I open my mouth to correct her, then snap it shut. This is actually perfect.
"Thank you," I murmur, accepting the small bundle of herbs. I recognize chamomile and valerian among them—mild sedatives and pain relievers. Nothing that would help with my actual condition, but useful nonetheless.
Kai's arm tightens around my waist. "Monthly?" His brows narrow. “Rowan isn’t bleeding. I’d know.”
Celeste freezes in immediate fear that makes me hate Theron. It seems that crossing a royal doesn’t end well around here for a servant, no matter the intention.
"I’m not yet, but I’m about to be," I tell Kai, leaning into the lie. "I can feel it. The stress, I suppose."
Kai gives me a look that could freeze flames, but doesn't contradict me.
Celeste shifts from foot to foot, clutching the bundle a bit tighter. "Actually, your highness," she says, her voice dropping to just above a whisper, "Prince Theron asked me to inform you that he wishes to speak with you privately. About a draken patrol flight?” Her eyes dart around nervously before returning to Kai. "He's waiting in the command tent."
Kai's shadows curl around my waist, his jaw tightening. "Now?"
"Yes, your highness. There is concern about Commandant Ainsley launching an offensive in light of…" She trails off very much not looking at me now.
“He’s worried my mother is going to bring her wrath down on your head for infiltrating the Spire and kidnapping her alchemist," I clarify sweetly. “And that she is close enough to do it just now. I presume Theron would like your brave ass in the sky, since you know what to look for.”
Celeste offers a tentative smile in my direction.
"I can escort Lady Rowan back to your quarters,” she adds quickly. “Prince Theron has already ordered sentries to be stationed outside your tent to ensure her safety.”
Kai takes the bundle from Celeste. “Your services aren’t needed.”
She retreats a step. “But-”
“Leave. Now.”
She flees.
“What the ever loving fuck, Kai?” I demand when the girl is out of earshot. “She was following orders and trying to help.”
Kai's voice drops to a dangerous whisper. "You're not bleeding. You are not about to bleed. I know the scent."
“You know the scent of my cycles? Seriously?”
“Of course.”
“I don’t even know where to start with that. But if you don’t forget that scent right this moment I will cut off your balls.”
He rubs the bridge of his nose. “Maybe I’ve made an error and you are about to bleed after all.”
I try to kick his shin and nearly fall on my ass. He grabs my elbow to steady me. The world tilts alarmingly, and I dig my nails into his arm to stay upright.
"Look, I really don't know when I’m bleeding next—not that it's any business of yours—but I am about to pass out, and I'd rather not have to explain why to Theron or his minions." My legs feel like they're made of water. "So I’m going to go back to the tent and sleep, and you go appease Theron, alright?”
Kai mutters something under his breath that sounds like a curse, then sweeps me into his arms without warning.
“I can walk,” I protest, even as my body betrays me by melting against his hard chest.
“Slower than I have the patience to tolerate.” Despite the bite, Kai's arms are warm and steady as he carries me through the camp. I should protest more—for my dignity if nothing else—but my energy will be better used in other ways.
"You need to go to Theron," I say quietly as we approach the tent, strategically placed at the camp’s edge to make it easier to defend against any unhappy Flurry fae who may want to slit an alchemist's throat first and ask questions later. As we approach, I spot the promised sentries standing at attention on either side of the entrance. "Theron will be furious if you don’t show.”
“And I care why?”
“Because he’ll take it out on Kyrian, and your insane plan requires the three of you alive and functioning.”
