Killian returned it, but he wasn’t so confident that was the whole of it. If Hokda wanted them both there, and Fyar knew about it, whatever Hokda’d cooked up was going to be pure evil. Hell on earth.
The minutes stretched on. Kade continued to pace, throwing glances at the closed door of Hokda’s office every few seconds. Killian had crossed his arms and settled with his back against the far wall, watching Kade go back and forth and back and forth, until he just couldn’t anymore.
“Stop it,” commanded Killian. “Calm down.”
“Easy for you to say. It’s not your ass on the line.”
Killian wondered what he could say in that moment to make Kade feel better.Wasthere anything that would make him feel better?
Doubtful.
Pushing off the wall, Killian intercepted Kade’s pacing. He put a hand Kade’s shoulder and squeezed. After a moment, he felt Kade relax into the hold and then reach up to take hold of Killian’s wrist, squeezing back.
“There’s still so much I don’t know.”
“He knows that,” said Killian. “The test is tobecomean apprentice, not take over as Royal Healer. You’re not expected to know everything.” He gazed into amber eyes. “Breathe. Breathe.”
The air between them was thick as Kade closed his eyes and took a series of deep breaths, matching Killian’s own slow, intentional pace. Killian listened as the wild beat of Kade’s heartbegan to slow.
There was a newfound determination glinting in Kade’s eyes when they flickered open again.
“It’s just Hokda. He’s like two inches tall. You could so take him.” Killian grinned. “Whatever happens, fuck him, right?”
A surprised laugh bubbled out of Kade and Killian preened silently knowing he was the cause. Kade softened as he looked up at Killian. “Yeah. Yeah. Fuck him.”
“Fuck who, exactly?” The moment broke at the sudden appearance of Hokda peering up at them, a delicate eyebrow raised in haughty question.
Killian forced himself to remain where he was, even as Kade skittered away from him. There was a flush on each of their cheeks, as if they’d been caught doing something indecent.
Which they hadn’t been.
The entire exchange was completely innocent. Killian was only helping ease some nerves. That’s all.
Hokda wore his usual pristine white robes and gold jewelry, along with a twinkle in his eye that promised pain.
“And where were you?” Killian asked hotly. “Haven’t you ever been taught that it’s rude to keep your guests waiting?”
“Of course I have. I wasn’t raised in a barn, unlike some here.” Hokda gave him a pointed look. “And I would hardly call youguests. If you must know, there were a few things I needed to prepare that I didn’t have the chance to collect last night.” He shook the vials he held in Killian’s face, all four were varying shades of brown, suspiciously close to the color and consistency of mud.
Killian curled his lip.
Hokda’s answering grin was all teeth.
When they were all rounded into Hokda’s office, huddled around the tall patient’s table in the corner, Hokda on one side with Killian and Kade on the other, Hokda began. “There are two parts to this examination, one practical and one written. You will take the practical first.” He gestured to a smaller, nearby table, covered in awful piles of things Killian had never even seen before. He swore he saw an eyeball in there somewhere. “For the last round of the practical examination, you will have access to everything in my personal stores, every tool, every herb, every ingredient. Nothing is off limits to you. However, you may not ask me what things are, nor what they do. I am not here to help you and I am not a resource. You are on your own. Do you understand?”
Kade said, “Yes.”
“If you fail or forfeit, I will step in to heal your patient. Do you understand?”
Kade faltered. “Heal my patient?”
Killian bit the inside of his cheek until he tasted iron.
Hokda looked delighted. “That is where you come in, Captain.” He patted the examination table. “Thank you for volunteering.” So much for mercy. “Remove your shirt and hop on up.”
Kade looked sick as Killian did as he was told. The table was bent up at a angle, so Killian was half sitting, half lying down, Hokda and Kade peering over him.
“If you fail or forfeit, I will step in to heal your patient. Do you understand?” Hokda asked again.
