Page 148 of The Fae Kings' Bargain

At least Toren finally had enough energy to care. “What happened?”

“A servant and a mage tried to kill Sir Macoe to gain entry, but they were foiled by the captain and his sister,” Mehl explained, sheathing his sword as he reached the dais. “Motive unknown, but Sir Macoe will do his utmost to find out once they’ve been removed to the dungeon.”

They’d truly attacked the captain? Toren chuckled low. “I’m sure he will.”

Mehl moved past Feref, stopping only when he reached Toren’s side. But the healer, Mery, dropped to her knees at the base of the dais. Then waited. Gods, he had to summon enough energy to be kingly, didn’t he? Of everyone here, she was the only one who’d never seen him otherwise.

Stiffening his spine, Toren stared down at her. “Healer Mery, sister to Sir Macoe, we thank you for your assistance during the attack. I trust you are unharmed?”

She surprised him by meeting his gaze. Apparently, there was more spark to her than he would have guessed. “Yes, Your Majesty, thank you.”

“Please stand,” Toren said. “And since you’ll be acting as my main healer, I invite you to reduce your formality accordingly. Consult with Feref if you need guidance.”

Mery jerked shakily to her feet. “Your…your main…”

Toren smiled. “If you are willing to accept an oath similar to your brother’s and if your skill proves sufficient, then yes. Also provided you accept, of course.”

“I would be honored, Your Majesty,” Mery said in a rush. Then she grimaced. “But there are senior healers who might be more suitable. Your health is more important to me than an elevation in status.”

Exactly why she’s perfect.

“I require a healer who is both talented and discreet.” Toren rose—and surprisingly didn’t waver. Mery shifted as though about to drop to her knees again, but after a glance at Feref, she remained standing. Good. “If you are willing, then you may begin proving your talent now. If not, I would hear your suggestions for another candidate.”

She didn’t rush to answer, and he didn’t force a response. Fortunately, after a moment, she curtsied slightly and nodded. “I would like to accept, Your Majesty.”

“Then accompany us to our rooms,” Toren ordered. “And we will speak more privately.”

Feref muttered a few words and waved his hand toward the blood, which disappeared with the faintest pop. The healer watched with wide, curious eyes, but she was wise enough not to ask questions. Yes, she would do well, at least if she could heal as well as Macoe claimed.

Toren approached Ria, intent on pulling her into his arms despite his lingering weakness, but she seemed to read his intent. Standing, she laughed. “I can walk, Tor.”

But it was Mehl who scooped her up. “Well, pretend like you can’t. I have an idea.”

Curious. Toren’s brows rose, but like Mery, he was wise enough not to ask aloud. Still, he had a feeling they would have quite the mental conversation on the way back to their rooms.

Chapter67

Comfort

Ria’s face burned with equal parts anger and embarrassment. What was Mehl thinking? He hadn’t even had the kindness to carry her through the back entrance. No, he’d strode straight through the main doors and past the gawking courtiers who were only held back by a few guards. He’d said he had an idea, but what idea could be worth this humiliation?

“Look unwell,”Mehl said into her mind.

She wanted to yell at him, but that would only create another spectacle. Instead, she buried her face against his chest and closed her eyes so she didn’t have to witness the endless stares.“You’d better have a good reason for this,”she sent.

Mehl linked Toren in before he replied.“The blood on the bottom of your dress gave me an idea. If we claim that Vesset managed to slip you a potion, it would solve two problems at once. We’ll have a reason for his arrest that doesn’t include the Centoi, and if King Ryenil believes you’ve lost the babe, perhaps that will stall more attempts like Vesset’s.”

More attempts? Would she have to worry about her every drink and meal until the baby was born? Ria shuddered at the thought. But…“I’m not sure I can claim something so terrible. Just thinking about it makes me want to cry.”

“Then you should cry,”Toren said.“That would be only natural in such a situation.”

Nausea shoved up her throat until she thought she would be sick right there. How could they be so casual about pretending to lose their child? Especially Toren, who’d had his hopes pinned on an heir for so long? It shined a new light on what it must mean to live at the palace if such painful subterfuge was normal. Perhaps she shouldn’t have accepted the engagement, not if it meant she would have to tell such excruciating lies.

“This isnotnormal,”Toren said, the edge of panic in his mental voice softening her anger.“And if you truly do not wish to do this, we will not.”

Did she? The idea of denying her child’s existence bothered her on a deep, almost panic-inducing level. If something really did go wrong and she’d said that… Ria shuddered again. No, she couldn’t. But there was merit in the plan, too.

If Prince Ber was telling the truth, he needed time to defeat King Ryenil from within Centoi. Toren and Mehl might flush out any remaining traitors here, but more could slip in at any time until King Ryenil was stopped. He might focus on other methods, though, if he believed Ria wasn’t pregnant.

---