared on the horizon.

Ava prayed they were Mackenzies.

Another attack would too much to bear at the moment.

*

Last meal was presided over by her uncle, the Mackenzie. He was a calculating man who, like her late father, measured his gain before making decisions. Unexpectedly, it was decided that another relative, Atholl Mackenzie, a cousin, would be given the lairdship of her clan. Ava suspected it was either because the man was spineless or because her uncle was indebted to him.

To her, it didn’t matter. Other than needing a place to live, Ava wanted nothing to do with her family.

Her mother, who’d returned with the party, studied her for a long moment. “Why are ye here? Yer husband, whether dead or alive, is gone.”

It took every ounce of strength not to cry. Ava swallowed. “It was my fault that he was captured and hung.”

Her uncle looked to them. “What was he accused of?”