She sat down next to Dougray and lifted his head. “Come on, you have to take this.” She tried to shove the pill into his mouth, but he kept fighting her. She put his head back down. She was desperate and decided to use drastic measures. She pinched his nose with her forefinger and thumb until he was forced to open his mouth for a breath. She then dropped the pill down his throat making him choke in the process.
“What witchery is this?” Cahir had entered the room to witness her act. He practically ran to her yanking her from her seat. “I saw ye put something in his mouth. What was it?”
Aislinn wondered how she had not heard him come in. Obviously, the spineless little man had been spying on her. “Unhand me at once.”
“Nay. Ye’ve poisoned him. I saw ye. Guards! Guards!”
“I did no such thing.” She managed to yank her hand free as two of Burke’s men arrived. “I’m trying to save him.”
“We can all see what ye’ve done so far. Look at him.” He pointed to Dougray who was burning with fever. “He was fine a few days ago and now he is at death’s door. Guards, seize her.”
The two men grabbed her before she could even react. “This is nonsense.
I would do nothing to harm him.” She struggled to be free, but their hold was like steel.
“If Dougray lives, then we will set ye free, but if he dies, we will deal with ye accordingly. I am sure Abbot Kirwan will want to hear of this.”
Dear God, this man was insane, and with Kirwan’s help, she would be sentenced and tied to a stake before the night was over.
She only wanted to help Dougray, but her medical expertise was limited and she had no way of knowing if the penicillin would even help. “You would blame me for his wound becoming infected?”
“No, milady, I would blame ye for poisoning him. Now take her away.” He waved his hand for the guards to move along.
“You can’t do this.” She struggled, panic gripping her. She had no one to call to help her. She had told Teige that she would not be leaving the castle so he had gone with the hunting party. Dermot and Hamish were out practicing their sword fighting. Cormac disappeared early this morning probably to seek out Fiona.
“Lock her in the dungeon,” Cahir ordered.
She yanked one of her hands free and, with all her might, swung at the guard to her right, hitting him in the groin. With that guard on the ground she went after the other one. She lifted the folds of her dress and gave the man a swift kick to the knee. She would have kicked him again, but she got tangled up in the gown and ended up tripping herself. The guard scrambled to his feet, his sword drawn. Before she could rise, he had the point of the blade at her throat.
“Do not move again, milady. I’d hate to put a hole in that pretty little neck of yers.”
The physician was standing above her now. “Take her away, and if she gives you any more trouble…” He paused and looked at her menacingly. “…kill her.” He walked away then and the guards lifted her up off the ground. This time, she didn’t struggle.
They had nearly dragged her down below throwing her into the cell, where she stumbled to the floor. She turned to see them slamming the door shut, taking pleasure in her unwarranted confinement.
“You’ll end up rotting in here, milady,” the one she had kicked in the groin was good enough to inform her.
She tried not to let fear rule her thoughts. “Tell Murrough that I wish to speak to him.”
They just laughed as they walked away. She leaned her face through the bars. “Tell him!” she yelled again as they headed out of sight.
Hours passed, her cell turning into dark shadows with rats scurrying by. She sat with her feet curled up close to her body wondering how long she had been down there.
She heard the door above open and she quickly rose to her feet. She never in her life thought that she would be so relieved to see Murrough O’Donoghue. He may not trust her, but he was a fair and honest man who cared for Dougray. He would at least hear her out before he passed judgment.
The redheaded man eyed her for a moment, a little surprised that she had not lost her spirit. He had seen men crumble within hours of being locked behind these doors. He waited expecting her to plead for her life, but she remained silent obviously waiting for him to address her. “Ye wished to speak to me, milady.”
“Murrough, I need your help.”
He chuckled. “Me? I would have thought that I would be the last person ye would have asked for assistance.”
“It is not for me actually. It’s for Dougray.”
His bushy brows lifted. “I would think you have done enough. Cahir told me of yer doings.”
“The man’s a fool and you know it. I was trying to help Dougray.” “I can’t fathom how. He’s worse than last I saw him.”
“That was nothing that I did. He was hacked with a weapon. Did you expect him to walk away without consequences?”
Murrough knew that she spoke the truth. It was not surprising that he would be feverish. Many men died from such wounds, but the physician was sure that he saw her shove something in Dougray’s mouth and then refused to tell him what it was. “Why should I believe anything ye say?”
“Because I….” She paused for a moment, but Murrough saw the raw emotion smoldering in her eyes. “Like you, Murrough, I care very much for him.”
Try as he might, he could see no deception there. “What did ye give him?”
he asked.
“Penicillin. It’s a drug that will help fight the infection. I had the prescription filled when I had my root canal.”
“Yer root…what?” He waved his hand. He didn’t want to know. “Forget it. If it is supposed to help him, why is he not better then?”
“He has to have more of it. I have the bottle in my backpack. Please, I don’t care what happens to me. Just give him the pills. I swear it will help. I swear on my life.” Her eyes implored him to believe her.
