“Any idea what poison?” she asked.
“I don’t know.”
With a nod, she held her palm a wisp above Isi’s face, frowning as she used magic to analyze the toxin. Her face cleared. “Bloodbane.” Her gaze met mine. “You said she received the antidote?”
“Supposedly.”
“I’ll give her my own to be sure.” She hurried to a cabinet and returned with a vial similar to the one Maddox had held, carefully trickling the contents into Isi’s mouth.
Isi thankfully swallowed, though she didn’t wake or otherwise move.
I hovered at the bedside, flexing and releasing my hands, struggling not to reach for her, watching every move the healer made.
“Bloodbane’s nasty stuff.” Meren glanced up at me. “But it’s not usually fatal, especially if the person receives the antidote soon. I’veadded healing magic that’ll help her body get rid of what’s left.” Her serious gaze met mine. “Whoever poisoned her wanted her sick, not dead.”
The distinction didn’t matter. Anyone who’d dared make her suffer had already signed their name in my book. And I always collected.
Maddox had followed her to the inn. He’d pretended friendship. Then he’d sat beside her and watched her drink his poison, waiting for her to collapse before offering the antidote, playing a sick game.
My magic surged, and the lamps flickered.
“I believe she’ll recover fully.” Meren’s gaze shot to the torches before she directed it back at me.
“When will she wake?”
“I hope soon.” Her brow furrowed. “You’re sure that’s all she was given?”
“I truly don’t know.”
“Hmm.” She placed her hands over Isi and closed her eyes, sending out more of her own significant power. There was no better healer in the court than Meren, and I was grateful she was here to help. “I don’t feel anything else. I’ll add extra healing power just in case.”
Finally, her hands dropped. Creases filled her face. That and the slump of her shoulders showed how drained she was.
“I must lay down for a bit, but I’ll send someone to watch over her.” She glided her fingers across Isi’s forehead, leaning close to speak by Isi’s ear. “Rest. Let the magic work.” Her gaze sought mine. “You can leave now, King Trewyn. We’ll take good care of her.”
“I’m not going anywhere. Not until she wakes.” And probably not after she woke and tried to force me away. “Thank you.”
“Of course.” Meren hesitated, then added quietly, “Who?—”
“I’ll handle it,” I said.
“Very well.” Meren looked between us before nodding. “I won’t go far.” She walked across the room and entered the one beyond.
Another healer entered the ward and walked over to stand on the other side of the bed. “I’ll sit with her.”
“Thank you.” I shook my head. “I’m staying.”
“I’m a shout away, then.”
“I appreciate it.”
He also left.
Though there were other beds within the ward, they remained empty. It was just us and the raw night ahead.
Sinking into the chair beside Isi’s bed, I took her hand and squeezed it. I brushed a strand of hair from her face.
She was so still. Too still. This woman always held some tension, a coiled energy that spoke of her readiness to spring into action at any time. Now she lay as motionless as carved marble, her breathing so shallow I could barely see the rise and fall of her chest.
