“But all the people here?—”
“Will heal,” Leo interrupted. “All the people you saved will heal and be okay.”
“How do you know that?”
“Because we have magic on our side. The best Healers in the kingdom are right here, helping all the people who made it out alive because of you. Evelyn, the real tragedy today would be anemptyhospital, not a full one. Dozens of people have a chance to be healed.”
“Ninety-three,” Evelyn said solemnly.
“What?”
“Damien said ninety-three people survived.”
“Then ninety-three people owe you a debt.”
“No.” Evelyn shook her head. “That’s not?—”
“I know that’s not what you were thinking about.” Leo squeezed her hand. “But everyone in this hospital knows it’s true, or they will soon. The dead can’t say thank you. Only the living can.”
Leo traced lines on her back with his fingers, which was oddly soothing. There was a small window above the cot. Evelyn could feel sunlight streaming in and warming her hair. In that moment, she wished to be a cat and curl up in the sunbeams.
“I left my room because I was hungry,” Evelyn remembered.
Leo smiled, relieved to have a problem he could actually solve. “I will get you some food if youpromise methat you won’t leave this room while I’m gone.”
She nodded.
“Say it,” he demanded. “I want a real promise.”
A hint of a smile showed on her face. “I promise not to leave the room.”
Leo kissed her cheek. Butterflies invaded Evelyn’s stomach, but the sweet reaction made her feel guilty.
Most of the people in this building are missing their skin, and I’m excited about one tiny kiss?
Less than a minute after Leo left, a guard arrived outside her door. He didn’t say anything, only glanced in the room long enough to make sure Evelyn was there. Moments later, another guard appeared, and they each took a position on either side of the doorframe in the hallway.
They look so serious… I should ask them if Leo needs to answer a riddle to get back inside.
Evelyn had planned to rest until Leo returned. But when she opened her eyes again, the room was no longer filled with sunlight. She gazed out the window. It wasn’t completely dark yet, but the sun had just set.
“You’ve been asleep for hours, Princess.”
Leo was sitting at the small table in the corner, with a book open in front of him.
“I only promised to stay in the room, not stay awake.” Evelyn swung her legs over the side of the bed.
He grinned. “I guess I should have been more specific.”
She joined him at the table. Her stomach grumbled when she saw the tray of food.
“I brought you soup,” Leo said. “It’s still warm. The kitchen charms all the food to stay at the right temperature. The army discovered it was the easiest way to keep soldiers happy.”
Evelyn sighed. “I love magic.”
In addition to the bowl of soup, the tray had bread, salad, and several cookies.
“Don’t be mad, but I ate one of the cookies,” Leo confessed.
