Page 6 of The Seeker

And still, he did this.

I forced a few bites past my lips, knowing I would need my strength for what was to come, to execute the plan that had been building beneath the surface of my mind.

I decided it was time to start the next step now.

It was time to stop wallowing and learn all there was to know about my new home.

Hopefully I would find a weakness I could exploit.

“Leif?” I asked, keeping my gaze on my plate as my fork brushed the peas around, burying some beneath the mound of mashed potatoes.

“Yes, my heart?” The words were muffled by the bite he’d just shoved in his mouth.

I fought not to cringe at the nickname, which felt like sandpaper on my skin. “I’m not feeling well. Can I return to my room?”

I peered up between my eyelashes as he pondered my request. I knew he didn’t want me roaming alone, but I needed to see Friar again.

And I needed to explore the halls of Malheim alone.

“Can you have someone escort me to Friar, and then to our room?” I added, hoping the words would force his hand, especially considering the pile of food that remained on his plate.

“I suppose that would be okay.” He called to one of the male servants who stood with their forehead pressed to the wall. The man approached, his gaze flashing between Leif and me. I didn’t recognize him.

“Please escort Runa to the healer, then directly to our quarters when she is finished.”

“Yes sir,” the man affirmed before turning to me.

I stood from my chair, dabbing my lips with the napkin before placing it on top of my unfinished plate. This pregnancy ruse was working better than I’d hoped.

The servant led me from the room, back through the twisty halls. I took note of exactly where we were walking, counting the doors in each hall, so I would know where Friar was living—to come back at my leisure after this. I refused to be denied access to her again.

Finally, we stopped in front of a door I recognized as the one next to the room Ena had once occupied in the servant hall. My heart panged, and the mention of the servant who had escaped Malheim with me only a few fortnights before. I hoped she was doing well in Ralheim. At least I saved one person from this mess.

The servant knocked on the door, and it swung open almost immediately to reveal Friar, a bunch of brown herbs clutched in her fist.

I turned to my escort. “This will only take a moment.”

He dipped his chin as Friar welcomed me into the room, closing the door once I was past the threshold.

“What’s wrong?” she asked immediately.

I allowed my eyes to take in the space—the plants that hung on every available surface, the shelves filled with vials and small jars. There was a cot tucked into one corner, a blanket tossed across it. I turned my attention back to Friar. “I need a love potion.”

Her mouth dropped open. “Runa, even if I knew how, you have to know potions like that are frowned upon⁠—”

“A handful of bark from one willow tree, a stick of cinnamon, and a bunch of moonflower. Let all of the ingredients simmer for an entire day, then sit in the open before bottling,” I instructed as Friar frowned. It had been a long time since I attempted a love potion, but I knew it had worked once.

“Runa, there is no evidence that potions like that work. Even if they did, like I said, the Seid . . . they don’t⁠—”

I cut her off again, not willing to listen to any more excuses. “Friar, do you really think Leif loves me? Do you think the way he’s treating me is indicative of love?”

Her shoulders slumped in defeat. “Runa, I know things are difficult right now, but⁠—”

“Friar.” I shook my head. “Just answer the question.”

She sighed, glancing about the room before resting her blue eyes on me. “It’s not love; it’s obsession.”

“And obsession is dangerous,” I reminded her. “Now, just follow the instructions for the love potion, and let me worry about the outcome. I’ll take the potion as soon as it is ready.”