Reaching under her pillow, her fist closed around the strange arrow. When she’d first drawn it out of Erich, it had been warm to the touch, but it was cool now. He’d taken the arrow for her, but how was he there right on time? Did he follow her? Erich, ruins, stag, stardust, were any of them related?
Footsteps approached, and Liane let go of the arrow to pretend to sleep. The Vice Premier was doing her evening rounds early, and if she saw her awake, she’d make her drink a bitter sleeping draft. Two sets of footsteps approached, one shuffling slightly. Vice Premier pulled the blanket up to Liane’s chin, before smoothing it out in an affectionate gesture, then she removed the damp cloth from Liane’s forehead.
“As I said, the princess is resting. As should you,”the Vice Premier said.
“May I sit with her a while at least?”Ludwig asked.
“You’re not on duty. You should focus on healing.”
“I know.”
Liane imagined the look the Vice Premier gave Ludwig, the same she’d given her hundreds of times: one of disapproval tempered by compassion.
The Vice Premier sighed.“Drink your tonic, and when it’s finished, off to bed with you.”
“Yes, your grace.”
As the Vice Premier padded away, the bed beside hers creaked. Not ready to confront Ludwig, Liane lay still, eyes shut. In truth, she was ashamed of herself. She called herself his friend, and yet she never knew how he felt about Elias. And if she was being honest, she felt a small twinge of jealousy as well. That potent combination made it difficult to look at Ludwig. She thought she knew him, but perhaps she didn’t know him as well as she thought.
“You don’t have to pretend. I know you’re awake,” Ludwig said.
“How’d you know?” she asked, opening her eyes to stare at the ceiling.
“When you’re asleep, you drool,” he said in a deadpan tone.
“I do not!” She flipped over to face him. Crutches rested against the edge of the bed, and Ludwig’s bandaged leg extended out in front of him. The Vice Premier told her he’d been wounded but seeing it in person was worse. Ludwig wasn’t as infallible as she thought; even her steadfast rock could crack.
“How’s your leg?” she asked.
“It’ll heal, but I’m off duty until further notice,”he said as he absently rubbed the top of his thigh, not meeting her gaze.
Liane sat up. “But you’ll be back when it heals, won’t you?”
Ludwig cleared his throat. “To be determined.”
“This isn’t fair. It’s not your fault I was hurt.” Kicking off her blankets, Liane shimmied to the edge of her bed. Mother and Falko couldn’t blame Ludwig. She’d startled the boar with her shouting, and she’d followed the mystical deer into the forest. She would go straight to Captain Falko and plead for Ludwig’s reinstatement, explain everything to them. Leaning forward on his good leg, Ludwig stopped her by jutting out his arm.
“Don’t worry about me. I need the rest after everything you’ve put me through.” Wincing, he sat back.
Liane sank down. Ludwig meant to tease, but the words cut deeper today. He was right; she’d always taken advantage of his willingness. Each time he followed her out of the palace in disguise, he risked dismissal or worse. The near-death experience today made her painfully aware of the effects of her actions. She couldn’t keep putting him in danger, not because of Elias’ promise. If Elias had truly loved her, he wouldn’t have left her alone. The thought made her feel cold and hollow, so she stuffed it back down.
“I’m sorry for everything,” she said as she grasped the hem of her sleeve, running it between thumb and forefinger.
“Don’t be. I shouldn’t have let my personal feelings impede me from protecting you.”
“Not that, Elias. I claim to be your best friend, but I never knew how you felt about him.”
“Forget I said anything.” Ludwig rubbed the back of his neck. “I spoke out of anger. I should be happy if you’re escaping the ghosts of the past, even if I’m still trapped by them. It’s reassuring to see you moving on. It gives me hope for myself.” Glancing up, he smiled at her.
Ludwig deserved the truth, but if she told him, he’d want to help. And it was better if he focused on healing instead of galivanting around the city looking for answers with her.
“Still friends?” he asked sheepishly.
Leapingacross the gap between beds, Liane wrapped her arms around Ludwig’s neck. “No matter what happens, you will always be my best friend. And nothing will get between me and vengeance for Elias.”
At first, his arms hung at his sides, then cautiously, he embraced her. When they broke apart, Ludwig cleared his throat awkwardly.
“I should let you get your rest.” Ludwig stood and, leaning on his crutch, hobbled out.
