Arranged: An Array Series (Book #1)(5)

He pointed at my head. “The nasty cut on your forehead.” Not waiting for my permission, he applied the substance, which instantly made my skin burn. I hissed, and he winced. “I’m sorry, my Lady. I wouldn’t do it unless the doctor insisted. Though, I’m starting to question if he was really a doctor.”

“I am too,” I seethed through clenched teeth. He gave me a small smile as he screwed the cap back on the bottle, then stood.

“You must be thirsty,” he said, making his way back to the table. As he dipped a wooden mug into a bucket of water, my mind pleaded with my mouth to ask him where Sam, Ben, and Charlie were. Creaking of wood panels announced the stranger coming back, and I peered back at him. Setting down the mug on the small table next to my cot, he held out his large hand for me to take.

“I promise I won’t bite,” he told me with a grin. I complied as he placed his other palm behind my back, slowly pulling me into a sitting position. Releasing the hand that held mine, he pulled the covers over me. Noticing my clothes for the first time, I saw I was dressed in a man’s shirt.

“It was all we had,” he informed me. “It’s mine; your gown was soaked with blood. I have some pants and socks for you as well.”

He handed over the water; the cool liquid felt wonderful against my dry lips and parched mouth. My eyes closed, as I promised never to take water for granted again.

“Drink it slowly,” he instructed.

The man walked over to the fireplace and quickly came back holding a steaming bowl and bread. Sitting back in the chair across from me, he watched me take another sip of water. His eyes looked icy blue and his skin was dark, like copper.

“Better?” he questioned.

“Yes, thank you,” I said, handing him back the cup.

“Hungry?”

“No.”

“Doc said you should eat something when you wake up,” he insisted.

“I’m never hungry when I first wake up,” I told him. I didn’t want food; I wanted answers. Answers I was too afraid to know.

He shrugged and crossed his arms. “Fair enough.”

I swallowed, my throat still dry. “Who are you?”

“A friend.”

I raised a brow. “A friend is someone I know.”

“Edward said you were smart,” he noted.

“Where are Sam and Ben?”

He rolled his eyes. “Outside. I sent the younger one to sleep with my men out there. He wouldn’t stop pacing the floor and bothering the doctor.”

“So, you work for the king. King Edward?”

“I do.”

I crossed my arms over my chest. “Prove it.”

He briefly chuckled. “And how am I supposed to do that?”

“I want to see them,” I ordered.

“All right.” Walking over to the door, he called for a “John,” said a few words, and returned to me. “Better?”

“Not yet. Where is Charlie? And Mrs. Reynolds and the children?”

He furrowed his brows. “Who?”

“They were all at the orphanage. Was anyone else killed?”

“I was told only five people perished. Some guards were injured but they will be fine.”

“Could you find out for me? The five that died, and those injured?” I pleaded.

“Of course I will.” He looked at me a moment longer, went to the door to speak with John again, then returned to me. “All set. I will hear something back soon.”

I gave him a weak smile. “Thank you.”

“You are safe,” he assured me. “I promise no harm will come to you.” I wouldn’t believe him until I saw Sam and Ben walking around freely. “Are you up for a game of cards?” He held up the deck.

“I think I can muddle through it.”

He slid over a stool in front of my cot and started to shuffle. “I must warn you, though, I am good.”

“I’ll be the judge of that.” I played cards with the Harris brothers all the time, often walking away with the majority of little trinkets and coins we’d gamble with. “How did you find us?”

He shifted in his chair and placed the deck down. “I was tracking the men who were following you, and saw the three of you in the distance. So, my men and I pursued.”

“So you were the ones I heard screaming behind us?”

He shook his head. “No. Those were…the men trying to kill you.”

Trying to kill you.

I swallowed. “Kill me?”

He nodded.

“So, you saved us?”

“Yes.”

“And Sam and Ben? They are safe?”

He handed me the stack of cards. “Yes. No slipping cards in your blanket now.”

“I pride myself on my ability, sir,” I countered, looking up at him from the cards. “It takes a special skill to win fairly.”

His lips quirked up in a grin, and he crossed his arms. “And what shall we play for?”

Before I got to answer, the door slammed open, causing me to jump. Discomfort shot though my shoulder, and I looked over to see Sam staring at me, as if I were some risen ghost.

“Sam!” I bellowed in relief.

“You’re up,” he stated. Before I could tell him to relax, Ben entered.