“Not for several days,” she said firmly. “You need rest. Your ribs need time to fully heal.”
Mal looked like he wanted to argue but a sharp look from me made him subside. “Fine,” he grumbled.
They left after giving detailed instructions. When they were gone, we sat in comfortable silence for a moment, just holding hands.
There was a knock on the door.
“I’ll get it,” I said, kissing Mal’s forehead. “Don’t move. Not even a little bit.”
“I would not dare,” he said dryly.
I opened the door to find Prince Gregyor standing there, looking distinctly uncomfortable. He was cleaned up from the battle, wearing fresh clothes, but he still looked tired.
“Your Majesty,” he said, bowing slightly. “I apologize for the intrusion. I wanted to check on the king.”
“He’s awake,” I said, unable to keep the relief off my face. “Going to be fine.”
Something in Gregyor’s shoulders relaxed. “Good. That is very good.” He shifted his weight. “I also came to ask something. Can you create a portal? I need to return to Igryside. Announce my father’s death and my intention for peace. Consolidate power before anyone challenges the transition.”
“Of course,” I agreed at once. “Give me just a moment.”
I stepped into the hallway, leaving the door open so I could still see Mal on the bed. After a day and a half of fear, the sight of himawake and talking was something I needed to keep in my line of vision. Just to make sure he stayed that way.
Focusing was easier now, the fog that had been clouding my thoughts finally clearing. My mind felt sharp again, centered in a way it hadn’t been since I’d watched him fall.
I thought of Igryside. The throne room Gregyor had described during our planning sessions. High ceilings. Banners in their kingdom’s colors. Stone walls worn smooth by centuries of history.
The portal opened smoothly, perfectly stable on the first try. No flickering, no hesitation, no accidentally opening into someone’s bathroom like during my training disasters. Just a clean doorway to exactly where I wanted it.
Gregyor’s eyebrows rose, clearly impressed. “Remarkable control. Thank you. For everything. I truly did not want war.”
“Neither did we,” I said honestly.
“My kingdom will not forget how you helped us.” He bowed deeper. “If you ever need anything, you need only ask.”
He stepped toward the portal, then paused. “Tell your mate he fights well.”
“I’ll tell him you said that.”
Gregyor almost smiled. Then he stepped through and was gone.
I closed the portal and returned to Mal’s side.
“Who was that?” he asked.
“Your new best friend,” I said. “Prince Gregyor. Says you fight well.”
A smile crossed Mal’s features. “I like him.”
“You two bonded over patricide and political upheaval. Very touching.”
He laughed, then winced and pressed a hand to his ribs. “Do not make me laugh. It hurts.”
“Then I’ll stop being funny,” I countered.
“Impossible. You are naturally hilarious.”
“And you’re naturally ridiculous,” I countered, but I was grinning too, in what felt like forever.
