Page 69 of Turret

No matter how many times I heard the words, they were still impossible to accept. I took a shuddering breath. “I see.” Of course he knew; something of that nature would never be kept from the king.

I feared he’d wish to discuss the unpleasant topic further, but to my relief he ventured to another one instead. “I admit I’m surprised not only to find you in the medicinal garden, but that you were so desperate to venture here you concocted a scheme as drastic as climbing out the window.”

His brow puckered as he slowly took in the plants, who shifted nervously, as if debating whether to share my secret. He noticed the basket of herbs and his questioning gaze met mine once more.

“Are you in need of the gardens’ medicines?”

His question determined the victor of my inner debate. No matter his reaction to learning of my budding passion, surely it was better than for him to assume I was still sickly. “I was…studying.”

His eyebrows rose. “Studying?”

My explanation escaped out before I could contain it. “The garden is teaching me. I want to become an herbalist, and eventually…a healer.”

I held my breath and awaited his response. It took him a moment to find his voice. “A…healer?” He spoke slowly, as if doubting his words and wanting to confirm them.

“While in the tower, I developed an interest in herbs and hope to use my new passion to help people.” I anxiously wrung my hands and waited for his comment, and when he remained silent, I pushed forward, my nerves causing my words to tumble out in a rush. “I know it’s not conventional for a princess, but I’m hoping…”

I trailed off. My words were spoken from my old belief system, one I didn’t want to be a part of me any longer. I chose my next ones more carefully before lifting my chin.

“It’s a princess’s duty to care for her subjects, and what better way to accomplish that than through seeing after their health?”

My piece given, I waited anxiously for Briar’s reaction. He was too kind to treat my wishes unkindly, but though he was my brother, he was also the king with royal expectations to uphold.

But though he looked undeniably surprised, he didn’t appear disapproving. In fact, he looked almostpleased. “I’m so happy you’ve found something that brings you joy.”

As much as I’d wanted his approval, I was startled to actually receive it. “You’re…not disappointed? Most princesses don’t become healers.” I couldn’t think of any that had throughout our kingdom’s history.

He shrugged. “I suppose not, just as most kings aren’t amateur gardeners, nor do they defy tradition by marrying a merchant’s daughter.” He rested a gentle hand on my arm, his look brotherly. “I only want your happiness. While Drake has walked a more traditional path, Reve has chosen to be a homemaker in a cottage in the mountains, and you must chose your own. Being a healer is a wonderful ambition.”

Relief washed over me at his acceptance, making it easier to further open up to him. “It’s already served me well. While in the tower I discovered the recipe for an elixir to ease my symptoms. I’ve been taking it for several weeks and my health is better than it’s ever been.”

I told him about the remedy the tower had led me to and the wondrous effects it’d had on my health in greater detail. Both his eyes and his smile grew wider. “So that’s why you’ve been so much healthier.” His excitement became too much for his kingly composure and he scooped me into a hug. “I’m so happy for you, Gemma.” He held me a moment longer before releasing me with a smile.

I gestured to the plants surrounding us. “The garden has been giving me lessons, teaching me about the medicinal plants. There’s still so much I don’t know, but I can’t wait to learn.”

His expression softened. “I’m so glad.”

He gave my hand a gentle squeeze, only to frown in disapproval at my icy touch. It deepened as he took in my thin shawl. “Your hands are freezing and your cheeks are pink with cold. How long have you been out here? It’s far too cold for you to be—” He swallowed the remainder of his words with a weary sigh at my pointed look. “That’s right, no coddling.”

“I know my limits.” But now that I was no longer working, I was able to feel the cold more fully—it seeped into my skin, causing me to shiver. “I made a promise to you, Quinn, and myself to use my freedom to be responsible with my health, which means I should probably go inside.”

He seemed relieved by my acquiescence. “Are you going to climb up through the window?” Humor twitched his lips.

I laughed. “I’m not so reckless asthat. It would be far more difficult to ascend than it was to climb down. I’ve had enough adventures for one day, nor do I want to give you or Quinn a heart attack.”

At the mention of my guard he sobered. “Speaking of Quinn…there’s something I’ve been meaning to discuss with you.”

Foreboding knotted my stomach as I sensed the direction of this conversation. “What is it?”

He hesitated before extending his arm. “Let’s adjourn to my study.”

My apprehension grew as I looped my arm through his and allowed him to lead me from the garden, only pausing to cast a glance at the basket of herbs I’d left behind.

Briar noticed my backwards glance. “I shall arrange for a servant to bring those to the apothecary, but while your studies can wait, I’m afraid this conversation cannot.”

My trepidation increased, confirming this would be the conversation I’d been dreading ever since my return home. For if my brother wanted to discuss Quinn, there was only one topic I could think of that would be so pressing.

But if he approved of my becoming a healer and of Reve’s common match, surely he’d have no objections to allowing my relationship with a royal guard to continue, especially with so loyal a man who possessed enough trust to earn the position of guarding me.

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