“The physician examined him carefully, and I can acknowledge that he seemed to be thorough and capable, and made no objection to me remaining at Theo’s side throughout. He gave a report to your father and brother about ten minutes ago.”
Elowen made a noise of annoyance. “Of course they would call Patrick in to receive the report but no one thinks that I, as the one betrothed to Theo, would like to hear it, too.”
A fleeting smile crossed Prince Xavier’s face. “You and Mim would get along. She’s always complaining about things like that. And she’s absolutely right, of course. Heaven knows I don’t want to be involved in half the reports I’m forced to receive, why they’re turning away a royal sibling who’s actually interested is beyond me.”
“Well, I appreciate you letting me know,” Elowen said. “And I’m sure your sister does, too. My own brother would never think to do that.”
“Yes, what ails him?” Xavier asked, momentarily distracted. “Theo’s a dull dog, I know, but it’s all show with him. He’s perfectly rational underneath, if you can get past the martyrdom. But His Royal Highness Crown Prince Patrick appears to have been tragically born without a personality.”
“You shouldn’t speak of your host that way,” Elowen pointed out. “He is a prince, you realize.”
“And I’m sure he’ll make a very dutiful king one day,” Prince Xavier said, his eyes twinkling. “Don’t think it escaped me that you didn’t contradict what I said.” His tone turned serious again. “But never mind that. The physician said they’ve tested Theo for every type of poison known in Torrens, and there’s no indication of any.”
Elowen searched Theo’s face, watching as his eyes flickered open for a moment, then closed again.
“But you’re not convinced?” she asked.
“I’m not,” he confirmed. “Theo has no particular enemies that I know of, but is there anyone here in Toledda who might have a grudge against him?”
Elowen winced as she thought of the half-hearted applause during their betrothal ceremony. “Any number of people,” she admitted. “There’s still plenty of resentment about recent history with Siqual, and not everyone is excited about the marriage alliance. But it’s hard to believe any of the grumblers would go as far as to poison a foreign prince under my father’s nose.”
“There’s no limit to what people will do if they think they can get away with it,” said Prince Xavier unemotionally. “So your people have been giving Theo a hard time, have they? No doubt he didn’t complain, but he doesn’t deserve that, and neither does our kingdom.”
“Let’s not argue about politics,” Elowen said impatiently. “I’m sure we have different perspectives on the relationship between our two kingdoms, but that’s really not my concern right now.”
Prince Xavier raised his hands in a conciliatory gesture. “You’re right. The point is, your description of Theo’s demeanor last night is too suspicious to be a coincidence. And the things he said to me this morning…I’ve seen him sick and feverish before. But I’ve never seen him lose control of himself like that. Maybe we’re wrong, maybe he hasn’t been poisoned. But if it’s a sickness, I’m convinced it’s much more serious than what they’re saying. I don’t like it, Elowen.”
She barely noticed that he’d dropped her title, and in any event she had no chance to respond.
“Your Highness.” The physician bustled in, looking scandalized. “Forgive me, but you’re not supposed to be in here. We have His Highness’s care well in hand, there’s no cause for you to be distressed.”
“Can you really be confident in ruling out poison?” Elowen demanded, ignoring his words. “What makes you so sure?”
“First of all, Your Highness, I have no reason to suspect it,” the physician said patiently. “We haven’t had a poisoning case in all the time I’ve worked in the castle, and that’s been forty years at least. There are many known substances that could cause illness, even death, in humans, of course,” he acknowledged, seeing her about to protest. “And I don’t mean to say it would be completely impossible. But the production of all of those substances is carefully regulated. I understand your concern, but it is more common than you think for people to fall ill from imbibing unusually strong wine.” He raised his hands to again stop her interrupting. “Nevertheless, given your concerns, His Majesty ordered a full assessment, and I’m pleased to be able to assure you that His Highness’s system shows no sign of any of the substances I mentioned.”
His eyes were kind but with an edge of indulgence. “To speak frankly, Princess, if he’d drunk powerful enough poison last night to addle his mind and attack his body, then gone to bed without taking an antidote, I would expect him to have already succumbed.”
Elowen’s lips felt numb. These words did not reassure her as they were obviously intended to do.
“So given we’re most likely dealing with an infectious fever, I must insist that you leave the patient to rest, Your Highness.”
She knew the physician’s real motivation was not getting in trouble with the king, but she didn’t argue. She rose, waiting until he’d moved back into the main area before speaking quietly to Prince Xavier.
“I’m not convinced, either. I’m going to make inquiries of my own. You’ll stay with him?”
Prince Xavier nodded grimly.
Elowen swept from the infirmary with purpose, but her steps slowed as she made her way down the corridor. She would need to be careful with her inquiries. Getting anyone official to tell her anything was already near impossible most of the time. Asking leading questions of the servants would likely get no better response.
After some thought, Elowen made her way to the kitchens, doing her best to feign a cheerful demeanor. She tried to enter unobtrusively, but that was too optimistic. All activity stopped at the appearance of a member of the royal family, and the head cook moved forward quickly to intercept her.
“Your Highness, may we be of assistance?”
“No, I just wanted to thank you all for the marvelous feast you prepared last night,” Elowen said with her sunniest smile. “You did our kingdom proud, as I know you will again for the wedding feast.”
“Is the date set, Your Highness?” the cook asked, eyes alight with professional interest.
“No.” Elowen felt her face heating, the question sending her emotions into tumult. “Not yet.”
