by Frost Kay
Jacob glared at Sam. “This is not the time, or place, for jesting.” Censure and urgency filled the Healer’s voice. “Leave, and please find Mira and send her in. Time is of the essence!”
“Of course.”
Sam turned heel and swept out the door after Gav. Tehl spared the broken girl a parting glance.
Please make it.
Eighteen
SAGE
Sage floated in a vast sea that burned hot and cold. One moment she was hot and uncomfortable, the next, so cold it felt like she’d been stabbed with a thousand needles. Fingers of mist ran through her hair, whispering words she couldn’t understand. Sage sighed, content, thinking the mist must have been a gift from above. But then it shifted, creeping over her body, filling her nose and mouth, stealing her air. She was suffocating. Her body began to sink, and colors swirled above her tauntingly as she slipped farther and farther below the surface.
She was going to die.
A gruff voice called to her from the darkness, whispering that he would make everything right, that he would take care of her. She smiled to herself. It’d be nice to have someone take care of her for a change.
Fire pulsed through her veins and she cried out. She was burning! She writhed in pain, unable to pull away from the heat overtaking her body.
Again, the gruff voice spoke. “We need to get her into the tub, her fever is too high. Fetch more snow from the ice cellar!” Then it softened, and she felt a gentle pressure somewhere on her arm, steadying her. “Be still, Ruby. We’re going to cool you down.” The voice commanded.
Needles pricked her all over her once more, and someone screamed. Who in bloody hell was screaming? She ached for silence, for some reprieve from her torture. Leave me alone! I’m tired. I’m done. Let me go!
“Please… Let me die…” Sage pleaded aloud with the darkness.
The gruff voice spoke again. “No. You will not die, Ruby. Do you understand me? Not on my watch.”
Irritation filled her. Even now, in death, would they give her no peace?
Sage smiled when the darkness finally surged forward, beckoning. She welcomed it with a gentle sigh, gratefully sinking into its cool embrace.
Darkness gave way to light. The flames were gone, but now ice froze her blood. Her teeth clacked together as she shook uncontrollably. Had she died? Why was it so cold? Perhaps everything would go numb soon. Sage opened her eyes and tried to make sense of the myriad of colors flooding her vision. After a moment, the pair of hazel eyes peering down at her with concern came into focus.
“Ruby, dearest, can you hear me? Ruby?” She recognized the gruff voice. She sighed when he put a hand to her cheek; it was a blessedly warm appendage. Like a flower to the sun, she tried turning toward him, wanting to soak up the heat he gave off, but for some reason she couldn’t move. She tried to speak, but the shivers wracking her body made it difficult. If she could just tell him she was cold, perhaps he’d warm her up.
“C-c-c-col-d-d-d.”
His eyes snapped to the other side of room. “Mira, I need you to climb into bed with her, she needs your body heat. She is shivering far too much for my liking. It would be best if you stripped, I will step out of the room.”
Sage registered a soft rustling before a big ball of warmth wrapped itself around her. She pressed her nose into it and sighed. Warm at last.
“I have you, love. That’s right, snuggle in nice and close. I will keep you warm,” a soft voice crooned.
Then the voice sang to her:
Lullaby, and goodnight, my sweet, the skies are dark but the stars are bright,
May the moon’s silvery beams bring you endless sweet dreams.
Close your eyes and slip into your rest, may these dark hours keep you close and give you peace.
Dream until the sky’s bright with dawn. Lullaby and goodnight, my sweet, I’ll protect you from harm, and you’ll wake in my arms.
Finally, warm and at peace, Sage floated away to the tune of the melody.
Nineteen
TEHL
Tehl sat in his chamber, mesmerized by the dancing flames in the hearth, mulling over recent events. Two days had passed since he’d left Ruby to Jacob’s care. He had thrown himself into his duties with uncommon gusto, even giving attention to the details of the Midsummer Festival, selecting decor and pouring over guest lists with enough zeal that even Demari was satisfied. Sam and Gav checked on the rebel daily, bringing back to him bad news each time. She wasn’t breathing well, and her fever raged on. And that wasn’t the only bad news.
