Chapter 49

I couldn’t beg them out of it and my solution of using the oil was ignored like it didn’t exist. They wouldn’t listen when I told them women on earth sometimes needed a little help. I begged them to use the oil.

Since my purpose was now on hold, I felt real fear. I wasn’t sure they would keep a slave that was not responsive; that seemed important to them. I followed Damien and tried to coax him back to bed. My terror wasn’t lost on him and he stroked my head as we waited for the healers.

“You will not stay ill, Ciara,” he soothed. “We will care for you and you will be better. My brothers and I do not wish to worsen your malady by forcing your use.”

I wasn’t sick; I knew that much. Without spilling Christof’s secret, there was no way to explain that. It wasn’t clear to me what they would do to fix a non-existent illness. Wow, how I wished they had listened to me and just used oil. The healer’s advice was disgusting.

At the next meal after my usual vitamin drin