“I didn’t realize tour guide was part of your job description,” she teases, her smile widening.
“I may or may not have volunteered—so I could escape the stuffy meetings and come see you. I knew you were on edge about today.” Hesitantly, I reach for the baby, waiting for her nod before resting my hand over the blanket. She’s so small, my hand covers her entire chest. I swallow again. “It went well?” I murmur.
“Yeah. She’s beautiful. And Rinaya did so well, too.”
“The princess is being modest,” Sauzon says. He’d been conversing with the Volcan emissaries while I’d been focused onMayah. “Sheis the one who did well. It’s been a blessing to have her.”
Mayah’s cheeks flush at his praise.
Rinzen smiles at her warmly, hands steepled over his round belly. “Princess Mayah. We’ve heard much about your healing endeavors. And your marriage. Many congratulations.”
No prickles. My brows furrow. Word of Mayah’s healing has spread all the way to Volca? So quickly?
The other two emissaries bow in greeting. I don’t remember their names—they rarely speak, but their sharp eyes are always observing.
“Thank you,” she replies, still blushing. The baby begins to fuss, and Mayah gently rocks her arms. That warm feeling blooms in my chest again, brighter and hotter. My hand rests at the small of her back, gaze riveted to her.
Sauzon must realize I am incapable of diplomacy in this moment because he clears his throat, turning back to the emissaries. “I cannot stress what an asset the Princess has been. She’s a talented healer. And she’s exceedinglykind.”
“Sauzon, please,” my wife insists, cheeks flaming. “The emissaries must be ready to continue their tour. They’ve heard enough about me.”
I chuckle, brushing a soft kiss to her temple. If possible, her cheeks grow even redder.
“I’ll see you tonight,” I murmur in her ear.
As much as I want to stay by my wife’s side, I lead the emissaries out of the infirmary.
“Your wife is extraordinary,” one of the quieter emissaries says. I narrow my gaze at him, relaxing when there’s no evidence of desire or lust in his face, just admiration.
“She is,” I respond simply.
“I can’t say I’ve ever heard of a princess serving her subjects—in any capacity—so closely. Our princess could learn much from her. Think on a visit. Truly.”
“I will,” I promise, and it’s the truth. I’ve always wanted to visit my mother’s homeland. To see it with Mayah would be a dream.
“Have you met Sauzon before?” They’d conversed easily, though the grizzled medic isn’t known to be friendly or forthcoming.
Except with my wife, apparently.
“We haven’t met.” Truth. “He’s worked in your palace for over a decade, yes? Sauzon and our head medic have exchanged letters for years, sharing knowledge and methods.”
Truth.
The man hasn’t lied once, but I can’t shake the uneasy oiliness settling in my gut.
Chapter Thirty-Five
Neveraquietdayin this skiesforsaken palace. After the Volcan emissaries left two weeks ago, I thought I’d have more time to myself. More time with Mayah.
Except during today’s council meeting, Jeyzar mentioned the prisoner—the one who’d launched a dagger at Mayah at our reception—is causing trouble. Attempting to rally the prisoners adjacent to his cell. Demanding release. Or execution. Anything other than the rotting existence he’s currently living.
Even with repeated beatings, the guards have been unsuccessful in getting him to shut the fuck up. So I’m taking it upon myself to remind him of his bleak future.
I hasten my pace through the hallways—if I hurry, maybe I won’t be late for dinner.
“…certain it’s not Tundrayn?” Faramir’s needling voice carries down the corridor. My spine goes rigid. He’s the last person I want to deal with. Abruptly, I change directions, ducking into a deserted side hallway.
It’ll take longer to get to the dungeon this way, but at least I’ll have avoided—
