Page 36 of The Rebel's Prize

Idiotstubbornman.But arguing with him clearly wasn't going to help. They needed him to rest, not fight them.

She spread her hands and shrugged, looking at Silya. "Why don't you examine him first and we'll see what you think? After that we can work out if we need more help."

Lucien made a protesting noise.

"I don't care," she said. "If you need a healer, you're getting a healer."

She bit her lip, considering. He would be furious if they ended up having to return to the city. Likely the innkeeper would know of a local healer they could call? But then she would have to explain what had happened. Besides which, any healer was likely to be a strong earth witch and possibly allied to the temple. They might report back through their own networks.

She didn't care. Deandra could wait.

She forced down the familiar sense of panic rising within her. She hadn't imagined breaking the bond would impact his health. He'd been using his magic easily in Lumia. Guilt twined with the panic, drying her mouth.

She swallowed. "You examine him, and I'll consider our options," she said to Silya. Maybe she could get word to the caravan's healer without using the guards? Only three of them had accompanied them into Fallea. They had a room farther down the hall, taking turns keeping watch outside. They hadn't insisted on going with them to the theater, so that hopefully meant whatever watch they were keeping was more relaxed than it would be in Lumia.

"Thirsty," Lucien muttered.

She looked at Silya. "Should he drink anything?"

Silya shrugged. "Do you feel as though you may throw up, Lord Castaigne?"

He shook his head. "No, just weak, hot."

Silya looked at Chloe. "I do not think it will hurt."

Chloe reached for the water she’d poured earlier, then hesitated before picking up her skirts so she could kneel on the bed beside him and lift his head. He didn't try to sit up, and panic surged again, memories of him ill in the temple in Lumia flooding through her.

"Water," she said. "Just take a few sips." She rested the glass against his lips, and he swallowed a mouthful or two.

"Mali," he said. "Send Octarus to her. She can send a healer discreetly. She won't panic. She's dealt with sanctii before."

Interesting.She had introduced Mali to Octarus just in case she had to summon the sanctii at some point.

Behind her, Silya coughed gently, and Chloe remembered that she was meant to be letting the seer examine Lucien. She climbed off the bed, managing not to spill the water, and let Silya do her work.

After a few minutes, the seer straightened and said, "I do not think he has done any damage, but he definitely feels drained. He needs to be more cautious in using his magic. Preferably not use it at all for a few days. And I would be happier if we were staying in town another day for him to rest." She glanced down at Lucien, who was now propped up against some pillows, his eyes open. "But I cannot imagine you are going to allow that, Lord Castaigne."

Lucien shook his head. "No."

Silya shrugged and turned back to Chloe. "Of course, the best thing that might help him would be if the two of you formed a new bond."

Chloe's eyes widened. Had she heard that correctly? Silya had been appalled by their bond when they'd first formed it in Andalyssia, yet now she was suggesting they should do it again? Exactly how bad was Lucien's health? "Do you truly think it would help?"

"Yes." Silya didn't look as though it was news she was happy to deliver.

Lucien's eyes went to the seer and then squeezed closed again as his jaw clenched.

Not an idea he liked either, then.

A shiver crawled down her spine. He didn't want to be bonded to her. What did that mean? That he wanted nothing more to do with her? But he'd followed her to Jinkara. Found her. Surely that meant he still cared in some fashion?

"If it would help—"

"That is also a no," Lucien said, his voice firm though his eyes remained shut.

Chloe flinched at his tone.

Silya made a humming sound of disapproval. "Regardless of what either of you feels about the idea, it is clear that your strength was supporting him, Lady Castaigne. Your domina had no objection to what you had done, so it must have been useful. You should not rule it out without considering carefully."

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