Page 7 of Blood Weaver
I snuck one last gaze before he covered himself up again, then realized what he said. Surprised, I raised an eyebrow. “You’re welcome. Now get out of my clinic.”
But instead of leaving, Ronan plopped down on one of the cots I had for my patients and laid down, interlocking his hands behind his head. “I don’t know, Healer. I feel like I might need to spend the night here … You know, just in case something goes wrong.” He grinned.
“Nothing is going to go wrong,” I gritted between my teeth. “Now get out!”
He chuckled. “Is that really how you treat a paying patient?”
I rolled my eyes. “Oh, so you’re a paying customer now?”
He dug inside the pouch at his waist and produced three glints, then carefully placed them on my wooden table. “Now I am.”
“That’s more than necessary.”
“Think of the extra as me paying for your time.”
I blew out a breath. This whole situation was utterly ridiculous and dangerous. If he found out who I really was, I would be in hot water. I could take down three of his men, but I couldn’t take down the army of Crimson Clan members that currently surrounded my clinic.
“Fine,” I muttered, folding my arms. “One night. Then you’re gone. And if you or your men eventhinkabout causing any more trouble around here, you'll regret it.”
Ronan arched an eyebrow, amusement dancing in his eyes. “I believe you, Healer. But I assure you, no harm will come to this place tonight.”
I took a deep breath and tried to calm my racing heart. “What’s your game, Ronan? Why are you really here?”
He looked thoughtful for a moment as he scrutinized me. “I’ve heard rumors of a healer who could cure any ailment, someone skilled beyond her years. Imagine my surprise when I find that same healer isn’t just talented with herbs, but also has some moves.”
My pulse kicked up a notch. “That doesn’t explain why you want to stay the night.”
He sighed and turned to face the ceiling. “Perhaps I’m just curious. Curious about you, curious why someone with your skills lives in such a place. Or maybe I’m just trying to put the pieces together.”
I felt uneasy. He was getting too close and asking too many questions. I needed to divert his attention. “All you need to know is that I'm here to help people. That’s it. Nothing more, nothing less.”
He chuckled and closed his eyes. “For now, that’s enough.”
“And I’m sure you didn’t come to the Central Plains to simply see this miraculous healer. I know what you’re truly after.”
He smirked. “Is that so? And what’s that?”
“The lost princess,” I said hesitantly.
He froze, then opened his eyes slowly and turned to face me. “And what do you know about the lost princess?”
I shrugged. “Nothing at all. But Lomewood is abuzz with rumors that the Crimson Clan is holding her hostage and the chief plans to marry her off to his son if his demands aren’t met.”
Ronan nodded. “Very accurate information, Healer.”
I thought about what Henry told me and the pieces started falling together.
“You’re the envoy, aren’t you?” I whispered.
He smiled broadly. “That I am.”
I tensed. “I thought you were supposed to be heading to Valoria to meet with the King and Queen?”
He shook his head. “The King and Queen of Valoria are extremely careful about who enters their lands. They’re sending an envoy of their own to the Central Plains to deal with this on neutral territory.”
It made sense, but I couldn’t believe he was divulging all this information to someone he just met. There had to be a catch. Or possibly it was a trap. For now, I’d asked enough questions and it was best to remain ignorant.
“You can stay the night. There are blankets and pillows over there.” I pointed to a closet. “I’ll be upstairs in my residence.”
