Page 14 of Oath of Rebellion

Thank goodness for the tonic from... who had given it to her? All she remembered was Knox. At a trill from a bird, she tossed back the covers and strode to the window.

She pushed open the glass and blinked. The birds settled on the window sill, each vying for her attention. But the beautiful peach, white, and blue flower bundle drew her attention first.

She picked them up and buried her face in it. The sweet scent helped her wake up with a smile. When she looked up at the birds, she pushed a question into the minds.

"Where did these come from?" she asked, glancing behind them and raising her brows. "And what is that hammock doing here?"

Almost as one, they pushed impressions back to her. The lumberjack had slept in a living hammock outside her window. He'd created it himself. He'd grown flowers and wrapped them in stems, leaving them on the windowsill.

She smiled, her heart flipping. He'd watched over her in the night and gotten her flowers? No one had ever been so thoughtful before. Not someone who wasn't a servant anyway.

She pushed another question to them. "And where is the handsome man this morning?"

Flashes of images burst in her head. He was checking the perimeter around the cottage, searching for any threats that might lurk in the forest. She leaned her elbow on the window sill and let the wind hit her face, lazily lifting the flowers to breathe in the peaceful smell.

She sighed and thanked the birds, listening to their chirps and seeing the impressions they sent. It was all inconsequential, such as where the best worms were to be found and which nest had the most hatchlings.

She laughed and let the proud mama bird perch on her finger. "Well, congratulations then. I'm thrilled for you."

The bird's chest puffed out, and Eirwyn stroked her feathers with a finger. A throat cleared behind her.

She turned to see Scarlet in the same clothes as yesterday, but at least her clothing was pressed now.

Eirwyn held out her finger to the window so the mama bird could fly home to her babies. Then she adjusted her own dress, wincing at the dirt and grime that made her feel so gross.

"Good morning," Eirwyn said, pasting on a smile and walking toward the bed. She spied her shoes and picked them up. "How are you today?"

Scarlet nodded and stepped away from the door, waving at Eirwyn. "Fine, thanks for asking. Olive is making breakfast, but I know Knox will want to get an early start. I was hoping you were awake."

Eirwyn went down the stairs in her stockings, shoes in one hand and flowers in the other. Helga sat by the fire with a steaming cup of coffee in her hands. She looked up, relief clear in her eyes. Then her gaze narrowed on the flowers.

Before she could open her mouth, Eirwyn said, "Oh Helga, I'm so glad you're alright. I was worried about you when you hit your head. I'm sorry I wasn't able to cushion us more."

Eirwyn walked to the door and set her boots down.

"It's alright, child. I'm fine. Mistress Olive fixed me up in no time. How are you? Are you well? Where did the flowers come from?"

She turned back to Helga and tapped her chin. "I think I'm better than you. You look dreadful. Did you not sleep at all last night?"

Helga glared and pursed her lips, looking away.

But Scarlet leaned in and whispered loudly, "No, she didn't. She watched the stairs like a hawk to make sure Knox didn't take advantage of you."

Eirwyn's jaw dropped open, then she giggled, turning back to Helga. "I guess you didn't know that he slept in a hammock outside my window then, eh?"

Helga's spine straightened, and she spilled coffee on her dress, making her curse.

Eirwyn laughed, knowing her skirts were too layered for her to get hurt. Then she turned to the delicious aromas coming from the kitchen.

She went to Olive and said, "Hello, I'm sorry I didn't get to introduce myself last night but thank you so much for the healing potion. It was just what I needed."

Olive reached out a hand to shake and smiled. "I'm glad you're better, dear. Knox was concerned."

Eirwyn perked up. "Have you known him long?" She went to the sink and splashed water on her face, wiping it with a clean, folded rag. Then she found a mug to put the flowers in, filling it with water and setting it in the center of the table.

Olive nodded, bustling to pour the gravy into a bowl. "Since he was born. In fact, he was born right there by the hearth."

"Oh, are you his mother, then?" Eirwyn asked, turning to the kitchen table and beginning to wipe it clean. Nerves and curiosity ate at her stomach. Who was this man who was so gruff and quiet, but fiercely protective and sweet?

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