Mystic's Touch, page 2
Me, touching your foot.
Yes.
Do your drug-induced illusions usually touch you? Physically, I mean.
It was Ceros’ turn to chuckle. No, not usually.
Well, then, I must really be here.
I guess so. Thank the Gods. Ceros knew he wasn’t really holding his breath, but it felt like it.
I heard that, you know.
You mean I have to censor all my thoughts now?
No. But if I’m somewhere nearby and you’re upset, you might want to.
You have to be near me to hear my thoughts?
I think so. It’s only a theory. One I’ll test here in a moment, since I need to leave before anyone returns.
Do you really have to go? He hated the panic that rose with the thought of her leaving and never returning.
People will wonder why I linger if I’m seen in your room.
When will you be back?
It’s almost time for the evening meal. I need to find someone who may be able to answer the question of why we can hear each other’s thoughts. I doubt I’ll be able to return until tomorrow. Perhaps while everyone is busy with the midday meal.
Can you do something for me?
If I can.
Will you get a message to my friend, Gehiji? Him and only him. Tell him that I am alive, inside this body and I will need his skills to find out who did this to me.
What reason would he have for believing me?
Ceros thought for a moment. She was right. Even if she could get a message to Gehiji, he would likely dismiss it as the fanciful wishing of a woman. Or worse, he could become suspicious of her intentions and try to keep her away.
Tell him that I will return the telos he gambled away if he is able to find out what and who was behind this.
A telos? Do I even want to know what that is?
If you deliver my message and I recover from this, whatever this is, I will tell you the story.
Very well. I will seek your friend out. But I won’t promise to tell him how I know.
Fair enough.
A sound from somewhere nearby sent the owner of the voice scurrying to her feet. I must go.
You will return. Ceros knew it was more an order than a question, but he didn’t care. He needed her to return. As much as he hated it, he needed her to keep him sane.
Yes. I will return as soon as I can. You should sleep. It’s the best thing you can do to heal the body.
Ceros snorted. Like I have anything else to do.
He heard a door open and close but didn’t hear anyone moving about the room. Something twisted in his chest knowing she had gone.
I will return. The voice whispered in his mind, easing the knot forming in his chest.
A moment later, he heard her asking, Do you still hear me?
It was faint and he wondered if it was due to proximity or barriers between them.
Yes, somewhat.
Interesting.
What is?
I’ll tell you tomorrow.
He chuckled and wondered what just happened.
Chapter Three
It was midmorning when Danet made it to the palace. She scurried past the main dining hall, but craned her neck to see who was taking their breakfast. One of the prince’s sisters and her husband were just settling in but the queen was not present.
She made her way to the servants’ area to find the one woman who would know what had been going on around the palace the last few weeks. Hesina was the most senior of the staff and had served since she was a young girl. She was loyal and made it her business to know everything that affected the royal family.
“Hesina. There you are.” Danet found the short, pudgy woman in the kitchen, inspecting the day’s produce with one of the cooks.
Hesina waved for her to enter. The palace kitchens were off-limits to anyone not assigned to work there. That rule was strictly enforced by Hesina and her staff. Rumor had it the cooks had chased more than one person out with large knives.
A couple of the kitchen staff murmured greetings as Danet passed, which she returned in kind.
“I’ve been wondering when you’d make you way around here,” Hesina said as Danet approached.
“I tried to find you last night, but your girls said you were busy and I needed to see one more patient before going home.”
“You and that father of yours. Always running here and there, taking care of others when you should be taking care of yourselves.” She clucked her tongue.
“You’re one to talk.” Danet smiled warmly at Hesina. “So tell me. How bad is it around here, really?”
The woman shook her head. “It’s a sad state of affairs, child. Come.” She motioned for Danet to follow. “Let’s step out into the gardens.”
The area Hesina spoke of was not the royal family’s lush, cultured grounds but the functional space that grew herbs and a few fruit trees. Despite its utilitarian purpose, it was a lovely space. Danet and Hesina often sought refuge and quiet there.
“Has your father been summoned?” Hesina asked.
“Not that I know of.”
Hesina grunted as she sat on the edge of a raised flowerbed. She had chosen a shaded spot far enough away from the doorway to allow privacy. “Probably won’t be long before he is. Darius is frantic with worry that he won’t be able to save the prince.” She paused. “So is the queen.”
“Understandable.”
“And so soon after the king’s death.” Hesina shook her head. “I do not like the things that are happening here. Too much death. It should not be so.”
“What do you mean?”
Hesina lowered her voice. “I mean something is not right about all of this.” She tapped her chest with her fist. “Something tells me the king’s death should not have happened.”
“It was an accident, wasn’t it?”
“That is what they say.”
“Who declared it to be so?”
“The council.” Hesina grunted. “Those weak-kneed old men who wouldn’t raise a hand if the Zarenthia were beating down the palace doors.”
