Page 21 of The Throne Seeker
Their conversation halted, and the healer immediately came over, placing his cold, clammy hands on her forehead. “How are you, my dear?”
“I’m fine.” It was true enough.
The healer nodded, satisfied. “That’s quite the cut you’ve got. But fortunately, it looks worse than it is. It’s a clean slice, and it missed your artery by a few good inches, so there wasn’t too much blood lost. I took the liberty of sterilizing and bandaging it. You have a few stitches, so I’ve instructed your maid to change your bandage twice daily until it heals. With the healing oil I’ve provided, you should recover quickly.”
Rose gave a small, relieved nod, careful not to rip her stitches. “Thank you.”
“Here.” He took a glass of tea off her night table. “Drink this.”
The queen glided across the room, stopping at the foot of the bed to inspect Rose for herself. Her worried eyes roved over her as she gripped the footboard with white knuckles. “What happened, Rose? Tristan said you fell onto the rocks?”
Rose took a sip of her tea, giving her time to scramble for a response. “Yes. I’m so clumsy. I must’ve tripped on my dress and fallen.”
The queen nodded, glancing at her mother and sharing a skeptical glance, but the queen didn’t pursue the matter further. “Well, my dear, now I know you are well. I must attend to the watch and give them instructions.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty.”
Queen Lenna gave a tight smile and exited the room, looking to be on a mission.
“Thank you so much for your efforts,” her mother said to the healer, “but now I think my daughter requires rest.”
The healer understood. “Of course, quite right. Please let me know if you need anything else.” Without another word, he picked up his bag and left, closing the door behind him.
“Where’s Tristan?” Rose asked, extending the teacup to her mother.
Her mother placed it back on the nightstand. “He was insistent about not leaving you. The guards practically had to force him out.” Her face must’ve fallen because her mother added, “Oh, don’t look so worried. I’m sure he’s just outside the door waiting to see you.”
Just then, a knock sounded, and Tristan poked his head around the door. His eyes went straight to Rose. “I’m sorry, but they said you were awake, and I had to see you myself.”
Her mother threw her a knowing look before turning to Tristan. “Yes, of course.” She stood, smoothing her dress. “I was just about to have a word with the guards. Would you stay with Rose for a moment?”
“Of course,” he agreed, entering the room. He waited until her mother closed the door before he slouched into the chair next to her bed. “Are you alright?” He put a soft hand on her cheek.
“I’m fine, Tristan, really.” She wrapped her fingers around his wrist to hold it there.
His thumb glided over her skin. “I’m so sorry I took so long. I should’ve left as soon as I saw you leave.”
She didn’t want him blaming himself. “It’s not your fault I’m clumsy.”
He withdrew his hand. “You know I don’t buy your story. My mother told me the guards scoured the beach and found a broken bottle covered in blood. The healer said the gash was too clean to come from a rock. He says it had to be from something sharp… like glass.”
She lowered her eyes for a split second, fear striking as Xavier’s drunken face came into her mind. “Yes, um, I was drinking,” she said, struggling to get around it. “I must’ve tripped and broken the bottle when I fell.”
He folded his arms, leaning back into his seat. “I’ve never seen you drink a drop of alcohol in your life, let alone a bottle. Did someone hurt you? Did you see who it was?”
“No.” She shifted her gaze downward, attempting to hide her lie. “No one did anything.”
“Rosalie Versalles, look at me.” His fierce eyes burned into hers. “Don’t you dare lie to me again.”
She avoided his gaze, playing with the hem of her sheets, still wishing she was a better liar.
Tristan’s face grew stern as he leaned forward, resting his arms on his knees. “Answer me.”
She let go of the fabric, knowing she couldn’t lie again if she wished to keep his trust. “There was someone…”
His body stiffened. “Who?”
She closed her eyes, mustering the courage to say his name before she opened them again. “Xavier.”
