‘I believe that was the plan, yes.’ She took Isabel’s hand. ‘It might be a while before you see them again, given the state of things.’

Isabel lifted her head. ‘The state of things?’

‘I mean with the border now in place. Plus, King Edward announced a temporary travel ban between England and Wales.’

Isabel relaxed against the wall again. ‘So long as they are safe, I suppose.’

‘Your mother is going to hate living on a farm.’

‘No question.’ There was a spell of silence before Isabel asked, ‘How did you get here so quickly?’

Ita laughed. ‘I didn’t get here quickly. You slept for three days.’

Isabel’s head popped up again. ‘Three days?’

Ita suppressed a smile. ‘Genevieve was able to rouse you enough to swallow some water, so she was happy with that.’ She went to pour Isabel another drink. ‘I’m under strict instructions to force-feed you fluids when you wake up. How’s the pain?’

‘Fine,’ she lied. ‘So everyone is out of the camp?’

‘Every last person. I don’t think Lord Hodge will be returning any time soon—especially with a sore hand.’ She made a pouty face. ‘You know what a whiner he is.’

Isabel thought back to their last encounter. She could only remember snippets. ‘Someone shot him. Through the hand?’

‘Yes. Much to everyone’s disappointment. No idea why Tolly didn’t shoot him in the face and be done with it. I guess he was trying to prevent his brother from getting in trouble.’

Ryder.

If three days had passed, he would be back in Chadora by now.

‘He’s been waiting for you to wake,’ Ita said, reading her mind—and panicked expression. ‘But he can’t stay. If they don’t return soon, everyone back home will presume they’re dead.’

She needed to go find him. ‘Can you help me up?’

‘Up? No way. You’re supposed to remain in bed.’

Isabel gave her best pleading expression. ‘Please? He is the reason I am alive.’

‘Actually, he’s the reason you got shot.’

The sound of footsteps approaching had Isabel looking to the door. Blackmane appeared a moment later, heavy boots stopping in the doorway as he took in the scene before him. The disapproving scowl was instant.

‘You’re not trying to get up, are you?’ He stepped inside, looking accusingly at Ita.

Ita raised her hands. ‘I told her no.’ She looked back at Isabel. ‘I’ll go let Genevieve know you’re awake. I’m sure she’ll want to check in on you.’ She moved past Blackmane and exited the room.

The defender waited until they were alone before speaking again. Isabel noticed he remained close to the door.

‘How are you feeling?’ he asked.

‘Thirsty.’

He walked over to the table, filled her cup, and handed it to her. ‘You really should be lying down.’

‘I am all right sitting up.’