She tried to move her hand again, he pressed on it tighter against him.
His face tightened. "No," he said thickly, "Like it."
She swallowed. "Alright." He was in pain and drunk out of consciousness. He surely knew nothing of his actions.
"How m'ny stic'ces?"
Was he awake? How was he awake again? She had been relieved to see him pass out but even more to hear him speaking even though he remained so pale. She moved a strand of hair glued to his face behind his ear and felt his brows. His fever was mounting up.
"Nineteen."
He nodded faintly.
"It is a sizable wound. Made better if you would but lie." she tried again.
His head moved. "I do not lie."
"Mr Brand—"
"I do not lie." He released her. "Ever."
Madelyn hesitated, realising that he was not as witting as she had thought. The fever was already taking over. His lips trembled and his breathing grew uneven. Quickly, she reached for the washcloth and dabbed lightly on his brows again.
