Page 58 of A Healer for the Ruthless Highlander
“To be honest, Braither, I just miss our life at sea so much,” Hunter muttered, sniffing.
Instinctively, Leana took his hand and squeezed it comfortingly.
“That’s why ye sneak out at night,” she concluded. “To see Captain Graham.”
Hunter nodded. “Aye. I visit him when his ship docks.”
“And is he the one who gives ye the sea holly candy?” Leana asked.
Again, Hunter nodded. “Aye. He brings them to me whenever he can. When I eat them and breathe in the sea breeze, I feel so much better.”
Of course. Because the candy clears yer lungs, and the salty air allows ye to breathe better…
“I see,” Leana whispered, putting it all together.
She finally knew the cause of his illness and possibly the cure for it.
It was a tremendous relief to finally know what was ailing him. However, Kenneth didn’t seem as happy as she was.
“I did hear footsteps outside me bedroom last night… That was ye, was it nae? And the night before that?” Leana asked, seeking further confirmation.
“Aye. I snuck out last night to see Mr. Graham… me da. He brought me candy. That’s why I feel so much better today.”
“I understand…” Leana murmured. “And the night before that?”
Hunter shook his head. “Nay, ye’re wrong. That night, the stable boy saw me, and I had to return. That’s why I coughed yesterday.”
“It all makes sense now,” Leana sighed, casting a glance at Kenneth.
He looked petrified, both by the revelations and his inner turmoil.
“That’s why yer recovery fluctuates, regardless of what I do. Because it’s the sea holly that cures yer illness…”
Suddenly, a third voice sounded in the room. “So, darlin’, what have ye been lyin’ to us about all this time?”
Leana was surprised to see Brenda, but more pained to see her desperate expression.
It was obvious that Brenda had overheard much of the conversation, though the healer couldn’t say how much.
Brenda slowly walked into the room. Tears streamed down her beautiful face, even as she, like Kenneth, tried to keep her composure.
Her obvious pain must have made Hunter feel guilty, for he threw himself into her arms.
“Maither, I’m sorry!” he cried, burying his face in her skirt. “I didnae mean to hurt ye. I was just afraid that ye and me braither would be angry if ye found out what I’ve been doin’.”
“Hunter,of coursewe were goin’ to be angry,” Brenda chided, looking more depressed than upset. “Do ye have any idea of the danger ye’ve put yerself in by sneakin’ out like that?”
“Nay, Ma. I was very careful, I promise!” Hunter insisted, trying to calm her.
“But ye did it. Ye snuck out at night and put yer life in danger, did ye nae?” Kenneth said, taking a step toward him.
Hunter’s eyes widened with fear once more. “I… I did, but…” He sniffled. “It’s only because I wanted to see me da. Besides, I miss the sea. It makes me feel good. Much better than bein’ here.” Then, he turned to his mother and added regretfully, “I love ye so much, Maither. Ye and Valerie. But the castle makes me sick. Ever since we got back to this blasted place, I’ve been sick.”
“Language!” the three adults warned in unison.
Hunter shrank in on himself. “I’m sorry,” he whined. “B-but it’s the truth. It’s like this place doesnae want me here. Like me faither’s ghost is tryin’ to send me away again…”
His gaze, sad and filled with grief, dropped to the floor.
