Caelen blinked and then scowled, not that she expected any less. He opened his mouth as if to say something but then quickly snapped it shut. Smart man. He didn’t intimidate her, and she’d not let him get away with his rudeness. ’Twas true. She was exhausted to her core and the last thing she needed was him hovering over her, criticizing her every move.

She pushed by him once she reached the top of the stairs and leveled a scowl at him that was every bit as impressive as his. She entered Alaric’s chamber and shut it firmly behind her.

“Keeley, you’re back!” Mairin exclaimed from Alaric’s bedside.

Keeley glanced over to see Mairin carefully bathing Alaric’s forehead while Maddie stood to the side. The fire had been stoked and wood added, and Keeley immediately went to stand in front of it, soaking in every bit of the heat she could.

“Here, lass, let me take your findings. Do you have any special instructions or can I leave them all together?” Maddie asked as she came over to help Keeley.

Keeley glanced down at the pile in her gathered skirts. “Aye, you can leave it all together. I’ll sort it out after I can feel my hands again. I’ll need a bowl or two and something to grind the leaves and roots with.”

“You heard the lass,” Maddie said to Gannon who stood in the doorway. “Go fetch her bowls and a mortar and pestle.”

Gannon looked extremely disgruntled to be ordered about by a woman, but he turned to do her bidding although not before allowing his displeasure to cross his face.

Mairin frowned in Keeley’s direction. “Keeley, are you certain you are up for caring for Alaric this night? You look exhausted, and you’re shaking with cold.”

Keeley offered a faint smile. “I’ll be warm in no time. If you have food to spare, I’d be most grateful for something to eat.”

“I’ll go fetch something from Gertie,” Maddie said.

As Maddie left the chamber, she met Gannon on his way back in with the items Keeley had requested. Keeley carefully deposited the herbs into one of the bowls and straightened her skirts. Now that her hands were free, she turned and held them out to the fire, wincing when feeling began to race through her veins again.

“You have need of proper clothing if you are to stay here,” Gannon said gruffly. “I’ll speak to the laird about it straight away.”

“Oh, you’re right,” Mairin said, remorse heavy in her voice. “ ’Tis something I should have thought of. You could hardly have prepared for a journey if my husband snatched you from your home. I’ll speak to the women at once. Between us, we can surely remedy the problem.”

Keeley fidgeted under their scrutiny. “ ’Tis thoughtful of you both. I’m most appreciative of your regard.”