“What about your shoulder?” she asked.

“I had Ava sew it when you left to use the privy. I know how much you hate that sort of thing.”

Reid hadn’t realized he’d noticed her reaction when he’d sewn Colbert up. “Please be careful. You don’t want to split it open.”

He nodded, then instructed Ava to stay with Reid while he and Rick went outside to dispose of the bodies before they attracted attention—whether animal or human.

“If you’ll allow me,” Ava said to Reid, “I’d like to clean you up while the men are out.”

Reid gratefully agreed, not wanting Dexter to tend to her ribs. His touch on her skin was too intimate.

Ava made a paste to help reduce the swelling, then applied it over the already-forming bruise on Reid’s ribs. When she finished, Ava wrapped a strip of fabric around Reid’s torso to help stabilize her ribs. Sitting up and being bandaged brought tears to Reid’s eyes.

“There now,” Ava said when she finished. “Let’s put a clean shirt on you. This one has some blood.” Setting Reid’s shirt aside, Ava then retrieved one of her own and helped Reid put it on.

“I’m so sorry we’ve barged into your life like this,” Reid said, sniffling.

“It’s fine. A little excitement now and then is good. Of course, this is enough to last us for years.” She smiled. “Should I start a fire?”

“No. There could be more assassins out there.”

“I’ll get some blankets then. The temperature will drop drastically now that the sun has set.” After shutting the curtains, she lit a candle. She put one quilt on the bed and one on the floor. “I never managed to cook supper.”

“Just some bread will be fine.” Reid wasn’t hungry, but she needed to eat to keep her strength up.

Silently, they ate two slices of bread each. Sometime later, the men returned with wet hair. They’d probably washed off in the nearby river after getting rid of the bodies. After the men ate and it was time for bed, Ava and Rick insisted on sleeping on the floor. No amount of protesting on Reid’s part could change their minds. She made a mental note to send this kind couple something special once she returned to the palace, so they would understand how thankful Reid was for their hospitality.

Dexter took the first watch. In the middle of the night, he crawled in bed and Rick stepped out to take the second watch.

Freezing, Reid snuggled next to Dexter, trying to stay warm in the frigid house.

The following day, Dexter was eager to start their journey home. Since Rick didn’t have any horses, Dexter and Reid had to walk. Although it would take them longer on foot, Reid was secretly glad she didn’t have to ride in her condition.