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“Mother,” Ronin said and both men stood up.

“Sit down, ye two,” she said and took her seat at the table as well. “Where were ye both all day yesterday?”

Ronin was taken aback when he heard the obvious question in her tone. His mother had not once asked him where he was since he returned home, and he had no idea why she had suddenly inquired about his whereabouts. He looked up at her, but her expression was neutral, so he couldn't tell if she knew something or was just curious because she had noticed his absence.

“We spent some time together in the woods. I needed to spend some time away from everything,” Ronin replied casually; his tone not betraying a single emotion.

“Ye should have told me, Ronin. I was worried all day as tae where ye disappeared off to. With Lachlan gone too — it worried me all the more,” she said.

“It is my fault, mother. It won’t happen again,” Ronin replied respectfully. He was relieved that his mother seemed to know nothing. He knew he needed to tell her but it was not the right time yet.

“I wished to talk to you about the investigation,” Ronin said.

“I already ken that we have found nothing against the murderer. This is what usually happens in most cases unless you can find a connection or a reason,” his mother said.

“There was something else too,” Ronin said once again.

“I am listening.”

“When we went to Thelma’s cottage, we found her daughter dead as well,” Ronin finally said while looking closely at his mother’s face.

He waited for a reaction, any reaction, but none came. Her expression was stoic and neutral, as if she hadn't even heard the news. Ronin was surprised because he expected her to be horrified by the tragic news. When he had seenthe body, he was devastated, but his mother seemed strangely unaffected. Her reaction disturbed him.

“He must have murdered her daughter too, out of spite. Poor thing,” she finally remarked; her tone indifferent.

“You are right,” he replied; deciding against saying anything more.

After that, they ate in silence, each lost in their thoughts. All Ronin knew was that something extremely wrong was going on around him, and he needed to figure out what it was. The deaths of these two clan members seemed to have no effect on anyone. It appeared that no one was on his side. Those who should be acting were trivializing the situation. He wished he could be with Edna, his wife, right now. She was the only genuine person in an otherwise insincere world. He planned to meet her tonight.

CHAPTERTWENTY-THREE

As usual, Edna went about her day, trying her best to act normal. She knew her mother was very perceptive and though she often seemed distant, she knew her daughter too well. Thus, she was easily able to judge any changes in her expressions.

She wanted her mother to meet Ronin and see him for the manhe trulywas. Edna knew thatwitnessing how different from everyonehe was would be the only way her mother would understand and approve of this match.

“Edna?” her mother called.

Even though she had asked her mother to remain in bed for the entire day today so she could heal faster, she saw her descending the stairs. Edna quickly exited the kitchen and ran towards her.

“Mother, I asked ye to stay in bed. Why have ye come down?” she questioned; trying her best to sound angry and stern.

“Ye ken that I cannae stay in bed all day for no reason at all. I can rest in the living room as well,” she answered. She held her hand and helped her sit on the sofa. Edna carefully adjusted a pillow behind her head.

“Now ye stay here. The soup is almost done, and I will get it for ye. Do ye want anything else?”

Her mother shook her head before answering, “Nae.” Edna watched as she closed her eyes and rested against the pillow; clearly still not feeling well.

Edna returned to the kitchen and stirred the soup one last time before pouring some into a bowl. She thought about how her mother did not want her to work as a healer because she was too young, but Edna loved her job and was happy with whatever shelet her do. She had mastered the art of concocting potions and tonics.

She carried the soup to her mother. “There you go, mama.”

“Oh, thank you, darling,” she replied; placing the bowl on her lap. Edna sat down across from her on a chair and couldn’t help but examine her.

Edna could still see the delicacy and beauty in her features, but the passage of time had taken its toll. Shecould see the lines of worry on her face and the dullness in her eyes. Her mother always appeared despondent and tired, as if the world had been cruel to her.

Edna wondered how much of this was her father's fault. Her mind replayed the conversation she had inadvertently overheard. She felt restless every time she thought about it, and she knew she wouldn't be at ease until her mother told her the details herself. She couldn't believe her father had been unfaithful to her mother. She remembered her parents having a very loving relationship. A man who loves his wife wouldnever cheat. She shook her head to clear her mind of such thoughts, which were only adding to the strain she was already under.

“Are ye okay, Edna?” her mother asked; eyeing her suspiciously.


Tags: Kenna Kendrick Historical