Page 52 of Hunt Me

“Is Matilda—”

“She’s fine. Quite vocal, if I might add. She had some choice words regarding the temperature of her bathwater. I was called some colorful names I’d wished not to repeat.”

“That sounds about right. Please, have a seat.”

“I rather stand. I won’t be long. Would you be opposed to Matilda having a personal nurse?”

Luka narrowed his eyes. “Is there somewhere you rather be than looking after your king’s pregnant beloved?” he growled.

“O-of course not. It’s a great honor to serve you in that capacity; however, she is as stable as possible. The illness needs time to run its course. Matilda should be well within three days. I… I have a special interest in another matter.”

Luka leaned back in his chair and drummed his fingers on the desk. He was more than irritated. Dr. Blackwood was the best physician in all the lands. Some regarded him as a genius, while others thought his methods leaned towards unethical means. Regardless, Luka had no intention of allowing some inexperienced nurse to be placed at Matilda’s bedside as a consolation.

“What is this matter that is more vital than Matilda’s care?”

“Beta David is awake, and I have some new tools that would be beneficial for extracting the truth from him regarding the attempts on your life.”

Luka raised a brow. “You want to torture him?”

“Precisely,” Dr. Blackwood replied nervously, his hands clasped behind his back.

Luka would consider that a special interest, indeed.

“Very well. I approve of the nurse. Go and do what you do best, Dr. Blackwood.”

“Thank you, King Alesi,” he responded with a short bow before rushing out of the office.

Luka took his time returning to his quarters. His hasty steps slowed to a snail’s pace as he considered how he would break the news to Matilda. On the one hand, he could barely contain his excitement; on the other, he was nervous and anxious beyond belief. How would Matilda react to the news? What if the illness caused her to miscarry? He made up his mind halfway to his room. He’d wait until Matilda was at full health before informing her about the child.

***

Matilda sighed in relief when she was finally dried, dressed, and lying in bed. According to Nurse Ingrid, her fever had gone down some; she was at least out of the danger zone.

“How does this feel, Queen Matilda?” Ingrid asked, laying a cool, damp towel across her forehead.

“Please… call me Matilda.”

“I cannot do that, my lady. King Alesi gave all the staff strict orders to refer to you as Queen Matilda.”

“That man… he’s sooooooo—”

“Caring?”

“No.”

“Considerate?”

“Never.”

“Kind?”

“Absolutely not.”

“Attractive?”

“Oh, for fuck’s sake. Never mind. I have a question.”

“I may have an answer.”