“Listen,” Perian said, “if we try it, there’s no way word isn’t going to get out, not if we need energy from lots of people, and I’m pretty sure that’s what we’re going to need.”
“People rallied for their princess,” the Queen allowed. “Even not understanding what was happening or why it was needed.”
“People were willing to help you,” Brannal added, squeezing Perian’s arm. “Yes, it was weird, but many of us deal with weird regularly. You’re special, and people recognized that.”
Perian quirked an eyebrow at him. “Is that your way of saying that I’m weird?”
Brannal kissed his temple. “In the best possible way, dear heart.”
Perian laughed softly. “All right. If you really think it can be done.”
“I believe it can, yes,” Brannal confirmed.
Perian turned to the Prince. “Are you certain?Absolutelycertain? I don’t want you doing this just for us.”
The Prince’s expression was soft. “Of course it’s not just for you. Perian, you’re trying to give me the one thing I’ve longed for for the past seven years. Of course it’s for me, too. And like you said, it’s not as though there’s a better way to test this. We don’t know any other way to try to make it work.” His expression was stubborn. “We’re going to do this.” His gaze softened. “I mean, as long as all of you are willing to do so. You don’t have to.”
Yannoma actually rolled her eyes. “Of course, we’re going to do this, little prince. Why do you think we’re here?”
Trill nodded. “I want to help, truly. I’ve always wanted to help.”
He wasn’t sure he could truly express how much he wanted to help people and how often he had felt like he couldn’t. Since he’d found out what he could do, he’d tried to make small, barely noticeable changes to stay alive. But he’d always wanted to do more.
“Perhaps you could speak with our doctor, Elorinn,” the Queen suggested. “There may be some opportunities for future healing or emergencies that you would be able to assist with.”
Trill brightened. “Really?”
The Queen inclined her head. “It will be her decision, of course, but she has always supported Perian, and I don’t believe she will have any issues with what you are able to do.”
Perian was smiling at him and confirmed, “The doctor’s very kind. I can go with you, if you like.”
Nodding, Trill said, “Yes, thank you.”
“Actually,” Perian added, “we should totally ask for her advice. She was the one who told me that I’d healed Molun and helped me realize what I needed to do last time with Kee. She might have suggestions.”
She was the one, Trill remembered suddenly, who’d made Perian realize that he was a Life Mage. Was it possible she knew more than she’d said?
“Consult with the doctor,” the Queen agreed. “Perform what tests you are able. Let me know what resources you need, and I will ensure it happens.” She considered them for a long moment. “Thank you for trying to help my son.”
“Of course,” Perian said earnestly. “We want him to be well.”
There was a chorus of agreement and thanks, they all bowed, and then they were finally out of that room.
It was only once they were alone in the corridor, that Trill said, “Did that really happen?”
Yannoma’s voice was still a bit cynical. “It hasn’t happenedyet.”
Perian blew out a breath. “You’re not wrong. I think the Queen is being genuine in what she says, and I think she intends to follow through on her promise. But it would be really good if healing Kee goes right.” He shot a glance at the Prince. “Primarily for you! We want you to be well!”
The Prince smiled. “I know. I also fully understand that we’re asking you to do something you’ve never done before, which hasn’t been attempted for hundreds of years or maybenot ever, with absolutely no instruction. We all understand how complicated this is, and we know this might not turn out the way we want.”
The stubborn look on Cormal’s face said it had better turn out the way they wanted. Trill really didn’t want to be responsible for anything happening to the Prince. He also couldn’t imagine what it would be like to never again be able to touch anyone or anything.
Perian led them to the doctor’s office, knocking on the door.
“Doctor? Are you here? I come with visitors.”
An older woman with hair beginning to go gray appeared from an inner room, her face lighting up when she saw Perian.
