Page 37 of Ties of Dust

“Easy for you to say,” sighed Prince Cassius.

Flora was bursting to know why he didn’t want his mother to learn of his injury, but she didn’t ask. The physician’s manner was comforting, but she was still no longer alone with the prince, and she therefore didn’t consider herself to have permission to speak freely.

The physician turned to her, his smile friendly. “Now, young lady, whom am I treating?”

“My name is Flora,” she told him. “I’m a companion and personal guard to Princess Miriam of Siqual, but I’vebeen assigned to aid in Prince Cassius’s protection until their betrothal is formalized.”

The physician raised an eyebrow, his curious expression carrying no judgment. “An unconventional choice for a guard, aren’t you?”

“Don’t be deceived by appearances,” the prince commented from where he was still reclined in the armchair. “She might not look strong, but her specialty is magic craft. She can do a great deal with only a small amount of movement. And she has all these sneaky tricks for generating it, like flicking her hair around and such. None of my other guards can do that.”

Flora stared at him. He’d noticed that? He’d been paying closer attention to her than she’d realized.

“Well, women do have their tricks,” the physician said. “There’s no denying that.” He sent Flora a wink. “I’ve been the king’s personal physician for twenty years, and I’m pretty well-respected around here. But my wife has me wrapped around her little finger nonetheless.”

Flora grinned, warming to the easygoing older man. His attention returned to the mangled skin he’d just exposed, and he clucked his tongue.

“This injury is worse than the prince’s, I’m afraid. And it’s been dressed much more poorly.”

“What do you mean?” Prince Cassius straightened in his seat, frowning. “The same medic dressed both at the time of the attack.”

The physician shook his head. “Well, he didn’t give equal care to both. This was a slapdash job, which is all backward considering it’s the worse injury. And I’m to understand you then rode horseback for hours? I’m guessing it’s been stinging something fierce.”

“It’s been sore,” Floraacknowledged.

From the way the prince’s frown deepened, she suspected he knew she was understating it.

“I’m afraid it’s going to hurt a lot more, because I need to properly clean it then completely re-dress it,” the physician said apologetically. “Otherwise we risk infection.”

“I can handle it,” Flora assured him. “Do whatever you need to do.”

“Isn’t there anything you can give her to help with the pain?” The prince was on his feet now. He approached them with a concerned expression.

“There’s a magical remedy that can numb the effect of pain on the mind a little bit,” the physician said. “It’s meddling with the mind, though, so it requires the patient’s informed consent. I don’t usually offer it because most patients don’t have the requisite understanding of the magic involved to be able to properly consent.” He considered Flora. “But if you’re trained in magic craft…”

She nodded. “I know the enchantment you’re talking about. I never learned to do it myself, but I comprehend its function.”

“And its risks?” he pressed.

She nodded, narrowing her eyes. “I don’t know you very well, to be letting you meddle with my mind. I’ve heard the horror stories.”

There was a twinkle in the physician’s eyes. “I’d reassure you that I’m trustworthy, but that won’t carry much weight given the whole point is you don’t know me.”

“I’d trust him with my life, for what it’s worth,” the prince interjected. “In fact, I’ve needed to on occasion. I used to get myself into some serious scrapes.”

Flora considered him with interest. “I wouldn’t have guessed that you were a reckless youth, Your Highness.”

“I was bored,” he told her with a faint smile. “Once Iwas given official responsibilities, everything changed.” There was the hint of a sigh in his voice. “Well, it had to change, didn’t it?”

“Hm.” Flora was skeptical. “You’re telling me that you’relessbored now that your time is filled with state duties?”

He laughed, acknowledging her point. “Why are we talking about me? We’re supposed to be cleaning your wound.”

She grimaced. “You’re right. Go on, then,” she told the physician. “Meddle with my mind.”

“Very well.” He cocked an eyebrow at the prince. “I trust you’ll be my witness of informed consent being given, Your Highness?”

“Of course,” said Prince Cassius.

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