Mystic's Touch, page 8




Ceros sensed her tension and the jumble of thoughts streaming through her mind. Thankfully that quieted after talking with Gehiji. He hoped it was because they had the start of a plan and not because of Gehiji.
He knew the moment she woke. She stretched then the seemingly nonstop parade of thoughts began again. How she sorted through everything floating around her mind was amazing.
Good morning, Ceros said. He heard her move around on the lounge.
Good morning.
He sensed her worrying about her appearance. Some things must be universal for all women. I’m sure you look fine, he said, trying to reassure her.
Yes, well, you don’t have to face an endless stream of royalty before luncheon.
He chuckled.
How are you feeling this morning? she asked.
A little stiff in my back, but otherwise well.
Good. Let’s have a look then I’ll go freshen up.
Danet checked his temperature and heartbeat. He sensed she was happy with what she found. Next she checked his neck where the thorn had been.
The redness and swelling are almost gone, she relayed then moved to examine his hands and feet. It may be me and wishful thinking but it seems as if there is a little more response in your extremities. I’ll do a more thorough check after breakfast, but that’s very good news. I hope it means the thorn had something to do with your condition and that you’ll continue to improve.
I’m not worried.
Danet laughed. Liar. She patted him on the chest then stood. I had better make myself presentable before anyone shows up. By the way, what is your favorite song? she asked.
Why?
I was hoping you could hum it while I’m in the bathing room. Since you’re in my head, it feels as if you’re standing right next to me. I would feel better having a few minutes of privacy, if you don’t mind.
Ceros chuckled. Very well.
Thank you.
He heard Danet telling the guards to keep anyone other than the queen or Hesina from entering until she said otherwise.
Start humming, she reminded him.
He hummed the first thing that popped into his mind. It was a bawdy tavern song he learned while living in Shirghada. Hopefully she didn’t know the words.
While Danet washed and dressed, Gehiji snuck in. Ceros listened with half an ear as Gehiji reported what he learned about palace security. Or lack thereof. He was distracted knowing Danet was very likely naked in the next room. He didn’t know what she looked like, but had a very active imagination.
He felt her sigh as she admired his oversized tub then held his breath as she debated taking a long soak. Thankfully she decided she didn’t have enough time. The thought of her soaking in his tub was far too appealing.
“How did you get in?” Danet asked Gehiji when she returned to the sleeping area.
Gehiji didn’t say anything but Ceros guessed he had made some gesture or facial expression that answered her question.
We are trained to get into more secure places than this, Ceros informed her.
She harrumphed. “Did you have breakfast yet?” she asked Gehiji.
“No.”
“Would you like for me to have them bring you a tray when they bring mine?”
“Thank you, but no. I will take breakfast in the hall.” Gehiji added, “There’s a rather pretty girl I keep seeing at meals but I don’t know who she is yet. I’m determined to find out before the setting of the suns today.”
Remind him the councilmen are of more import than some mysterious woman flitting about the palace.
Danet chuckled. Somehow I doubt it will be an issue for him to do both.
No, but the reminder won’t hurt him any.
“Ceros asked me to remind you about looking into the councilmen.”
Gehiji flicked his hand as if to wave the thought away. “Already working on it.”
“But how? We just discussed it last night.”
“That’s true.”
“When did you have time? Don’t you sleep?” she asked incredulously.
“Of course I sleep. What of your father and the thorn? I’m guessing you haven’t received word yet?” Gehiji asked, smoothly changing the subject.
“No. If I don’t hear anything by luncheon, I’ll go home to check on his progress. Knowing my father, he stayed up half the night looking for the answer only to fall asleep at his desk before he could pen a note.”
“I would be happy to escort you home if it comes to that.”
“Thank you. I might take you up on that offer. I’m sure Father would love to have a chance to quiz you on Shirghada and triage procedures you might have seen while out on patrols or missions.”
Ceros found himself jealous that Gehiji would be spending time with Danet while he was stuck in a body that wouldn’t work.
Are you okay? Danet asked.
Yes, why?
I’m not sure. I suddenly had a weird feeling and I thought it was coming from you.
I’m fine.
A knock sounded on the door.
Gehiji whispered, “I’ll make myself scarce once I know if it’s friend or foe. No need in creating alarm by my presence.”
Ceros heard faint footsteps and guessed it was Danet going to see who had arrived. He heard Danet thank someone then the echo of the door being shut.
“It’s a note from Father.” She hurried back to the sleeping area. “He says the thorn is from the Aspenadder plant. A very rare and toxic flower. Your symptoms have been seen in people who came in contact with it, only most people die after prolonged exposure. He adds if it wasn’t for your age and excellent physical condition, you might not have survived.”
“Remind me to thank Commander Panahasi for working our butts off for the last year and a half,” Gehiji mumbled. “Guess it was worthwhile after all.”
Does he have a solution for me or am I going to be stuck this way?
“He sends a tonic to help clear the poison from your system. He warns he made it into a condensed solution since he knew you were unable to swallow so it may taste bad and hurt your stomach after a while.”
