True to the Highlander(86)

“Of course,” John replied, bowing slightly. “You must see to your lady’s welfare.”

Malcolm rushed up the stairs, met by his mother and sister in the corridor. “You were in the gallery?”

“Aye,” Lydia said. She spoke over her shoulder to his sister. “Elaine, fetch a bowl of cool water and clean linen.”

“Dinna worry, Malcolm. True is not ill. I’ll come to your chamber anon.” Elaine patted his arm on her way past.

His mother drew the bedclothes back so he could lay True down. The minute he let her go, she started to thrash about. He shook her gently to wake her, alarmed when she did not rouse. “Alethia,” he spoke into her ear. “Wake up, lass.” He shook her again, his heart freezing with fear. “Mother, what do I do? I canna wake her.”

“No!” Alethia moaned from the bed, her body twisting and turning, her face a mask of terror. “Malcolm, watch out!”

Dropping to the bed, Malcolm gathered her into his arms and held her tight. “I’m here, love. All is well.” He turned stricken eyes to his mother. “What do I do?”

“You are doing all you can, I think.” Lydia put her hand on Alethia’s forehead. “She’s no’ feverish. I dinna ken what is wrong with her.”

Elaine entered the chamber, carrying a bowl of water with a square of linen folded over her arm. “Has she come to?”

“Nay.” Malcolm looked into his wife’s face, frightened by her pallor. “Alethia, wake up.” He shook her again, harder this time—desperate. She remained gripped in horror, moaning and writhing in agony in his arms. His heart raced, and he couldn’t get enough air into his lungs. Never had he felt so helpless.

“Lay her down. Let us tend to her. We’ll call for you the moment she wakes.” Elaine set the bowl of water down on the table beside his bed.

“Nay, I’ll no’ leave her.” He tucked a blanket around her and smoothed her hair. Was it his imagination, or did she seem to be settling? Elaine laid the damp cloth on her brow, and Malcolm reached for True’s hand. Her breathing steadied, becoming slow and regular.

“She sleeps, Malcolm. Whatever seized her seems to have passed.” Lydia brushed a lock of True’s hair behind her ear. “Stay with her if you will. Our guest will remain until you give him leave. Send for us when she wakes.” Lydia took Elaine’s arm and led her to the door.

“If you need anything, send Hunter for me,” Elaine said.

Hunter. Malcolm hadn’t given him a thought. The lad must be worried sick. Searching the room, he found him huddled into a corner, his eyes bright. “Come, lad.” Hunter sprinted across the room and climbed into his lap. He could feel his small body trembling. “She sleeps. All will be well.”

Hunter placed the palm of one hand on True’s cheek. It seemed to Malcolm that he went completely still, as if listening for something. His small body relaxed, the trembling stopped, and Hunter swiped at his eyes in a furtive gesture. “You will stay here and act as messenger. Once she awakens, I’ll send you to fetch Lydia and Elaine.”

Hunter nodded, still wiping at the tears running down his cheeks.

“’Tis all right to cry, son. Even the strongest knight sheds tears.” Malcolm cradled Hunter’s head with his large hand for a moment. “She’ll be fine after a good rest.”

He prayed it was so. He’d recognized all the signs of late—her fatigue, the nausea, and she hadn’t bled for weeks. Though she’d said naught, he’d guessed. ’Twas the natural result of their lovemaking, after all.

Mayhap the bairn growing inside her had caused the swoon. His throat tightened, and he brought Alethia’s hand to his mouth to kiss. Would they have a son or a daughter? He wondered when she would tell him.




Night had fallen when True finally stirred. Malcolm had not left her side for more than a few moments throughout the day. When she began to move about under the covers, he spoke into her ear. “Wake up, True.” She turned toward his voice, a good sign. “Come, lass. ’Tis time you awoke.”

“Malcolm?” She opened her eyes and tried to sit up.

Malcolm put his arm behind her back to support her. Relief washed through him in a rush. “I’m here, mo cridhe.”

“I’m starving.”

He pulled her into his arms and fought the urge to laugh out loud. “I’ll send for food.”

Hunter had fallen asleep next to her. He reached over her to give the lad a nudge. Hunter’s eyes opened and sought his foster mother. “Fetch Elaine and Lydia. Tell them to have a tray sent up. She’s hungry.”