Dragon's Daughter

“If you will take this to the cart?” She held up a woolen bag. “It contains clean clothes for the babe.”

Stiffly he took the bag and went out without so much as glancing toward Christian again.

Christian then watched as Rowena turned and helped Nina to stand. The babe lay upon the bed as she gingerly wriggled to the edge. Rowena reached out to place a steadying hand beneath her arm as she took a deep breath and rose to her feet. Her weakness was clear, for she buckled almost instantly.

Without asking permission, Christian rose and went to lean over her. “You should not travel this day.”

He could feel the tension in Rowena’s slender body as she agreed. “He is right. You are not strong enough.”

Nina’s lips thinned obstinately. “I mun go home.”

He gave a grunt of exasperation, bending down to sweep her into his arms. Neither she nor Rowena made any protest as he carried her to the cart.

As he set her on the narrow wooden seat beside a frowning Sean, Rowena appeared with the babe in a basket. Carefully she placed the sleeping child on the floor before them. “He will sleep for a time.” Her gaze caught Nina’s. “You must not forget to take the medicaments I put in the bag for you. They will help you to regain your strength more quickly.”

The girl blinked back tears. “I willna forget.” Her appreciative gaze included Christian, who had stepped back to allow them to talk. “I thank ye both. I…ye saved our lives and I kin niver…” She halted, wiping a tear on the sleeve of the clean gown Rowena had given her.

Christian nodded, unable to speak past the lump in his own throat as Rowena whispered, “Just look after the babe. And remember, if you ever need anything…”

The girl nodded and looked to Sean. “We mun away or we shall miss the tide.”

Rowena stepped back beside Christian as Sean cast one more disapproving glance at them. Rowena seemed intent on wiping moisture from the corner of her own eyes.

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