“Didn’t Darius have a say in it?”
“He did, but he had been to the southern border to check into reports of some kind of outbreak. It was two days before he could be reached and return to the palace.” Hesina looked Danet in the eye. “A lot can be hidden in two days.”
“Strange that Darius was sent when Father was already there and had sent word to all of his colleagues there was no outbreak. It was one isolated case.”
“Strange indeed,” Hesina agreed.
“Do you believe the prince is in danger?”
Hesina glanced around the area. “I will say this. A council meeting has been called in three days time. That meeting is to appoint an interim ruler until it is determined if the prince will be capable of assuming his rightful place.”
“Is the queen not the interim ruler?”
“She is, but only upon the prince’s authority. If he is no longer capable of assuming his place, thus granting his authority, then it falls to the council to appoint someone.”
“Oh Gods.”
“If my queen were of childbearing age, I would worry for her. A posthumous heir might have put her life in danger as well. The council has already asked her maids about her woman’s cycle.”
“Someone could be after the throne,” Danet whispered.
“I may be seeing things that are not there, but it worries me greatly.”
Danet grasped Hesina’s hand. “Your worry may be well-founded. I will talk with Father.”
Hesina nodded. “He will know where to look for answers.”
“In the meantime, how may I get in to the prince’s chambers so I can examine him myself? I assume he is under guard.”
“Most definitely. The queen chose the men herself.” Hesina stood. “But I believe we can get you in. Let’s find the girl who was assigned to his room for today. I believe she may be feeling ill and should go home and rest. That means someone else will need to take care of the prince’s linens.”
Danet smiled. “I seem to have a free moment to spare and could help with that problem.”
“I thought you might.” Hesina winked at Danet.
In no time, Danet found herself on the way to the prince’s chambers with a basket of fresh linens and a pitcher of water. As she drew closer, she relaxed her mind to allow herself to pick up his thoughts. They came through with alarming clarity.
Damn all the hydotcha in the kingdom. When I am on my feet again, I’m having every one of those blasted flowers cut down. My nose itches and I can’t scratch it! I don’t know who keeps bringing them in but I may have them tossed out of the palace along with the flowers.
Are you always this cranky of an invalid or did you not get enough sleep?
It’s about time. Where have you been?
If she hadn’t heard the relief in his tone, she would have taken offense at his high-handedness. Good morning to you, too.
The first sun has been up for hours. What took you so long?
I warned you yesterday I wouldn’t come until the midday meal, so actually I’m early. Even after checking on a few things.
Like what? he demanded.
Like possible reasons for your condition and why we are able to speak with just our minds.
And what did you learn?
Not much, I am afraid. She sighed. There are several toxins that could cause this sort of thing, but nothing that matched exactly. I was advised by someone close to me, who has knowledge of healing, that I needed more information.
Such as?
Visual clues. Knowledge of anything you were exposed to or consumed.
Did you tell this person you had spoken to me?
Of course not.
Didn’t think they would believe you?
Didn’t want to worry them. She corrected him. Oh wait, I need to get past the guards.
I guess telling them I said to do it won’t help.
Not a bit. She smiled at the thought.
It didn’t take much convincing to gain access to the prince’s rooms even though there were orders to not admit visitors. She was well-known at the castle and being one of the queen’s own helped.
Yesterday there had only been one guard on duty. While he was distracted by the maids cleaning the guest suite at the end of the hallway she had been able to slip in, unannounced.
I’m here.
That was alarmingly easy. Either my security needs better training or you know something I don’t.
Perhaps a bit of both. She took a moment to look around the room. She had never been in the prince’s chambers before yesterday and even then she had been so focused on why she was able to hear his thoughts she didn’t take in her surroundings. It was surprisingly sparsely furnished.
It’s a functional space, he said, obviously picking up on her thoughts. I haven’t lived here for several years and my visits were often short when I did return home.
But it is home.
Yes. There was a pause. Yes, it is.
Danet set the basket of linens on the floor not far from the bed. The bed itself was oversized, obviously made to accommodate the prince’s large frame. However it was a simple structure. A mattress set upon a platform, neither far from the ground. The linens were plain but of the finest quality.
The prince had been placed in the center with a sheet covering his lower half.
Before she looked at his face, she reminded herself she had company in her head and shouldn’t comment on anything she saw. The last time she had a glimpse of the prince she remembered thinking he was handsome enough that he would never have to worry about finding his princess.
So, how are you today? she asked, struggling for neutral conversation.
He growled. How he managed to project the sound in her head was puzzling, yet it made Danet smile again. I am alive.
Have the physicians checked on you yet?
Yes. I have endured poking and prodding again this morning.
Did they say anything?
I heard two people whispering that, other than an increased heartbeat, they didn’t detect any changes. They worried that Darius would not be pleased.