Word had spread that he’d been seen sprinting through the castle holding a mostly naked woman. By the next night, he’d had several men congratulate him at dinner on his new mistress. When Tehl denied having a mistress, the men had laughed, giving him knowing looks. His blunt words and adamant refusal only piqued their curiosity. Still, gossip was hardly the worst of his problems.
Of primary concern was his war council; they were divided. Half supported a preemptive strike on Scythia while the other half wanted to pretend they posed no threat at all—yet neither was a viable option. He’d listened to them debate for hours over whether to take action. Ultimately however, Aermia would not win a war with Scythia while they continued to battle the civil unrest within their own country. They needed to unite their people first; only then they could deal with Scythia. Tehl had said so, though the mention of the rebellion was most unwelcome to those who preferred to disregard its existence.
Tehl snorted. Stubborn fools. Still, their dissent mattered little at the moment; he had the final say. He knew Scythia would attack; it was only a matter of when. Sam hoped it to be immediate. Tehl didn’t put his stock in hope, however; he put it in preparations. For that reason, Tehl had already started work on potential battle plans, although it felt odd to be planning war in one room and a festival in the other. He wondered if one would interfere with the other. Would they already be at war in a month’s time? And if so would they survive it? Would there be time for the festival? It had been too long since his people had had something to celebrate. As frivolous as it seemed, he knew they needed this reprieve from their sufferings. He shook his head and stretched, weary of his thoughts.
He felt restless. Maybe he just needed exercise. Tehl lifted himself from his large wing-backed chair, his boots making a soft thud as he crossed the plush rugs of his room. The castle was silent, peaceful. He wandered down the hallways and stairs, pondering little and important matters alike. Servants scurried to and fro, bowing as he passed, then hurrying on, absorbed in their tasks.
Eventually he found himself in the hallway leading to the infirmary. He figured he’d end up here at some point. Time to check on the little rebel. Both guards bowed before one opened the door for him to enter. As soon as he stepped into the sweltering infirmary, his nose was assaulted with eucalyptus. Sweat collected on his brow and between his shoulder blades.
His gaze swept over the room. The girl’s cot had been moved, and it now sat close to a roaring fire. Jacob sat, sound asleep, in a rocking chair next to the fire. The older man’s shirt was soaked clean through with sweat, a soft snore escaping him. He moved closer but pulled up short when he noticed a blond head alongside the dark one.
What the devil?
A few more steps and Tehl stood before the cot, staring into a pair of tired blue eyes. She stared back, surprised by his presence, but spoke not a word. His eyes slid along the black-haired rebel curled up next to her, clinging to her almost like a barnacle. Her swollen face was pressed into the blonde’s neck, an arm slung across her chest. He watched as the blonde’s surprise gave way to curiosity. It seemed they both had questions.
“What’s all this?” he asked softly.
“She was too cold. We tried everything else to bring her temperature up, so Jacob asked me to lie near her, share my body heat. It’s working: she finally stopped shivering about an hour ago.”
“Do you know who she is?” Tehl asked, wondering if she knew the risk
she took.
She nodded once. “Jacob told me before we put her in the tub. People overtaken with fever often put up a fight when we put them in the ice.” She shrugged. “So it was a good thing I was forewarned; I would never have thought someone so tiny could fight like that! Rather like a lioness. It took both guards, Jacob, and myself just to hold her down.”
This woman understood the rebel was dangerous and a traitor, yet she didn’t hesitate to use her own body heat to keep her alive. It was a noble and courageous thing to do, and he respected her for it. “What’s your name?” Having forgotten to whisper, Jacob stirred at the sound of his voice, though he didn’t awaken.
“Shhh…” the young healer chastised, glancing to Jacob with concern. “He only fell asleep a few minutes ago, and it’s the first opportunity he’s had since she arrived.” She turned back to him and stilled as if just remembering to whom it was she was spoke. “Forgive me, my lord, I was thoughtless when I spoke.” She paused. “My name is Mira.”
