Keeley peeked her head around the side of the wood barrier. “Are you all right? I thought I heard you.”

“I’m well,” he croaked. “If you are finished, I’d like to wash as well. I’ll be careful not to wet my stitches.”

She frowned but didn’t argue. She disappeared behind the wood again and he heard the rustle of material as she finished drying and then dressed. A few minutes later, she reappeared, clad in a fresh dress, her cheeks flushed from the heat of the water. Her long hair lay in a damp trail down her back, resting just above the small of her back.

“While you bathe, I’ll dry my hair by the fire,” she said.

He started to push himself upward but caught his breath and remained still when his side protested.

She rushed forward, reaching for his arm. “Let me help you. Lean into me. Take hold of my waist and let me pull you until you can gain your footing.”

He needed no invitation to curl his arm around her waist and bury his face in the softness of her belly. He inhaled her clean scent, and the lingering smell of roses tantalized his nose. It was Mairin’s soap, but it had never enticed him as it did now on Keeley’s skin.

“Come now,” she urged in her sweet, husky voice.

He allowed her to pull him forward, but he held her so she didn’t stumble. His weight was far too much for her to bear on her own. When he turned so that his feet grazed the floor, he paused for a moment, gathering his strength to rise.

As soon as he stood, the room swam in circles and his knees threatened to buckle. It took everything he had not to go down in a heap. He also became aware of a most pressing need.

With a grimace he wrapped an arm around Keeley’s shoulders to steady himself.

“I have need of the chamber pot,” he said gruffly. “Perhaps ’twould be best if you stepped from the room a moment.” He had no desire to horrify her with his personal needs.

Her expression softened and she smiled up at him. “Who do you think has helped you accomplish your needs for the past days, warrior?”

Heat crept up his neck until he was sure he was blushing like a maiden.

“I’ll forget you said that.”

She laughed and slipped from underneath his arm. “Are you certain you’ll be all right? I’ll just be right outside. If you have need of me just holler. I’ll give you a moment to get into the tub and then I’ll return.”

Alaric nodded and watched as she walked to the door. Once there, she turned and gifted him with a shy smile that sent a shiver of pleasure down his spine. Then she exited and closed the door behind her.