Murrough stared at her for a long time, trying to make the right decision. Dougray was not better, but he was no worse either. “Guards!” One came immediately down the steep steps. “Take her to her room and see that she does not leave it.” He heard the guard chuckle and he gave him a withering look that sobered him up quickly. “Ye may be here on order from the Burke, but ye are under my command now. Aislinn Fitzpatrick is the lady of this keep and ye will treat her accordingly. No harm better come to her. Do ye understand me?”
“Aye, sir.” The man quickly took the keys from the peg.
“Thank you, Murrough.” Aislinn could not hide her gratitude.
“Do not thank me just yet. For if ye have lied to me, ye will wish that ye were never born.” He turned on his heel and strode back up the stairs.
“Come ye.” The guard nudged her.
“I will take her up to her room,” a commanding voice demanded.
Aislinn looked up to see Teige standing there. The guard appeared as though he was going to refuse but the withering gaze that Teige threw was a sure indication that he planned, if need be, on issuing this order by force.
“Fine, take her then.”
Teige moved her ahead of him, still wary that the Burke’s man might retaliate. “Were ye harmed, A.J.?”
She looked over her shoulder and smiled. “No. It is so good to see you, Teige. Thank you for coming.”
“I will guard ye with my life, milady. Do ye not worry.”
“What say ye, Fiach?” Murrough asked. “Do we trust the pills she gives us?”
Fiach took the small white tablet that had writing scrawled on it. He then glanced at his cousin who was restless in his feverish slumber. “Why do ye not ask the physician, Cahir?”
“Because Cahir does not trust Lady Aislinn. He would condemn this medication just because it comes from her hand.”
“Even if it were to save Dougray?”
“Aye. Cahir, these days, seems to be bent on proving Aislinn has an ill wish for milord.”
“Ye do not believe it is so?”
“Nay,” Murrough was forced to admit. “She may aggravate him with her stubbornness, but I have witnessed the way she gazes at him when she thinks no one is looking. I do not think that she holds any malice.”
“Then ye have yer answer.” He handed the penicillin back to Murrough. “Speak to no one of what we do,” Murrough requested of the priest.
“Ye have my word.”
He moved forward but turned again to address Fiach. “Do not confess to Kirwan either.”
“I’d sooner burn in hell than confess my sins to Abbot Kirwan.” Murrough smiled grimly. “That may be what we will do, if this does more harm than good.”
For three days, Aislinn was kept locked up in her room and away from Dougray’s side. She did a lot of praying and worrying, even though Teige tried to give her an account of how he was doing.
Finally the door opened with Murrough’s red hair gleaming bright from the sun’s rays that slipped through the half-open window. Aislinn ran over to him, trying to read the news in his eyes. She couldn’t take the man’s silence and shook his arm. “Well? Please tell me. Is he all right, or are you here to have my head on a platter?”
“I see yer confinement has done nothing to tame that disposition of yers.” He gave her half a smile. “He lives and he has been bellowing orders.”
She closed her eyes for a moment, relief flooding over her features. “Thank God.” Her eyes snapped open then. “May I see him?” Then she hesitated. What if he didn’t want to see her?
Murrough sensed her hesitation and immediately put her at ease. “His first words were to demand ye come forth.”
She put her hands on her hips and raised her chin defiantly. “Oh, really now. He has demanded?” A smile spread across her face, erasing the stress lines and transforming her features to one of beauty. “Then you best let me by.”
Murrough bowed slightly before he moved aside. He followed behind her, barely keeping up with her large strides. They could hear Dougray barking an order for someone to find his sword. Aislinn rushed in. She could see him sitting on the bed trying to put on his tunic. He looked up and she didn’t wait for him to beckon her. She ran right over to him throwing her arms around him in a big bear hug, nearly suffocating him in the process.
“You’re all right.” She held his head tightly against her chest.
His hands moved to her waist and a low chuckle escaped his lips. “Not that I don’t like where my head is resting,” came his muffled voice, “but I am having a bit of trouble breathing.”
She immediately released him, cupping his face in her hands. “Don’t ever scare me like that again.”
“I’ll try not to.” He wore a large grin on his hair-stubbled face.
They were silent for a moment, as they gazed at each other with many questions whirling around in their heads. Dougray had heard how she had stayed by his side morning and night, until Cahir took her away. He also knew it was her doing that he still lived. “It seems I owe ye my life, milady. There was a pensive shimmer in the shadow of his eyes.
She gently caressed his cheek, too choked with emotion to trust her voice to speak.
Murrough cleared his throat behind a closed fist. Dougray reluctantly dropped his hands from Aislinn’s trim waist and she took an involuntary step back.
“Milord, will ye still be needing my services?” Murrough could barely keep from smiling.
“Nay. I am well now. Thank ye, Murrough.” Once they were alone, he reached for her again and she did not resist. When he finally spoke, it was with profound tenderness. “What am I to do with ye, Scathach?”
Her embrace tightened. “I am not a warrior, just a woman.” Her voice swelled with emotion and he thought that he heard her sniffle. “Are ye crying?” He pushed her away only so he could see her face. “Ye are crying.” He realized that he had been insensitive to what she must have endured these past few days. He lightly touched her face. “I am sorry for what ye must have been put through. Rest assured, I will tend to Cahir and those involved.”
