“She’s our real soldier, here,” Sam said. “She did not leave your side. Not once. In fact, I’m told she dismissed a few of the nurses to remain.” His eyes landed on me too softly. “I am so very in her debt for taking care of you.”
“That’s not entirely accurate,” I said softly. “It’s quite the exaggeration, in fact. I left a few times. Obviously. I changed my clothes. I took a bath, and I slept on occasion.”
“There was more than once I caught you sleeping in here, hooked over the bed like a crone,” Sam said. He shook his head. “Don’t let her downplay it, Cy. She was very devoted.”
My eyes widened slightly in alarm, but I schooled it. “I’m just happy you’re alright, Mr. Evergreen.”
Sam beamed. “Aren’t we lucky my wife is so kind-hearted?” he asked the room. His eyes met Daniel’s for a second. Then went back to Cyrus.
“Indeed,” Cyrus said. He touched his chest, grimacing, then moving himself again. “He’s correct. He’s very blessed.”
“Stop trying to sit up,” I scolded him. I moved the Prince out of the way and took his place. “Do youwantto reinjure yourself? Is that the plan? You want another infection when your gash breaks open? Yeah?
He looked up at me, surprised.
I pursed my lips. “Lay down and rest! I command it. And you cannot defy me. You may serve Prince Sameer on Wednesdays, but I am your King’s blood. You’re not allowed to ignore me.”
He lost a chuckle, shaking his head. “Aye, I’m not, am I?” Evergreen and I met eyes. The heat between us kindled to life despite the room. Suddenly, Sam laughed brightly.
“One day, I dream you two will be friends,” he teased. He looked proudly at us. “My love, don’t be so cruel to our poor Cyrus. He’s been through such an ordeal. I think we should spoil him a little. Just for now.”
We shared an awkward glance, then I pulled my hand from where it had gone to touch Cyrus’s chest. He watched it as it went with such attention.
“I think,” I started, nervously. “I think we should let Mr. Evergreen rest.”
“As brilliant as she is beautiful,” the Prince praised. “Come on then.”
He stood and offered me the crook of his arm. The moment I took it, he leaned in, quietly.
“Thank you,”he whispered.“Without you, I would’ve broken.”
Chapter 27
When it was dark outside and I was sure the entire Palace had fallen prey to its slumber, I departed my room, moving as stealthily as I could down every corridor. By the time I made it to Mr. Evergreen’s chamber, I was furious,and hell bent on ensuring he understood that. But when I barreled through the door, I tripped, stumbling on something on the floor.
As I angrily untangled my heel from it, I realized it was a shirt. His shirt.
“What are you doing?” Evergreen asked.
He arched his brow. He was not bedridden at all. He was standing and standingbare-chestedly,mid-stroke, holding his blade with a cloth.
“W-What, um. Ahem. What areyoudoing?” I asked, pressing my fist to my hip.
“Blade maintenance,” he said. There was a pause and then he dragged his palm provocatively along the length. “Mineral oil. Helps keep it clean.”
“Mineral oil.” I watched the motion for a moment.
“Let’s see...” Cyrus started. He sheathed his weapon into the belt that laid upon his bed, then propped the whole rig against the nightstand to step closer. With a wry, intruding gaze, he said,“Burning rage in your eyes, late hour, disheveled look about you. You’re here to scold me something proper, yeah?”
My eyes found the mark he’d taken for me on his chest. It was still red and open, and in desperate need of sutures, sutures the doctor wouldn't provide due to the fever. The rage he’d appointed diminished.
“Why did you lie to me?”I asked, instantly weak.
“What?” Cyrus frowned. “Lie to you? About what, love?"
“About who you are, you’re… You’re myWillem,”I said. “You’re my ostler’s boy. My… My everything.”
“...Did we not have this conversation?” he asked.
