The maroon-wallpapered corridors grew smaller the further we walked. Rhen trailed a good distance behind me now, as was probably more appropriate.
I didn’t realise I was holding my breath until we stopped in front of Eloisa’s doors.
Rhen knocked for me, and Eloisa’s nurse, Agatha, opened the door. She was a sweet older lady with a wrinkled smile and a few grey hairs peeking out from her bun.
“Your Majesty.” She quickly bowed.
“I heard our patient is awake.” I forced an optimistic smile.
“She is, Your Majesty.” Agatha stepped aside to let us in. “But I’m afraid she’s not very talkative yet.”
Fine by me.Though Eloisa’s room had many windows, most of the curtains were shut, allowing only a little bit of light to creep in. On the far side of the room, her figure was enveloped in layers of blankets, beneath the canopy of her bed.
Eloisa sat upright but she made no eye contact as we entered.
“Should I wait outside?” Rhen offered but I shook my head.
“No, I want you to stay.” I wasn’t ready to face her alone and I wished more than anything that Cai was here with me. Rhen nodded and resumed a soldier-like stance as I turned and approached the bed.
“Hello, Eloisa.” She was staring at the bedding as if there was something terribly interesting about it. I stopped next to the bed. “We’re glad to see you’re awake.”
She made no attempt to acknowledge me.
“Are you feeling better?”
Her pale face turned to the window, which gave her a view of the stables and part of the training grounds.
“Would you like me to open the window?” Even though she didn’t respond, I walked over and unlatched it, allowing fresh winter air to creep into the room. We wouldn’t be able to keep it open for very long or we’d be putting Eloisa’s health at risk all over again.
“Eloisa, do you remember me?” I dared to ask, hoping to elicit some reaction out of her. But she kept staring at the window, seemingly listening to the sounds of the servants bustling outside.
“We went to Argon to come and get you. I’m your sister. Do you remember?” Nothing in her face shifted to hint at any recognition.
I turned to her nurse. “How’s her fever?”
“It seems to have come down, Your Majesty,” Agatha responded.
“Good. Keep an eye on it for me and make sure she is eating, please.” Eloisa was already so frail as it was.
“Of course, Your Majesty.”
“Where’s Lance?” A croaky voice piped up from the bed, causing us all to turn our heads.
“Where’s Lance?” Eloisa asked again, softer this time, her eyes wide.
“Uhm, I don’t know,” I replied honestly. “I haven’t seen him this morning.”
“I want my brother.” The idea that anyone ill would want Lance at their bedside as soon as they woke up was far-fetched. I wondered if Lance was capable of caring for Eloisa in a way he never could for anyone else.
“All right.” I looked at Agatha. “Have a servant call Lance, please.” She curtsied and scurried off.
“I want my brother,” Eloisa said once more and pulled her knees up to her chest. She was looking out the window again, rocking slightly back and forth.
I made eye contact with Rhen, who looked just about as confused as I felt. Agatha returned after a minute.
“I must leave. I have many commitments today, I’m afraid.”
“Of course, Your Majesty.” The nurse gave a small bow.
