The Painted Crown (Unbreakable Soldiers Book 2) by Megan Derr

Author:Megan Derr [Derr, Megan]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Bisexual, Asexual, Fantasy, Romance
Publisher: Less Than Three Press
Published: 2016-11-14T23:00:00+00:00

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When Istari woke, it took him a moment to realize something felt wrong because he'd been moved to his bed. The narrow band of stained glass windows that spanned the length of the hallway-facing wall had little light coming through them, which meant he'd slept most of the day away. Damn, he'd only meant to doze for a few hours so his leg could rest properly and Teverem could have some space.

Yawning and stretching, Istari gingerly tested his leg, relieved when it only presented the usual constant ache. Moving to the side of the bed, he slowly slid out and went in search of clothes.

Once he was dressed, he ventured out to the sitting area, where Teverem sat looking at a book—definitely looking, rather than reading. Istari had done it enough times to recognize. "Good evening, I'm sorry I slept—"

He broke off as Teverem jumped, the book toppling to the floor with a sharp bang. "You're awake!" He rushed over to Istari, wide-eyed and close to tears. "Your brother was terrified—the healers said you were probably fine, but your brother was convinced—" He broke off crying.

Istari caught his fluttering hands, held them close. "Teverem, whatever is the matter?"

"You're a fucking ass! That's what's wrong!" Teverem jerked his hands free, balled them into fists. "I came to see you and you were so still that I thought something was wrong. The healers came and said you were probably fine, but your brother looked ready to lose his mind; he was convinced you had attempted to kill yourself. Again. That's what he said: again. Like you did in Tallideth, apparently—is that why His Grace said you were sick? His Majesty was distraught, and I've been sitting here worried sick, and you act like everything is perfectly fine—"

"I'm sorry," Istari said. "Truly, I apologize. It never occurred to me— I took medicine so I'd sleep and not feel any pain. I was feeling dejected, I admit it, but I only wanted to sleep. I had no idea I would distress anyone so, or I would have said I was knocking myself out." He cupped Teverem's face. "I am so very, very sorry."

Teverem shoved him away, but then wilted. "Your brother is so upset, he was near to falling apart when he was forced to leave. I always had the impression your entire family hated you, but His Majesty clearly adores you."

"Most of them did hate me. Morrin was always kinder than the rest, but I didn't know… Even if he did hate me, I wouldn't do something like that. As to what I did in Tallideth… I was already in a poor state when I arrived, and then too many other things went wrong and I reacted badly. I'm eternally grateful Lord Koit and the Master Healer saved me. It's not something I want to repeat. I really was just trying to sleep, which I don't do well when I'm in pain and upset. Next time, I'll have more care about informing someone or leave a note.

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