“Let me see,” Sawyer gently said, holding out his hand. Kuya uncurled his fist and displayed his palm. “You’re bleeding.”
“Allow me, Your Highness,” Briar said and waited for Sawyer to nod before approaching. He took Kuya’s hand in his, and a soft white light filled the gaps between them.
“Your magic is impressive, physician,” Sawyer said, examining Kuya’s palm afterward. “You don’t even require the use of tonics now.”
“You are much too kind, Your Highness,” Briar responded. “I can only use basic healing spells for minor wounds. Tonics are still needed for more severe injuries.”
“For now.” Sawyer smiled at him. “When we first met, you couldn’t perform even the basic healing spells. Yet you worked day and night to find a cure for me when no other physician was able.”
“You were sick?” I asked, shocked. It never occurred to me to ask how Briar became the court physician at such a young age. He was only thirty-two. I had assumed he’d been at the top of his class and had been given the position because of his academics.
“Yes,” Sawyer answered. “I was a sickly child, often having to spend my days in bed while other kids were allowed to go outside and play. When I was seven, I nearly died. Healers from all over the lands came to Bremloc to try to cure me, to no avail. But Briar refused to give up on me. He managed to brew an elixir that restored my health and earned my father’s respect and eternal gratitude. He was soon assigned as the court physician and has faithfully served my family and our knights ever since.”
A flush crept to Briar’s cheeks. Maddox smirked and gently bumped against him.
“He’s kind of amazing like that,” I said, smiling at my sexy physician, whose blush deepened, so apparent on his pale skin.
“He is,” Sawyer agreed, then reached for Kuya’s hand. “I met Kuya two years later.”
Sawyer didn’t need to clarify his meaning. If he’d died, he wouldn’t have been with Cedric when Kuya was found. Kuya would’ve undoubtedly been executed as a result. Briar, in a way, had saved both of their lives.
“What about you?” I asked Maddox. “Any big heroic deed that made you the captain of the Second Order?”
“Only my strength and fortitude,” he responded.
“Permission to speak, Your Highness?” Noah asked from behind Sawyer.
“Of course, Sir Noah.”
Noah stepped forward. His black hair reminded me of raven’s wings in sunlight, hints of blue throughout the strands. “Before he earned his position, Captain Maddox saved many lives in the dark wood. Several units had been dispersed to ward off a demon hoard heading for the kingdom, and the captain of the Second Order was slain by an upper-level demon, leaving the unit without a leader. Those of us in the First Order had been ordered to ride out and aid them. When we arrived, knights were dropping one by one, the death toll only climbing as panic ensued even with reinforcements. But I was present in those woods when Captain Maddox shouted for everyone to listen. He then took charge and led us into victory. If not for him, I wouldn’t be standing here today. Neither would many other knights.”
“Why am I just now learning this?” I glanced between the two men who had stolen my heart. “You two are freaking heroes.”
“You never asked.” Maddox shrugged.
“I wouldn’t say I’m a hero,” Briar said.
They were both too modest. The handsome dorks.
“Kuya is hungry.” The cat boy rubbed his tanned belly, wearing another of his crop tops, this one a dark green with brown leather straps fastening together the front.
Sawyer’s eyes crinkled at the edges as he placed a hand on Kuya’s back. “Anything sound good?”
“Cake!” Kuya flashed a toothy grin that showed off his sharp canines.
I laughed under my breath. No surprise there.
“Oh, on the subject of cake,” Sawyer said, glancing at me. “I spoke to my father, and he believes an establishment like the one you intend to open would be beneficial to Bremloc’s growth and prosperity.”
“Really?” My voice rose in pitch, like it always did when I was excited.
“Yes. He will grant you an audience soon to discuss the matter further.”
Yeah, my excitement dropped right into my gut. “Your father… theking… wants to speak tome.Like one-on-one?”
Sawyer laughed. “Don’t look so frightened, my friend. It will be all right, I promise. But for now?” He grabbed Kuya’s hand. “Let’s enjoy the festival.”
***