He waved off her apology. “There is nothing to forgive. Mira, you only spoke out of concern for Jacob, and I could never find fault in that.”
“What did you do for me, dearie?” Jacob’s gruff voice asked, still rough from sleep.
“She was taking care of you.” Tehl gave Mira a smile, which she returned with a crooked one.
Jacob reached over, affectionately patting Mira’s hand. His hand drifted to touch the rebel woman’s forehead, absentmindedly stroking her tangled hair from her face.
“How’s she doing?” Tehl inquired.
Jacob took off his spectacles and tried to clean them on his sweaty shirt, only to grimace when he examined them in the firelight. He’d streaked sweat all over them. The Healer plopped his glasses in his lap and squinted up at Tehl. “Bad news is that the infection has a firm hold on her lungs. The good news is her fever is dropping. She is not in immediate danger, but her lungs are still a serious concern. If the fluid doesn’t clear, she could easily die.”
Tehl grimly regarded the source of his guilt. “Is there anything I can do?” She looked so frail.
“No, there is not.” He heard the old man sigh. “In her sleep she’s been asking for her mum and papa.”
Tehl’s head snapped to Jacob. “Has she said anything else?”
Jeffry shook his head before Tehl finished. “Nothing but whimpers. When we put her in the ice bath she started screaming and thrashing.” Jacob’s face pinched inward. “And she was begging me to let her die. She was out of it though, the fever-induced delirium. If she survives, I doubt she’ll remember any of this.” As Jacob finished his shoulders slumped, clearly exhausted.
Mira untangled her arm from the girl and touched Jacob’s hand. “You have done all you can for her and given her your best. We both have. But now it’s up to her to keep fighting, and the herbs we’ve administered will help her do that. Why don’t you go and find a bed for a couple hours? I’ll stay here and send for you if anything changes.”
Mira’s actions warmed Tehl’s heart. She was just as worn out as Jacob but was still trying to care for the older man. The Healer opened his mouth to argue when Tehl cut him off. “Go and get some rest friend. I will watch over both girls for the next few hours while you rest. When you come back refreshed, you will be more ready to tackle her sickness.”
Jacob stared at him a moment, his tiredness apparent. After a beat, he nodded and hefted himself out of the rocking chair. He shuffled out, touching the girl’s forehead and Mira’s shoulder as he passed, murmuring goodnight.
Tehl moved to the abandoned rocking chair and took Jacob’s place. Sitting this close to the fire had raised his temperature by several degrees he was sure. He only hoped he wouldn’t suffocate. He tugged on his collar. It was much too hot for his leather vest. Tehl decided he was better off without it and undid the buttons and peeled it off. Next, he loosened the strings on his shirt but froze when a feminine throat cleared. He lifted his eyes to the twinkling blue ones now staring at his chest. It was his turn to clear his throat.
She lifted her eyes, amusement plain on her face. He fumbled, attempting to re-lace his shirt in embarrassment.
“No need to lace up on my account. It is bloody hot in here. I bet those leather pants are cooking you alive.”
He dropped his laces and looked at her. “Don’t you worry about your reputation though? Here you are alone in a room with a half-dressed man; if someone saw us your reputation would be ruined.”
She chuckled, her shoulder shaking with her laughter. Why was that so funny? Most women would be anxious right now.
When she caught sight of the look on his face, she choked back her laughter with a smile. “My reputation was ruined long ago when I started working here with Jacob. Heaven forbid a young woman work near an older man. Do you know that most people think I’m his mistress?” She paused. “If you’re worried about propriety, those hulking guards can serve as chaperones. No one’s virtue is endangered.” Mirth colored her words.
Mira spoke straight with him. She didn’t play coy or use double meanings, leaving him to guess at her words. He liked that. “Mira, I think we’ll be great friends.”
Pink touched her cheeks. He couldn’t tell if it was from the dizzying heat or his words, but one thing was sure: she was exhausted, and dark smudges lined her drooping lids.
