I just needed her—however I could have her.
“Fyn?” Her eyes cracked open until I saw a hint of gold.
“Ashlyn.” I choked on her name as I brushed her hair away from her face. Her eyes shone as brightly as the starlight until they slipped closed again.
“She didn’t know,” I whispered to the stars. They needed to take pity on her. “She couldn’t have.”
When the door creaked, a slender fae lady peeked at me from around the door. “Lord Fyn, I’m Wren, the healer here.”
“Is it just you?” I asked.
“Yes, my lord. They said a lady had fallen ill.” Her voice was meek as she walked slowly toward us.
She reached for Ashlyn’s hand.
I put mine in the way. “She touched the starlight.” I didn’t know of anyone who had just touched it before without a crystal conduit.
Wren’s eyes widened as she walked around the bed to get a better look at Ashlyn.
“You must keep this to yourself,” I said.
“Why would she?” Wren asked.
“She didn’t know. She’s human.”
“Human?” The healer pulled her back straight.
“She’s the queen’s sister. Which is why I need your discretion,” I warned.
“I don’t know how to help her.” She looked absolutely terrified.
“I need you to try. Please, just try whatever you would do for a fae.” I was desperate.
She leaned over Ashlyn. Slowly she ran her hands over her. “She…” Panic filled her gaze.
“What is it?” I asked.
“It’s on her lips. She drank it,” she said.
“Surely, you must know of another time when this has happened.” I didn’t.
“No fae would choose to take from the stars.” Her gaze hardened on Ashlyn as she pulled her hands back. “I don’t know how to help with this. I don’t know if I should.”
“She is under the king’s protection.” I rarely ever pulled Lioran’s name into conversation, but I was desperate. “If he finds out you refused her care, he will not take kindly to it.”
She watched me carefully, her eyes drifting from mine to Ashlyn. “I’ll stay. Not for you—or her, but only because my king requires it of me.”
“I need her to survive this,” I said. “She’s going to be terrified and I…” Didn’t know how to tell her. “Tell me you hate me, Ashlyn. Tell me anything.”
“Fyn.” When she wept, her tears glittered with the starlight. “I’m so thirsty.”
“Can you hear me?” Wren asked, pointing to the water glass that sat on the table still.
Her eyes opened and snapped focus on Wren. “Who are you?” She sat up. Her body swayed from the quick motion. “Where am I?”
I braced her back. “We’re back at the inn. You drank something you shouldn’t have,” I said handing her the cup. “This is Wren. She’s a healer.”
“What was it?” Glistening tears streaked her skin. “What did I drink?”
