Page 77 of Highland Slayer
Estevan was struggling not to become despondent.
“Es?” Mabel had entered the sanctuary, wrapped up in a heavy shawl against the early morning chill. “How did she fare during the night?”
Estevan’s gaze was on Anaxandra’s pale face. “She did not awaken,” he said. “But she was peaceful.”
“Good,” Mabel said, leaning over Anaxandra and lifting an eyelid, watching her pupil react to the light. “As I said, I do believe she is only sleeping now. She will awaken soon.”
“Are ye certain?”
“I am,” Mabel said. She smiled at Estevan because he looked so worried. “Do not be troubled, my son. Women like Anaxandra are meant to live long lives with the men they love. She will be well soon, I promise.”
It took Estevan a moment to realize what she was saying. He tore his gaze away from Anaxandra, looking at his mother.
“I never did ask ye if ye had the chance tae know a little about her,” he said. “I know that ye were together when ye were attacked, but I never asked ye how the conversation went. Did ye learn what ye wanted tae know?”
Mabel’s smile faded. She had been thinking on the discussion between her and Anaxandra since nearly the moment it happened. When they were attacked, she was on the verge of questioning the woman’s motives with Estevan. But… she shouldn’t have. She also thought about the way Anaxandra had defended her and fought to save her. A shallow woman who was an opportunist would not have risked her life so, she decided. In fact, Anaxandra’s actions had been most selfless.
“Aye,” she said after a moment. “I learned what I wanted to know.”
“And what is that?’
Mabel shrugged. “That she is a woman of honor,” she said. “Her manner was cold, as you said, but she does not seem towantto be, if that makes sense. I do not think she knows any better. And she very much wants to please you.”
A weary smile creased Estevan’s lips. “Then ye approve?”
Mabel’s attention moved to Anaxandra. “How can I not?” she said. “Your young woman risked her life for me. She saved me, Estevan. We must return the favor. We must saveher.”
Estevan snorted softly. “From St. Margaret’s?”
“From a life she does not want nor deserve,” Mabel said. “We must give her a better one. With you.”
Estevan reached across Anaxandra, taking his mother’s hand and kissing it. As he sat there and held her hand, smiling at her, they both heard a faint, breathy voice.
“How… dare you.”
It came from Anaxandra. Startled, Estevan dropped his mother’s hand and put his palm on Anaxandra’s cheek in a tender gesture.
“Are ye awake, love?” he said. “Can ye hear me?”
Anaxandra moved her head slightly, her eyes rolling open. “I can hear you,” she muttered haltingly. “I can also see you. How dare you kiss your mother’s hand and not mine.”
Estevan burst into soft laughter. Even Mabel was smiling. He picked up Anaxandra’s right hand and kissed it sweetly before holding it against his face, gazing lovingly at her.
“Better?” he asked.
A small smile appeared on her lips. “Much,” she said. Then she sighed wearily. “Where am I?”
“Ye dunna recognize yer sanctuary?”
Anaxandra moved her eyes slightly as her surroundings became clear. “Aye,” she whispered. “I do now.”
Mabel leaned over so Anaxandra could see her without moving her head too much. “How do you feel?” she asked.
Anaxandra had to think about the question. “I am not sure,” she murmured. “Weak, I think. What happened?”
Mabel put a gentle hand on Anaxandra’s forehead, just to make sure the fever had stayed away. “What do you remember?” she asked.
Anaxandra sighed and closed her eyes. She didn’t say anything for quite some time, and they thought she had fallen back asleep until she spoke again, soft and mumbled.
