Chapter 28 #2
Brodie clenched his teeth and scrunched his eyes closed, forcing himself not to yell out in pain. Only a low growl emerged.
"You are one lucky lad," Finnian said.
"I am," Brodie gritted out amidst the torture, then sucked in a lungful of the whisky scent. He opened his eyes to stare into Elsea's concerned gaze. He didn't care how many injuries he had to endure if he could look into her beautiful eyes every day for the rest of his life.
"Is he going to be alright?" Elsea asked.
"Aye, with plenty of rest. I'm nay going to stitch the wound. 'Twill heal better the way it is. I'll check it every day. Any more injuries?"
"Just a minor cut on my arm. 'Tis of no consequence. Several of the soldiers have need of your help for their injuries."
"Very well. Have his manservant wash the blood and grime from him. I will be back later." Finnian ambled from the room.
Elsea proceeded toward the basin and pitcher of water one of the servants had delivered. Using a warm linen cloth and soap, she washed the blood from Brodie's face, first his cheeks, then his forehead.
"Ruskin could do it," Brodie said, his eyes closed.
"Nay. I want to," she whispered.
"Why?"
"Well, in case you're nay aware, you're precious to me. I wish to cherish every inch of you."
"Och," he breathed. "You are the precious one, love."
She burst into sobs and turned away.
"Saints, what's wrong? Come here." He tugged her close and gazed into blue eyes awash with tears. He stroked the wet, silken skin of her face. "Why are you crying?"
"Because... I thought I would never hear you say such beautiful words to me again. 'Tis my dream come true."
"Well, I'm saying them because you're my dream come true. I tried to get over you, but 'twas impossible. That was why it hurt so bad. You captured my heart the first moment I saw you, and I will never be free."
"I feel the same way, and I'm so sorry." Her throat sounded constricted, and she could barely get the words out. "By betraying you, I almost destroyed myself, too."
"You did it to save my life." He pushed strands of hair behind her ear. "I know that now. I would've done the same thing if I believed I was saving your life. I would do anything for you."
She kissed the side of his forehead farthest from his wound. He pulled her closer and kissed her lips, then observed her at close range, love and adoration shining from her eyes. She leaned her elbows on the mattress as he stroked her face.
"I thought I loved the curse and being a selkie," he said. "But now I see I was trapped and deceived. 'Twas an oppressive, dark place. While swimming in the ocean, I felt free but... lonely. After we destroyed the curse, I realized I hadn't experienced true happiness since it began."
She nodded, her eyes glistening. "Nor did I. 'Twas soul-crushing desolation."
"You're the one who broke the curse, lass. I never thought I'd say this, but I thank you for that. I thank you for being bold enough to express your love, even when rage consumed me. You were extremely brave to open your heart like that, even when I was being vile and hurling insults."
She shrugged. "I knew you were in pain and that I had caused it. I was the only one who could do something about it."
"Well, you got through to me and sliced my stubbornness to ribbons." He grinned. "Besides that, you're a brave female warrior to rescue the selkies, nay once but twice, and to dispatch that bastard."
"I had to. Failure was not an option."
A knock sounded at the door, annoying Brodie. He frowned at it.
She rose. "Come in."
'Twas Gavin, Torr behind him. "How is he doing?" Gavin asked.
"Braw," Brodie said behind her, sitting up. "Going hunting in a bit."
Elsea smothered a laugh. "I'll be back in a little while." She exited, and he was disappointed to see her go. But he knew she needed to rest and clean up.
His two best friends—brothers—grinned at him. "I like your new hairstyle," Gavin teased.
"It becomes you," Torr said.
Brodie grinned and lay back against the stacked pillows. "'Twill grow back soon enough. Want to pour us a dram? Finnian near wasted all the whisky, drenching my scalp with it."
"Aye, 'tis strong in the air." Torr poured three drams and handed them out.
"Slàinte mhath," they said in unison, raising their glasses.
"Look at you, smiling for the first time ever." Gavin sat on a nearby chair.
Brodie snorted. "Nay the first time ever. I smile all the time."
"'Tis a boldfaced lie, but I'm overjoyed the curse is finally banished from all of us." Gavin sipped from the small glass.
"Aye, you were right about the curse and the witch. You too, Torr," Brodie said.
They eyed him in disbelief. "'Tis a miracle," Gavin rasped in awe.
"Indeed." Torr dropped into the chair on the other side of the bed.
"When I'm wrong, I say it," Brodie admitted, taking a sip. The whisky burned a trail down his throat.
"Well, we ken the curse heavily influenced you," Torr said.
"Aye, everything feels lighter now that the hag is gone."
They all nodded.
"When is the wedding?" Gavin inquired.
The words were like a thump to the chest. Brodie's heartbeat sped up with excitement. "I have nay even proposed again yet."
"Well, get on with it. What's taking so long?" Gavin gave him a pointed but teasing glance.
Torr snorted with laughter.
"I wish to get down on one knee, nay fall on my face," Brodie grumbled. "If she accepts, we should probably wait for Will to arrive in a sennight."
"If she accepts," Gavin scoffed. "As if she wouldn't."
Brodie grinned, recalling the affectionate things Elsea had said to him. "She's been wearing the ring I gave her when we got betrothed on a cord around her neck."
"Saints," Gavin hissed. "I'd say she loves you."
Brodie nodded, warmth filling him. "I believe she does."
"Well, we ken you've been under her spell for at least two years, aye?" Torr would know since he was the one who'd introduced them.
"Aye, the wee bonnie angel." Brodie recalled how sweet, innocent, and lovely she'd looked the first time he'd seen her.
"Avenging warrior angel now," Torr corrected.
"Aye, she's brave. And strong." Brodie beamed. "I'm so proud of her."
A knock sounded at the door. Was it Elsea returning? He hoped. "Enter."
When his mother stuck her head in, he wanted to groan. She had already hugged him in the courtyard when they'd arrived. He loved her, but didn't like how she treated him like a child, especially in front of Gavin and Torr. They would tease him unmercifully.
"Oh, Brodie, my sweet lad." She hastened forward and kissed him on the forehead, bringing the scent of rosewater with her. "I was so worried. How are you feeling?"
"I'm improving, Ma. Remain calm. All is well."
She stared at his scalp. "Oh, your poor head. I cannot believe you were shot. That horrid man got what he deserved. I'm glad Elsea was there to protect you."
Saints! She made him seem like a helpless bairn.
"Who told you?" Brodie asked.
"Gavin and Torr, of course."
"My deepest thanks, lads," Brodie muttered. "Now I need a wee lass to protect me."
"I had no notion she was so tough," his mother said.
"Nor did I."
"And she granted me my fondest wish. She broke that horrible curse!" Ma blinked back tears.
Brodie nodded. "She's a treasure."
"Oh, you're going to marry her, are you not?" his mother gushed amid more tears.
"If she'll have me."
"She will. She will," she assured him.
"I have nay even asked her yet, so keep it quiet."
"I'm good at keeping secrets," Ma whispered with excitement.
"Her brothers are coming a sennight hence."
"Oh, that's not long to prepare. I'll send for Father Helms." She rushed from the room.