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“Your Majesty, the physician requests an audience.”
Terra.
The queen gestured impatiently for the man to allow her entrance, and Terra strode in.
I didn’t even think. Didn’t even breathe.
Everything stopped, including my heart, at the grief-stricken expression on Terra’s face.
Let Her Feel
~ VOSKI ~
I almost fell over my own feet, launching across the room to her. “What’s happened? Where—”
Terra raised both hands, gesturing to soothe me. “She’s safe. She’s awake, though she’s still very weak. Frail.”
“She’s awake? Talking?”
“A little. I wanted to come find you personally, to let you know—”
“Take me to her—please.”
Terra glanced over my shoulder, forcing me to remember where I was. I whirled, pleading with Donavyn and the queen before I’d even finished turning.
“Please, let me go see her. I’ll return when she sleeps, but—”
Donavyn raised a hand to cut me off, and looked at the queen who gestured as if it were his decision. Then he looked at Terra, and his expression was grim.
“You came here for a reason, rather than sending a messenger. What was it?”
Terra nodded. “I wanted to fill Voski in on all the details, privately. Where Grace wouldn’t hear. Prepare him. To ensure Grace wouldn’t be placed under any further stress—”
The queen stiffened, turning on her heel as if she’d been poised to move. “I am far too busy to be entangled by these… dramas. As long as the girl is awake and improving, I will place my attention elsewhere. Do keep me updated on her progress, Terra.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.” She bowed her head, but the queen was already sweeping out of a door on the other side of the room. “You may use this library as long as you wish, but do inform the guards when you leave, Donavyn. Ensure no one is left behind.”
“Yes, Your—”
But she was gone. I stared at Terra, my heart pounding. “Is she still bleeding? The dragons said—”
“Bich helped a great deal—and Saul says they’ll return to help again when we believe all the, er, magik has… unwoven.”
I nodded quickly. “But Grace—”
“Grace will heal, Voski. I’m almost certain of it. Whatever was done, saved her life. She’ll have pain for some weeks. She won’t be able to train for several more. But I believe she’ll make a full recovery, especially with Bich’s help.”
Relief flooded me. But why didn’t Terra smile? “That’s… that’s excellent. Please, can I—”
“There’s more.”
I went still as Terra gave Donavyn an apologetic look. “Do you mind if we bring Gil in? I know he’s on duty, but—”
“It’s a good idea.” Donavyn nodded and started for the door Terra had used to enter. “I’ll send one of the runners to find him—”
“He was with me. I brought him. He’s outside. But I didn’t want to get him in trouble. I wanted you to know that I requested him.”
Donavyn frowned, but kept striding for the door, and patted her shoulder as he passed. “You’re a good woman, Terra,” he said quietly. “I’ll send him in.”
