Right. They were close friends, and Lady Georgina had been in Allie’s tent before the attack.
“She’s still sleeping,” I answered, smiling grimly. “There’s been no change. I’ll send word when she wakes up.”
“I hope that happens soon. Even if I am mad that you stole my wife, you look miserable, and it’s starting to put me off my food.”
“Ezra,” I said darkly.
“Get out? Yeah, yeah, I know.” He stopped at the door and looked back at me, genuine concern in his eyes. “Get some rest, Your Highness. If she wakes up and sees you like this, she’ll be angry at you for not taking care of yourself.”
Duke Trelawney smiled and got to his feet. “He’s right, you know. If you need it, I can have a sleeping potion sent over.”
I shook my head. “No. I want to be present when she wakes up.”
“Let me know if you change your mind.” He picked up his envelope from the table. “I’ll look into this and contact you as soon as I find out anything.”
“Compile the final report with Ezra,” I said, getting up. “There’s a high chance we’ll figure something out when we put your findings together.”
They both nodded and left with a swift goodbye, and I followed them out of the room a moment later.
I’d already been gone from Allie for too long.
Now that the person who’d released the monster was dead, I was at a loss. There was nothing I could do from here to find out about the black magic or the links the Armand family might have to an old bloodline. My only option was to wait, and that was the last thing I wanted to do right now.
If I had nothing to do, I could only think of Allie. Of how I might never see her smile again. Of how the last time I heard her laugh might really have been the last.
Of how I might never get to feel her arms around me again.
I knocked on her door, and Bella pulled it open. “Any change?” I asked.
Bella shook her head, stepping back to let me in. “None, Your Highness. The doctor and High Priest Dhaesis have already been by this evening to check her condition. The high priest said her divine power is recovering well, but he doesn’t know when she might wake up.”
“She’s in a different nightgown.”
“Yes. While you were out, we bathed her with Rina’s assistance.”
I jerked around to face her. “You put her in a tub?”
“No, Your Highness. We only wiped her body down in the bed and changed her nightgown, as well as her sheets.”
“Right. Of course.” I ran my fingers through my hair, sighing. “I jumped to conclusions.”
“Please don’t worry.”
I peered at her. Bella’s brown eyes were shadowed by dark circles, and even she looked paler than usual.
“When was the last time you slept properly?” I asked her.
She lowered her chin to her chest, looking down. “I’m quite all right, Your Highness.”
“See the mages for a sleeping potion. Get one for Annie and Rina if they need it.”
“I’m really—”
“Bella, you’re clearly exhausted. If you don’t get some sleep, you won’t be able to look after her properly.” I laid my hand on her shoulder. “Have them assign another maid to the room in case of an emergency, but I will stay here with Allie tonight. Please look after yourself, or she’ll shout at us both when she wakes up.”
She swallowed, then nodded her head in agreement. “Then please excuse me. I will make sure nobody disturbs you.”
“Thank you.” I patted her shoulder before letting her go, and she quietly left, gently clicking the door closed behind her.