I’m sure he isn’t.
I worry more about Mother and how she is handling this so soon after Father.
Your mother is a very strong, capable woman. She will do what she has to do to see you well and to cope with whatever comes her way.
The prince paused. You are right. Another pause. Thank you.
I speak only the truth.
She allowed him a moment to let the thought sink in. As she waited, it occurred to Danet the connection had become stronger and she could hear him much better. It was as if he were speaking from across the room instead of down an empty hall.
I am going to change your bed linens to make myself busy lest it appear I came in here just to admire your princely beauty.
You may admire my princely beauty as well. His appreciation of her sarcasm came through their connection.
She snorted. I am sure you have an ample supply of ladies to do that. I’ll stick with trying to heal you.
She pulled the sheets loose from the bed corners then wondered how she would get them out from underneath the prince. It was relatively easy to move a child or small-framed woman on a narrow cot with no help. The prince was considerably larger and so was his bed.
The other maids rolled me onto my side, pushed the linens around then rolled me onto the other side and onto the fresh one.
Ah. That makes sense. She set to work then she said, Tell me how you’re feeling today. Everything you have an awareness of, no matter how small.
Are you in a habit of telling your superiors what to do? There was a hint of amusement in his tone.
There are very few who I would consider superior. I have met many who, due to their birthright or good fortune, hold power in our part of the world. However, in either case, when they expect assistance with an issue they have brought to me, yes, I do tell them what to do. Like everyone else, it is their choice to follow or not.
Well said. He paused. I heard one of the guards call you Mistress, but I couldn’t hear your given name. What is it?
Danet stopped what she was doing. She originally thought she could hide her identity, but that seemed a foolish notion now. If the prince was in danger, she had no choice but to help however should could. Even if it meant risking her freedom and possibly her life. If—when—he recovered, he was bound to find out who she was anyway. It would be best if she didn’t lie to the next king.
My name is Danet.
You are mated, Danet?
No. I was, but he passed several years ago.
Another pause. Is Mistress a title then? He sounded surprisingly disappointed.
Yes, but not in the way you may be thinking. Because of the station I hold within your mother’s staff, my degree of training and, perhaps partially due to my family’s history, I am regarded as an elder.
How do I not know you then?
I serve your mother and on occasion your sisters. Before you left the palace, I was unmated. I would never have been called upon to serve you. We have passed a time or two, but there was never a need for introduction. I’m sure there are many in the palace you do not know.
He grunted but didn’t deny it.
Starting at the top of your head, describe everything you’re feeling. If it aches, tell me how or how much and, if possible, where.
All right. He managed to grumble even without vocal cords. My head aches.
Where?
At the temples and the back of the top part.
Now that she had both sheets loose and pushed next to the prince’s body, she knelt on the edge and considered how to proceed.
I won’t bite. Or, at least, not right now, he teased.
I know. Just give me a moment to figure out the best way to do this without moving you any more than necessary. She looked at his still form from head to toe. There was a lot of him. And what wasn’t covered by the sheet was very nice to look at. But that was one of those thoughts that she needed to keep to herself.
If it doesn’t offend your royal person, she said with a lift of her lips, I shall attempt to accomplish two things at once. I need to roll you over to remove the linens but I think I will also take the opportunity to do a visual inspection.
Go right ahead. I couldn’t stop you even if it did offend my royal person.
She decided to start her exam with something easy. Something that wasn’t so, well…manly. She lifted his hand that was closest to her and examined every part. Each finger, between the fingers, under the nails as well as the palm and top. Her hands were dwarfed next to his. The breadth of each of his fingers was almost double hers. While they didn’t look like a laborer’s hands, his had seen rough conditions. Huh.
What? he asked.
Sorry. I am surprised.
By what? Did you find something?
No. Nothing to explain your condition. There are no fresh wounds or puncture marks to indicate an infection or poison entry point.
Then what surprised you?
Your hands. They’re, um… They’re not what I expected to find on a prince.
What did you expect to find? Well-manicured and jeweled?
A little, yes. Yours have obviously seen a harder life than most princes would be expected to live.
That’s probably true.
How so?
He sighed. I assume you know that I went to school in Shirghada.
Yes.
What you probably do not know is that I served in their regiments after finishing my learnings.
Danet’s mouth fell open. But their regiments produce some of the most elite forces in the world. How did you get in? And why did the king allow such a thing?
The king didn’t know at first.
But…
Some of the people I met at school planned to join, so I figured I might as well give it a shot. I didn’t want to go home. There was nothing for me here as long as Father ruled.
But you could have been killed.
Possibly. I could have been killed getting thrown from the back of an eligari too. It’s not as if I asked for suicide missions. However, the training was invaluable. And I wouldn’t have traded the experience or the friendships I made for anything.
