Page 81 of Bonded Chaos

“Hmm?”

“You said you checked in to monitor the treatment’s progress. Should I watch for any particular symptoms?”

“Oh no, nothing like that,” Odette said, quick to reassure me. “Occasionally, some women experience unpleasant side effects such as headaches or stomach troubles, that type of thing. Fertility treatments also require great attention to detail to ensure the best outcome, so I prefer to monitor the dosage. That way, if any adjustments are required, I can action them to avoid unintended consequences.”

All true.

That didn’t mean this dose wasn’t laced with something sinister, however.

I lifted the vial to my nose and inhaled deeply. There was nothing unusual about the various aromas, so I took a tentative sip. The bitter, earthy taste slid over my tongue, and I tried in vain not to grimace. While the tonic tasted the same, it was more potent than usual.

I drew upon my magic and sent it delving into every corner of my body. When I detected nothing amiss, I released a relieved breath.

My gaze lingered on Odette, and I studied her as I spoke.

“It’s stronger than my normal dose.”

Odette’s expression remained neutral, but her eyes held an intensity that left me feeling exposed.

“Bodies are ever-changing, and they often build up a tolerance for any medicines we rely on regularly,” she supplied. “It isnecessary to increase the dosage from time to time to maintain effectiveness.”

Another truth.

The bitterness settled unpleasantly in my stomach, and I downed the rest of the tonic before I could talk myself out of taking it. I set the vial down on the silver tray and returned my attention to Odette.

“How was that?” she asked.

“Fine, I suppose.”

“No complaints then,” she said with a slight grin.

“I’m not sure I would go that far,” I mumbled, the bitter taste still coating my tongue.

She barked out a laugh but quickly sobered. “It’s important, especially for someone in your position, that everything remains… balanced.”

She flashed me an apologetic smile, and I wondered just what she thought I was doing in Ryker’s chambers.

Did she think I was his courtesan?

I nodded, not wanting to voice my question aloud. It wasn’t her fault that Ryker had kept my presence here a mystery, and I didn’t want to appear rude or ungrateful. Instead, I waded into safer waters.

“Is it a common practice then?”

Odette knitted her brows.

“Adjusting the ingredients, I mean.”

The healer seemed relieved when I clarified my line of questioning, and, for some unknown reason, that observation had dread swirling to life within me.

“Oh, yes,” she beamed. “Every woman’s constitution is different, so the blend must be tailored accordingly.”

Once again, her words rang true.

Odette leaned forward and placed her hand on my knee in a comforting gesture.

“My Lady, your wellbeing is paramount. I assure you, I craft each dose with care, but if there’s anything I should know...” she trailed off, unsure what else to say.

Something in her tone made my insides plummet, but I forced a polite smile. “I’m fine, truly. My stomach is just a little unsettled from the higher dosage. I’m sure I’ll get used to it.”

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