“This chaffs against you,” I observed.
“I have an ointment,” he retorted stiffly, insinuating he had it handled.
“Hm. This doesn’t fit properly,” I said.
Marco stood silently, arms crossed over his chest.
“It fits perfectly fine.” Tio nearly snarled his response, hands a glow for a moment before a force tugged the wooden limb from my hand and into his.
“Telekinesis,” Marco said. “That’s what grabbed my feet. Excellent magical development. I don’t know many who learn to move more than objects.”
Tio slid on his prosthetic, refitting the straps. “I can’t move a whole body, but I can go for the weak points. Only as much as a nudge, really.”
“Still, better than most.” Marco offered his hand, and Tio reluctantly accepted.
When we stood before each other, I added, “I have many guardsmen who have lost appendages in battle. I have an expert prosthetics master in my employ. A properly fitting one shouldn’t open wounds on you. I’ll send him to you for a fitting.”
“I can’t afford his services, Your Majesty.”
“Good thing I can.” Not giving him another chance to protest, I left the training room. Whether I supported his intentions with Melody or not, he was an ally at the very least.
18
Nora
While the men set off to hurt each other, Melody and I prepared one of the guest rooms. We stood opposite each other on either side of the bed as we undressed the linens, much like we used to at the old house.
“So, that’s a good sign.” I couldn’t clamp down my mischievous smile as I broached the topic.
“What is?” Her gaze remained fixed on removing the pillows from their cases, but I knew it was with great effort.
I hummed behind my smile, concentrating on tearing off the old sheets. “That he made a visit just for you.”
Her golden locks spilled over her shoulders with an adamant shake of her head, her bangs swaying across her forehead.
“Oh, come on, Mel. It’s so obvious.” I paused my work.
She did the same, slowly lifting her blue gaze to me. “It is, isn’t it?” She bit her lip. We both broke out in smiles and laughter. “He’s so different from anyone else that’s shown interest in me.” She stared off in contemplation before saying, “I like it.”
“I have to admit, I’d much rather you find someone whose hairline hasn’t started receding.” As more and more rejected the acceptance of her magic, the age range of suitors quickly entered middle age. A couple at the end had already retired. Last I heard, Jenta had caught the eye of Mr. Pepins. Probably why the older man hadn’t proposed to Melody during Nick’s search for a queen, because that thieving backstabber had been vying for the wealthy man’s attention as well.
It was hard not to feel a little grateful toward the horrible viper, because now Melody could live with me in the castle, and date appropriately youthful men.
She sighed, but the relief that she didn’t need to marry for the family’s well-being shone brightly in her countenance. “How things have changed.”
“Indeed.”
Pointedly, she stared at me from across the bed. “Your Majesty.”
I picked up a naked pillow and threw it at her. She caught it with mock offense. “Not very queenly of you.”
“Apparently it is, since I’m the queen and I did it.” We laughed and continued dressing the bed. Once the sheets and pillowcases were fresh, the comforter fluffed and wrinkle free, I asked, “How long do you think he’ll stay?”
“I’m not sure. He’s… adventurous. Truthfully, I don’t even know if he has plans to spend the night.”
“But you hope he does?” I probed, knowing the answer.
“But I hope he does.” Her smile radiated with joy, the kind she deserved to have, always.