I’ll deal with it as long as it helps.
“I bet he wouldn’t care if it tasted like eligari excrement if it makes him better.”
“That’s basically what he just said.”
Ceros felt the bed tip and sway as Danet climbed up next to him.
“Do you want to wait until the breakfast tray comes so I can wash it down with some broth? All I have right now is water.”
I don’t want to wait.
“He doesn’t want to wait,” she repeated for Gehiji.
“I didn’t figure he would. What do you need me to do?”
“Nothing really. It’s a slow process of putting small drops in the back of his mouth then massaging his throat until the drops go down.”
Danet pulled his chin down and poured in a few drops. Then Ceros felt her tiny hands working along the front of his neck.
Gods, that is foul.
Worse than the broth?
By far. At least I know this should help me. I’m not so sure about the broth.
Danet chuckled.
“What?” Gehiji asked.
“He’s complaining about how bad it tastes.”
“Medicine never tastes good. Besides, it can’t be any worse than some of that crap he cooked while we were on missions.”
Ceros laughed. Tell him he shouldn’t criticize.
“He said you shouldn’t criticize,” Danet relayed to Gehiji.
“That’s probably true.” When his laughter died down he said, “I had better go before anyone arrives.”
“I plan on telling the queen what we’ve discovered about the thorn as soon as I can get her alone. I am also going to send a note back to Father asking where that plant can be found. If it’s such a rare thing, it might help us identify who is behind this.”
“I will check with you two this afternoon and if I can’t catch you alone before then, I’ll come by again tonight.”
“How can I get word to you if I need to?” Danet asked.
Ceros was coming to appreciate how smart Danet was. She grasped the deadly reality of the situation right away without getting upset or having vapors or any of the other annoying things palace ladies often did. She even understood the need for secrecy and stealth.
“For now, have a note delivered to my room letting me know you need me to come by. I’ll work on a better way of sending messages today.”
“Be careful,” she reminded him.
“Ceros, be a good little patient and take all of your medicine now.”
Tell him I’d give him a rude gesture but he might take it as an offer.
Danet repeated what he had said, making Ceros realize how crass it was. Gehiji’s laughter faded as he slipped out of the room. My apologies, Danet. I didn’t mean to embarrass you with our crude jokes. I forget we’re no longer hiking through the wilds and need to turn our manners back on.
It’s okay. I know it’s a stressful time and both of you need to blow off steam. I’m not running for the hills just because you were joking with your friend.
It doesn’t excuse my poor manners. I really was raised better than that.
Oh, I know that for a fact.
Please don’t tell Mother.
She chuckled. Definitely not.
It was odd how comfortable he was with Danet. They had only known each other a day but already he didn’t feel like he had to act like a polished prince. But nor did he want to act like a total barbarian. It was a strange mix and he wasn’t sure how he felt about it.
Even more strange was the fact that he didn’t even know what she looked like. He’d only had a glimpse of her face. Her green eyes, high cheekbones and dark hair. But what he’d seen of her personality was sparkling and beautiful and most definitely intriguing.
And all of these feelings were for a woman with a lineage that had been outlawed generations ago. Before either of them had been born.
Let’s try to get a little more of Father’s concoction down, she reminded him.
He groaned. If taste is an inverse relationship to how well medicine works, I should be sword fighting before dinner.
Danet laughed.
Suddenly the outer doors of his suite opened and the sound of several pairs of footsteps echoed down the hallway. Ceros felt Danet gather her things and scoot off the bed.
“My queen.” The rustling of fabric hinted at the curtsey Danet made. “Did you sleep well?”
“Tolerably so. What about you?”
“Tolerably so,” she mimicked the queen’s choice of words.
“What is happening with Ceros? I assume since I didn’t receive any messages that there was no change through the night.”
“I’m afraid not. His breathing was slow and steady, making me think he slept. My cursory check this morning indicated a slight improvement in his hands and feet.”
The queen came to the bed and, as was her habit, brushed his hair off his forehead then slipped her hand into one of his. Ceros was certain she was studying his face.
“My queen, if I might have a word with you in private?” Danet whispered.
Not for the first time, Ceros wished he could turn his head so he could see what was happening.
“Girls, I’ve changed my mind. I would like to take my breakfast in here. Would one of you please go down to the kitchens and have a tray brought up for Danet and me? Tea also. And I believe I would like my sewing basket and journal from my rooms.”
“Certainly, my queen,” the girls replied. A flurry of skirts and footsteps told Ceros they had left.
Once the door had closed the queen asked, “You have news?”
“I was not completely honest with you yesterday, my queen.”
“Oh?”
“I found a thorn in the prince’s hairline during one of my examinations yesterday. I removed it and took it to Father to have it identified so we could determine if it had anything to do with the prince’s condition. I had a note from Father just moments ago. He identified the thorn as being from the Aspenadder plant.”
“I’ve heard of this plant. It’s poisonous, isn’t it?”
