I nodded, remembering Chef Korbin was human and therefore unaffected by the plant that was so deadly to Elvenkind.
But why would Pharis have wanted it? Did he think it might somehow heal me?
Kem went on. “He sat in the chair by your bed with that jar of poison in his lap as if he was ready to…”
Her speech faltered as she began to cry.
And I began to understand. My hands came to cover my twisting stomach as she continued.
“Elanor said there wasn’t a doubt in her mind he would have used it to end his life if you hadn’t recovered,” Kem said. “And last night, she found him sitting in the dark, staring out the window of his room, clutching that jar to his chest.”
“I fear the lack of you will kill him.” Her voice choked with tears. “He loves you, my lady.”
My heart squeezed to the point of pain, and my eyelids closed as I fought tears of my own.
A voice from deep inside me rose to the surface of my mind, demanding to get out.
I love him too.
Chapter 26
No Matter the Risk
Stellon—several weeks earlier
The search for Raewyn had become my obsession.
Though my advisors insisted on talking to me about rumblings of dissent among the regional lords and possibly even a coup attempt, I couldn’t dredge up any interest in that or the never-ending supplications from my subjects.
All I cared about was getting Raewyn back here to Seaspire and making her my wife. Nothing mattered without her.
I sat restlessly through my audiences with the noblemen and women waiting in line outside the throne room, barely hearing any of them as they pleaded their various cases.
But my attention sparked when the herald announced the next visitor.
“Caitriona of Hill Town, Your Majesty.”
Sitting up straighter in my chair, I waved. “Yes, let her in.”
The distinguished looking Earthwife approached the throne with confidence and just a hint of menace.
“You said you’d have an answer for me when you returned from your travels, Your Majesty. I am still seeking justice on behalf of my sisters.”
“Yes, yes, I remember,” I said. “And what was it you wanted specifically?”
“Help in finding the human girl who reneged on her bargain with us. Raewyn Hennessey. Or her sisters. The original payment would still be acceptable, but we haven’t been able to find her family either.”
“You can do a location spell, can’t you?” I asked, interested for my own reasons.
Her face tightened in annoyance.
“We can, but they have their limitations, Your Majesty. We have tried and failed already. That’s why I’m here to request that you send troops out to f?—”
“That won’t be necessary,” I interrupted.
I didn’t bother to tell her I’d already tried that—had been trying it for weeks.
“I have a better idea,” I told the witch. “I’m an Exalter. I can augment your spell. I can make it stronger, make it reach farther.”