She shook her head. “That’s not why I’m crying.” “Nay? Why then?”
I’m just so relieved that you’re all right. I thought I might never see you again. They wouldn’t let me near you, and I was afraid that I would never be able to tell you…” She stopped just realizing how much this man had come to mean to her.
“What did ye want to tell me?”
“That…well…I care for you.” Slowly her eyes met his.
“Ye care for me then?” She only nodded because she couldn’t trust her voice. “Well that is a start, Aislinn. I care for ye too.” His eyes held hers.
“About what we last spoke of before I went off to battle, ye wanted me to foster Declan, and I agreed with stipulations.” He felt her stiffen and hurried on to explain. “I will not force ye, Aislinn, to do anything ye do not deem right.” He gave her a half smile. “And I’ll willingly take the lad and train him well.”
“Thank you.” She gave him a quick peck on the cheek before looking at him, eyes swelling with gratitude. Then she surprised him thoroughly by cupping his face with her delicate hands and leaning forward to truly kiss him.
Chapter 50
As Cahir walked up, he saw the two guards that had taken Aislinn down to the dungeon being led out by Dermot and Cormac. He had been summoned by Dougray to answer for the actions he had taken against the Lady Aislinn. He had felt that he was justified and had been confident that he could make Dougray see his side of the story too, but now seeing the guards who had been under his instructions being led out of the keep by sword point made him not so sure.
“We do not have all day.” Cahir jumped at the sound of Murrough’s voice. He had stepped aside so that Cahir could enter.
Dougray had paced the library, his anger still not sated for the way Aislinn had been treated. He shuddered to think what would have become of her if he had succumbed to his injuries.
“I can explain, milord, about…” Cahir word’s died in his throat.
Dougray had turned toward him, eyes clouding to black. His lips had thinned to white and his nostrils flared with fury. Cahir had the distinct impression that he was a thread away from being run through with a sword. “Ye made a grave mistake, Cahir, the moment ye sent the guards to apprehend Lady Aislinn.” His voice was cold and exact, matching his dark expression. “By all rights I should send ye from Dunhaven.” He paused only because he was struggling to contain his anger.
Cahir glanced uneasily at Murrough, who was guarding the door as if he suspected that he might try to make a run for it. Cahir shifted his weight and warily returned his gaze back to the man who would decide his fate. “Milord,
I was only looking out for yer best interest. I thought that milady was poisoning ye.”
“Obviously, ye do not know her or ye would have realized what a ridiculous statement ye have just made. She has nothing but a caring nature.”
“But her temper, milord?”
“Perhaps she is a bit quarrelsome, but she is far from a murderess where ye had categorized her.”
He swallowed hard, struggling to say something in his defense. “I now see my folly, milord.”
“I am gladdened to hear it. From now on, if ye so wish to continue being physician here at Dunhaven, ye will treat Lady Aislinn with the same respect that ye show me. If ye so ever think that ye can take matters into yer own hands again, ye will not be dealt with so kindly. Do I make myself clear enough for ye?”
“Aye, milord.” His mind was weary, but with hope now that his life would be spared.
“Then ye are dismissed.” With a wave of his hand, he had finished. He was already turning his back on him.
Cahir hurried, his footsteps thundering down the hall. “What do ye think, Murrough?”
“Ye will have no more trouble from the man.” Dougray turned to face his friend. “And of ye?”
“I have had my reservations about Lady Aislinn, but not anymore. Even locked down below in the dungeon, she did not worry of h
erself. Her concerns were for ye. I cannot deny such devotion.”
“Aye, she cares for me.” He sighed.
Murrough placed a hand on his shoulder. “What troubles ye, Dougray?” He shrugged disparagingly. “Nothing that cannot be worked out, I suppose.” He gave his friend a weak smile.
With Aislinn’s help, Dougray’s strength improved. She had him on an exercise regimen that tried his patience at times, but he stuck to it for the results could not be refuted. Best of all it enabled him to spend more time with her. He felt that his patience with her was paying off, for he could feel their relationship strengthening each and every day.
When they were not exercising, they would talk for hours, sometimes long into the night. With great restraint he did not take advantage of the kisses she would allow him to steal from her. He caressed her, teased her until he himself could take no more. He was well aware of the disappointment on her fine-boned features, but he was determined to have her come to him. He could tell by the way she would tremble in his hands that she was close to giving in to her passions.
Aislinn was actually put back by his restraint. She knew that he was seducing her. He kissed her until her mouth burned with desire. His lips would brush against her neck exalting her to distraction. All this from his kisses and not once had he taken his hands to her, other than in an embrace.
The man held her thoughts and she dreamt of him at night, making her wish that he was there beside her. Instead when she reached out her hand to feel for him, she only touched the cold linen and nothing more. She had moved her quarters staying in the adjoining room to his, a door that wasn’t even locked. She could go to him.
She took the steps that separated them and knocked on the door. “Ye may enter,” his voiced boomed through the wood. She took a deep breath and opened the door.
Dougray eyebrows rose involuntarily. “What do I owe the pleasure?”
“I knew you were back from working out, and wanted to know if you needed any help changing your dressing?”
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