Page 85 of Spirit Rites
“We’ll set them up in rooms, and they can rest as well if they want. Don’t worry about it. The most important thing right now is for you to get sleep. Don’t forget that I want to know how it is that you became Queen.” Her words are a reminder that we can’t be here for a long time. I need to get back and make sure things run smoothly until Kaldar can come back and take his rightfulplace as King. I look at him and squeeze my eyes shut. I have a feeling it’s going to be a while.
“Where do you want to sleep?” Farrah asks softly.
“Do you think it’s okay if I just sleep in here?”
“Of course. You’re welcome anywhere; you know that,” Farrah reminds me.
“I just don’t want to hurt him or hinder his healing.”
“No, not at all. If anything, it will probably help him relax even more and get the healing sleep he needs.”
I lift my head. “I don’t know how long we can stay. We should get going back soon.”
“You’re not,” Farrah says firmly. “No matter what they decide, you have to stay here and sleep. You’re exhausted, Kins. Just sleep for a little bit. I’ll talk to the men. If they want to go back, they can. You’re obviously safe here. If they want to crash here, we’ll get rooms ready for them.” Exhaustion swamps me. “Kinsley, sleep now. We’ll worry about everything else later.”
An urge to hug her takes over, and I step forward and do just that. “Thank you.”
“Of course. Now get some sleep.”
As soon as she leaves, I climb onto the bed, being careful not to bump Kaldar. I stare at him for a moment through the light of the dying fire. Being extra careful, I lean forward and kiss his cheek softly. “I’m here, Kaldar.” That’s all I say before I pull a heavy fur over me and lay down. Sleep finds me as soon as I close my eyes.
I hear a sound that wakes me up. “Sorry, I didn’t realize you were in here; I can come back later.” Hector says gruffly and starts to leave.
“No, please. It’s fine. Don’t not treat him because of me.”
“Okay.” He closes the door behind him and walks over to the bed. He places the bowl he’s carrying down on the table next to the bed. Then he pulls out a bag with all kinds of herbs andspices; I know that’s what’s in there from experience. He uses the small bowl to crush some herbs in and then disappears into the bathroom for a moment. When he comes back, I can smell the ingredients in his bowl. It’s strong enough my eyes start to water.
“Wow, that’s strong. What is that?”
“Draws the poison out,” he answers gruffly. He gets to work on Kaldar without a word. Something about watching this big man be so gentle with Kaldar makes me emotional. He doesn’t have to do this; Kaldar isn’t from this kingdom. And yet, here he is.
“Thank you, Hector, for all you’ve been doing for him.”
“It’s nothing.”
“It’s not nothing. It’s everything, and I appreciate it so much.” I watch as he works on Kaldar for a while. “Do you think he’s going to be okay? Shoot straight with me.”
“I always shoot straight.”
When he doesn’t say anything more, I prompt him. “So...”
Hector looks up and meets my gaze. “He’s young and strong; he will make a full recovery if...”
I hug a pillow to my chest. “If what?”
“If we can get the poison out of his system in time.”
A sense of dread fills me. “Is that not happening?”
He’s quiet a moment before he reluctantly answers. “Not as quickly as I would like.”
I glance at Kaldar’s still body and then back at Hector. “What can I do?” I can hear the panic in my voice, but I don’t now how to keep it at bay.
He finally turns to meet my gaze. “Nothing, Young One. Just be close to him. I’m sure that’s better than any medicine.”
If he thought my being near Kaldar would help, then I’d stay in this bed until he was able to get out of it. He finishes histreatments and packs up his supplies. “I will treat him again later.”
“Thank you so much, Hector. For everything.”
