Page 91 of Tashama
“Nor without a husband.”
“I want the grape analyzed for poison.”
“The princess believes the grapes were not poisoned, only the lobster.”
“Then I want to have the lobster analyzed as well.”
“Yes, sire.”
The prince quickened his pace down the long hall. “You seemed to have been concentrating on the princess quite a bit tonight.”
“She was very talkative this evening. She revealed how she was discovered in the temple by Oshon. The incense made her sneeze.”
The prince smiled. “A spy, she is not.”
They arrived at the guest chambers, and the prince said to the guard, “Have my healer come at once.”
“Yes, Your Highness.” The guard hurried off as the prince walked into the room with Carissian.
“You are tired.” The prince stood next to the bed where Tashama hugged a pillow against her chest while she stared at the wall with her back to him. “We’ve had an arduous day, and you must rest.”
“I shouldn’t have returned here,” Tashama whispered as she shook her head slowly from side to side. “Nothing matters anymore. I shouldn’t have returned here.”
Carissian rubbed his beard with concern. “She’s distraught, Your Highness. I’m not sure what to make of her like this. I would rather deal with her when she’s obstinate or cunning or anything, but like this.”
“She needs to sleep. I know I’m exhausted. Have my healer give her something to aid her sleep. I’m retiring early myself. Busy day tomorrow.” He slapped Carissian on the shoulder. “What with the coronation and all, it will be an early morning.”
The prince walked into the hall. Listra was brought to the room by her guards. The prince ignored her and hurried on his way while Listra hastened into the room. As the healer soon followed her, he asked Listra, “What was the matter?”
“She fears her sorcerer has died.”
The healer nodded, then bowed to Carissian. “The prince wishes her sedated,” Carissian said.
“Of course.” The healer pulled a goblet from his robes. After mixing a blue liquid and a pink one from two separate vials, he leaned over the bed to speak to Tashama. “Drink this.”
“Is it poisoned?” she asked.
“No, my lady. It is safe for you to drink.”
“Then I don’t wish it.” She waved her hand to him to take it away.
“The prince wants you to have the most pleasant of dreams.”
“I don’t wish it.” Tashama pulled the pillow over her head.
Carissian chuckled. “She is being stubborn again. This is a good sign.”
The pillow was pulled away from her face, then the guards held her arms as the healer raised her head and poured the liquid down her throat after parting her pursed lips.
The mixture dribbled down her cheek, and he wiped the excess away with his sleeve. He turned to Carissian. “Enough of the mixture made it down her throat. In a few minutes, she will sleep.”
Tashama frowned at them. “No.”
Carissian cast a scowl in Listra’s direction. “Stay with her until she sleeps.” He headed out of the room.
Listra sat on the bed and held Tashama’s hand as a tear trickled down her own cheek. “Tashama, you mustn’t fear so about your sorcerer. They are hardy souls, and Balthazar was known to have been more cunning than the rest.”
Tashama fought to keep her eyelids open as she saw another tear slip down Listra’s face. She reached her hand up to touch Listra’s cheek and shook her head. “Do not be sad, dear Listra,” she whispered.
