He nodded, sure. “Iamsorry though. For pushing you. I think I feel defensive for Mr. Evergreen because I see the way he looks at you and I know how he feels. I’m projecting. It isn’t fair. …Would you like to talk about Elías?”
“Absolutely not,” I said.
“I understand.”
“Not… Not because I don’t trust you. Because the content of my concerns would implicate him in things that might damage his reputation as Lord Commander. I can’t do that to him. I must speak to him alone.”
He nodded again. Slower.
I took a deep breath, then opened the door, greeting the maid. “How is he? Any change?”
“He’s been talking more,” she commented. “And he’s not as warm.” After a long pause, she addressed me for what must have been the second time. “Your Highness?”
I looked back at Ser Willoughby. “I-I beg your pardon. He’s not warm? He–That’s wonderful. Willoughby. Willough, did you hear that?”
“Yes. I heard it. That’s glorious news. Thank you, miss.”
“He’s going to live,”I realized. The blood ran from my face. I caught myself on Daniel’s arm. “He’s going to live.”
Willoughby cleared his throat, speaking to the maid. “Have you informed the Prince?” he asked. He held a hand out to direct her toward the hall which she followed, albeit confused.
“Do you think I should?” she asked.
He nodded. “Oh, yes, immediately,” he told her, ushering her out. “Right away.”
“I suppose, but?” She looked between us.
“Grand,” he said. “Miss Svana and I will watch him in your stead. Go on then.”
She agreed, timidly, and he closed the door once she had gone.
“Why did you do that?” I asked.
“You should see how pale you are,” he said. He came and stood next to me. “What are your thoughts?”
“I….I think I love him.”
“Weknowthat,” he said. “What else? What is that? What’s that fear you’re feeling?”
“F-Fear?” I looked up at him. He could see through me. “I’m… That I…” My hands began to shake, and my eyes stung. “I-I thought he was going to die. He’s not.”
“Svana?”Cyrus muttered.“My Swan?”
“Oh, god!” I fell to his side, collecting his hand. “Stop it. Stop saying that, you fool. You’re going to get murdered. I’m here,” I told him. “I’m here. Be quiet now, please. Shh.” I brushed his hair from his face. “Shh. Please. You must be careful.”
With that, he was silent again.
The door swung open and then Sameer barged in. I dropped my Sword, hurrying to fluff his pillow instead. The Prince buzzed behind me, frantic. I felt the hairs on the back of my neck rise.
“Svana?” He looked between us. All three of us. “You’re here? …You are too good to me,” he said. “Already here and so devotedly. The true mark of a good queen.Myqueen. Yes.”
“W-What?” I shook my head. “No, but you’re here now. So. If you need me, I’ll-”
He took my hand and pressed his lips to it. “Thank you. From the bottom of my heart.”
I drew back. Then I stilled my hand to my side. “Daniel. Ser. …Would you help me with that thing we discussed?” I asked.
“Of course,” he said, opening the door.