“Very. Father sent some medicine that should help fight the toxins. He said if the thorn had remained embedded or if the prince not been healthy, his reaction could have been far worse.”
“Why didn’t you tell me this yesterday?”
Danet lifted her chin. “I didn’t want to get your hopes up only to have to dash them again if the thorn had nothing to do with his condition. I knew Father would have an answer for me quickly and that I was merely delaying telling you.”
You should tell her everything.
Not yet, she insisted.
“I’m not unaware of the power struggle that is going on, my queen,” Danet continued. “Nor am I ignorant of the questionable death of King Rashidi. It is entirely possible that someone planted that thorn in hopes of getting Prince Ceros out of the way.”
The queen stroked his hand. “You are right as usual, Danet. You always were a quick study.”
He felt Danet’s concern about the way the queen looked. What’s wrong with Mother?
She has dark circles under her eyes and looks more tired than I’ve ever seen her.
Ceros wanted to roar in frustration.
“What do you recommend?” the queen asked.
“My first priority is still to get Prince Ceros well. I’ve given him a dose of the medicine. I hope to see results before luncheon. However, I think we should keep word of the thorn a secret. Whoever the would-be killer is must not know we found it or that we’re treating the prince for poisons.”
“How do we explain his recovery?”
She shrugged. “The herbs Darius has ordered and the muscle therapy coupled with Ceros’ good health.”
“Don’t you think Darius will question it?”
“Probably. But he isn’t so foolish as to raise an alarm over the prince’s recovery. Unless someone starts taking credit for it, he’ll most likely never say a word.”
“You’re probably right.” The queen sighed. “Now I just have to figure out how to delay this high council meeting until Ceros is better.”
Danet sat on the bed next to his mother. “I wish I could tell you the medicine will kick in and everything will be fine by then, but I cannot.”
“I know. And I appreciate you not fabricating things just to make me feel better. While I don’t like the fact you didn’t tell me about the thorn, I understand why you did it.”
“Thank you, my queen.”
“You have always been a good girl, Danet. From the time you first came into my service I have never doubted your loyalty to me or my family. That is one of the reasons I trust you with Ceros’ care.” Ceros felt her hand on his chest. “If someone does mean him harm, he is completely vulnerable. Your suggestion to keep the thorn a secret is probably best.”
“I suspect that as he recovers and word gets out, you will need to increase his security.”
“I agree.” The queen stood. Her footsteps sounded as if she was moving away from the bed. “I believe I can call upon Gehiji to help with that. He trained with Ceros and appears to be quite capable. He has also offered to assist in any way.” She paused. “That may present an issue if you continue to stay day and night. I cannot allow the two of you to sleep in the same quarters.”
She’s right, Ceros said.
What?
Even though I would know for sure nothing was going on between the two of you, no one else would and your reputation would be shredded.
“As soon as Ceros begins moving and regains control of his faculties, we’ll need to put you in another room anyway. Probably with a guard of your own,” the queen pointed out.
“My queen, may I suggest we take this one day at a time? Let’s see how much he recovers through the day then worry about sleeping arrangements this evening.”
“You always were sensible.” There was a smile in her voice. “I will think about a solution today however.”
“If I might make one other suggestion?”
“Certainly.”
“If he isn’t already, Gehiji should be moved into the rooms next door. The more guards near Ceros the better.”
“I’ll speak with Hesina after breakfast.”
The suite doors opened, heralding the return of the queen’s attendants along with servants carrying breakfast trays. Ceros was pleased Danet chose to feed him before herself. He listened quietly, surprisingly content, when Danet finally went and sat with the queen to enjoy their breakfast.
The remainder of the morning flew by.
By lunch, Danet was able to report to the queen that she was pleased with Ceros’ progress. He was able to move all fingers and toes and to a certain degree, his eyes. He had even managed to swallow a couple of times.
Danet worked his muscles throughout the day but the nonstop stream of visitors forced her to stop frequently. He picked up on her frustration and desire to have more than a few minutes of peace. Between visitors, family and attending servants, neither of them had any rest and by midafternoon Danet was becoming increasingly cranky.
Perhaps you should lie down for a bit, the prince suggested.
I’d love to but I’m sure that as soon as my head hits the pillow someone else will come in.
Tell the guards to keep everyone out.
I thought about it.
Do it. Blame me if you need to. Tell them you think I need to rest.
Danet chuckled as she curled up on the bed next to Ceros. I should. I just need a few minutes of peace and quiet.
Ceros felt her mind relaxing and slipping into slumber. He strained his eyes and his neck, trying to turn so he could see Danet lying next to him. It was a wonder how such a wisp of a thing carried so much strength.
Her willingness to defend him when he was unable was a humbling thing. Every time he thought of her placing herself in harm’s way his gut clenched.
Now that he had seen her physical beauty, he was even more surprised she was unmated. Her long, brown hair would be glorious when it was unbound and streaming down her naked back. Even more when it was spread across his pillow and her eyes were glazed with passion.
He promised himself that he would see that before the next new moon.