Fireblood by Trisha Wolfe

Author:Trisha Wolfe
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Fireblood
ISBN: 9781937053604
Publisher: Spencer Hill Press
Published: 2013-08-30T04:00:00+00:00

TWENTY

The bright morning sun filters in though my balcony door, slashing its heated rays across my face and eyes.

No.

“Princess,” Madity says cheerfully. “We have a busy day. We must get you fitted for your gown and…” She trails off as I crack an eye open. “What’s the matter with you? You look pale.”

I bury my head underneath the pillow. “I fear I’m ill.” In a rush, all of the night’s happenings come flooding back. My chest constricts, and I squeeze the pillow tighter, trying to conceal my quaking limbs.

Madity removes the pillow and seats herself on the edge of my bed. She runs the back of her hand along my forehead, then my cheek. “Oh, my.” Her face pinches into a concerned expression. “Yes. You do have a fever.”

I’m not surprised in the least. After splashing around in the freezing river, riding in the cold night air, not to mention being mentally and physically fatigued, it’s a wonder I’m lucid at all.

“Well,” she says, pulling her hand onto her lap. “I will have the kitchen make up a steaming batch of chicken broth, and we can do your fitting in your room.” She nods to herself, as if mentally checking off more on her to-do list.

My chest swells with affection for her. “Madity.” She looks at me, coming out of her heavy thoughts. “Thank you.”

Her face beams. “I’ll bring your broth up shortly. Do you need the castle physician? I’ll have someone run into town to visit the apothecary. We’ll need medicines.” Her face waxes over, paling against the light. “Oh, dear. I forgot.”

I bolt upright. “Is Mr. Levine—”

“Shh.” She presses a finger over her thin mouth, quieting me. “Nay, princess. I simply forgot. But someone has surely taken up the apothecary shop. I’ll send a messenger to get medicines.”

My hope deflates. Even though I saw his torture with my own eyes, having seen my father after thinking him dead…I thought it possible.

“Nay.” I scoot back against the wooden headboard. “It’s only a simple bout of fever, Madity. Nothing severe.” Her features relax. I run my hands down my face, rubbing the exhaustion in my muscles away. “I’m just drained from all the events and tasks.”

“Yes, I suppose so.” She stands, straightens her gray servant’s tunic, and heads toward the door. Before she exits, she turns and says, “And horseback lessons.” She shakes her head. “I told you not to take that on. But I believe that is what the prince loves most about you, your willfulness.” Her eyes slant as she searches my face. “And Sir Devlan, I suppose, enjoys having a headstrong charge, too.”

I open my mouth, but before I can think how to respond, she bows and leaves through the door. For a skittish maid, she is far wiser than I’ve given her credit for. I don’t fear she will act on her assumptions, though. I feel she cares for me. I only pray that my actions don’t harm her in any way.

* * *

I sleep for most of the day.

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