“Elowyn slumbers at your side,” King Lorial says in that calm voice of his.
Rominy’s eyes flash open, and he turns his head and blinks a few times. “I can’t focus. Is she all right?”
“Her body is healing well,” Tharios says. “Thanks to you. When you feel up to it, I’d like to attempt a discussion about her state in the heartlanding. I believe if we are creative, we may be able to work around the magic.”
“So I didn’t...” Rominy’s words seem to stick in his throat. “It wasn’t my...” He groans. “What woke me up?”
“I woke you,” Tharios says as his brows wrinkle. “Nothing you did or didn’t do in the heartlanding had anything to do with it.”
Relief sweeps over Rominy’s face. What in the world does he think he did?
“We need to get some food and water in you, my youngling,” Queen Nestraya says. “To keep you strong for Elowyn. That’s why Tharios woke you.”
Rominy nods. “Tell me what to do, and I’ll do it.”
“For now, just lie still and let the dizziness pass,” Tharios says.
They remain quiet for a few minutes while Rominy recovers, but eventually, he looks at Arisanna. “How long has it been?”
“Just over a day,” she says softly. Hopefully, that’s not too shocking for him.
“Time is different in the heartlanding,” King Lorial says. “It can be confusing. Feel what you need to feel, my youngling. We’re here to support you.”
“Thank you.” Rominy’s voice is quiet, and he turns toward Elowyn again. “Will she...will she live?”
“Yes, Rominy,” Tharios says. “She may be weak for a while, but she will recover with time.”
Rominy covers his eyes, but he can’t hide that he’s crying. He loves Elowyn. No one will judge him for that.
He takes a few deep breaths and breathes out slowly.
“Mother and Father are here,” Arisanna says to take some of the attention off Rominy. “They didn’t want to leave your side, but we didn’t want you to be overwhelmed when you woke.”
He nods. “I’ll talk to them and assure Mother I’m all right. Just...give me a few minutes.”
Arisanna struggles not to smile. “She’s eager to make sure you’re well. Both of you.”
He looks at Elowyn again. His eyes seem more focused this time. “She looks better, doesn’t she?”
“She does,” King Lorial says. The flickering light is gone. He must have let the shield fall.
“How are you feeling?” Tharios asks as he checks Rominy’s pulse.
“Better. I’m sorry about that.” He glances at the basin of sick, and Tharios chuckles.
“I’m a healer, Rominy. I’ve encountered far worse than that. Do you wish to attempt sitting up again?”
“I can try.”
Tharios helps him sit, and Rominy looks unsteady, but he doesn’t complain.
“How are you doing?” Tharios asks.
“I’m fine. Just a little dizzy still.”
“Good. It should pass soon. I’m going to check on Elowyn while you get your bearings. Then we’ll talk.”
Tharios moves to the other side of the bed, and Rominy watches him check Elowyn’s pulse. Her fever must have come down enough for Tharios to touch her without burning himself.
