Page 13 of A Fierce Archer

“The Catriona that ye know is vastly different from the one I’ve known since childhood. She is fragile. I do not think she can withstand another incident.”

Ewan straightened, ignoring the pain. “I would never dare touch her or attempt anything like what ye are insinuating. There is no need for any warnings.”

It occurred to Ewan that Broden was there for more than just intervening for a friend. The man was romantically interested in Catriona. By the way he acted, it was possible that Broden was jealous of the attention Ewan had been receiving from Catriona.

He didn’t blame Broden. However, the fact that the man had feelings for Catriona did not give him the right to threaten.

“Despite what she’s been through, Catriona is a strong woman, much more capable than ye give her credit for.” Ewan returned to his meal, but at the other man’s silence, he looked back up.

Broden’s eyes narrowed and he blew out an annoyed breath. “Ye cannot claim to know her better than I do.”

The guard walked out before Ewan could say anything else.

They must have passed in the corridor because it was only a moment later that Catriona entered. “What happened between ye and Broden? He seemed angry just now.”

Ewan shrugged.

Catriona neared and looked to his midsection. “Although it is worrisome to see blood, the fact that it is light in color is a good sign. The healer is here and will come momentarily.”

“The sooner I am healed the better,” Ewan replied. “I have been asked to leave.”

Her expression of consternation gave Ewan hope. “What do ye mean? Surely ye are not able to ride for long in yer current state.”

“I cannot linger here much longer. Laird Fraser asked that I leave as soon as the healer allows it.”

“What is the reason?”

Her question made Ewan scramble for a reply. He could tell her the truth, of course, but she was not ready for any revelation of the sort. “It could be that on my trek back from patrol, I was on Mackenzie lands and fought one of their guards. If I had killed him, the tentative truce between the clans would have crumbled.”

“Ye were attacked.”

“If I was on their lands, he had every right to defend his clan’s territory.”

Her eyes narrowed. “I know there is more to the story. Ye should tell me.”

His lips curved. “I should. But I will not. Ye do not need to worry yerself with all of this.”

“I am not as delicate as everyone thinks. I am overcoming my fears...”

“It is natural for someone who’s been through such a trial to be affected. Keithen himself admitted that he often dreams of what happened to him.”

Catriona walked to the edge of the bed. “And so ye are leaving?”

He couldn’t look at her, scared that she’d see how much he didn’t wish to. That he’d give anything to remain near her. It was stupid, of course. She had much more in common with Broden than she’d ever have with him.

“I am.”

She shook her head slowly. “Where are ye going.”

“I will travel north back to Clan Ross.”

“I see,” Catriona replied, her gaze lifting to him.

His heart hammered. “Ye should consider coming with me and the men I will be traveling with. It would give ye an opportunity to visit my cousin’s wife. Ye and she are very close, are ye not?”

Catriona bit her bottom lip. Just as she opened her mouth to say something, the healer entered.

The man went directly to the bed, which made Catriona move aside. “I will need clean bandages and some hot water. Can ye see about it?” He slid a look to Catriona.