“Why don’t you sleep for a bit? I will watch over the both of you until Jacob returns.”
She looked at him with hope. “Truly? That would be heaven. I haven’t slept either. If her breathing gets more labored, or there are any other changes, don’t hesitate to wake me. Please and thank you.” She paused. “Oh and don’t forget to stoke the fire.” Another pause. “My lord,” she tacked on.
“I’ll take care of it. Now sleep.”
Mira rearranged herself, checking the girl’s temperature and adjusting the blanket to cover them both. As soon as she closed her eyes she was asleep, emitting a soft buzz from her nose that made him grin. Tehl settled into the rocking chair, closing his own eyes. It was sure to be a long night.
The heat slowly lulled him to sleep. He dozed until a rustling disturbed him. Tehl yawned and scooted to the edge of his chair, focusing on the two sleeping girls. The rebel had kicked their blankets off and was now shivering, little goosebumps running up her arms. The pathetic whimper that passed her lips had Tehl frowning. Mira, even in her sleep, scooted over and threw a leg over the girl, but her shivering kept on.
Tehl got up and began laying more wood over the coals. He then crept over to the cot, pulling the blankets up over both girls. Finally, the combination of the stoked fire, and the blanket slowed Ruby’s shivering considerably. He settled back into the chair, its dark wood creaking as it bore his full weight. He leaned forward, placing his elbows on his knees and his chin in his hands, keeping an eye on the rebel.
His eyes traced a small patch of light freckles on her button nose. Her long dark lashes rested on her pale cheeks, showcasing the black bags and bruises beneath them. Her dark hair lay across her chin and hung off the cot in tangled, sweaty strands. A pained moan reached his ears, and he found himself reaching out to soothe her, gently removing the hair from her clammy face, smoothing it behind one ear.
He wasn’t much familiar with comforting someone, but he remembered how his mother would softly draw on his face whenever he was ill. As a child, he had loved it. He started tracing the rebel’s arched eyebrows down to her cheekbones, then her chin. He avoided the broken nose and bruises. Tehl continued this way until she stopped shuddering. As Tehl pulled away, she turned her face into his hand, her lips resting against his palm.
“… Don’t leave me papa, I hurt all over.”
Her innocent plea made his heart clench. He heard her mumble something else and leaned closer, to hear. Tehl caressed her cheekbone with his thumb and whispered, “I won’t leave you, love.”
Her lips formed part of a smile as she exhaled a soft, “love you, papa,” and then she was once again dead
to the world.
Her soft utterance was so different from his first impression of her. She didn’t seem like a ruthless traitor. Was she perhaps coerced into this? Even with these thoughts spiraling, he knew it was largely wishful thinking on his part. She was guilty. A rebel.
He shouldn’t have checked on her. Something about her was alluring to him whether he wanted it to be or not. His brother was right in his observations—Tehl couldn’t think clearly around this girl.
She was a potential informant and that had to be the end of it.
Even so, he never moved his hand from her face.
* * *
Much later, a deep cough roused him. Tehl raised his head from where it had been resting on the girl’s cot. He stared in horror as he realized that during the night he somehow ended up holding her hand. He jerked his hand away and looked toward the door. Jacob was watching the scene with a keen look.
“What?” Tehl mouthed, trying not to wake either girl.
“Nothing, my lord. You took very good care of our girls last night. Thank you.”
Jacob walked briskly over and elbowed him out of the way. He placed a hand on the rebel’s forehead and smiled, relieved. “Her fever broke.” His soft tone had Mira stirring, but not enough to wake her. Jacob moved away, waving for him to follow. “The danger is mostly gone now that the fever’s gone. I think she will survive.”
Tehl stopped to study the older man. “How soon do you think Sam will be able to speak with her again?”
Jacob frowned, his face darkening briefly, but he quickly smoothed it to a thoughtful expression. “It depends on her recovery and willingness to fight. It’s possible she will be physically recovered in two to three weeks’ time, my lord. Mentally though? I have no idea.”