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He had no idea how much time passed. Sheena returned and unobtrusively informed him the sun had risen, then said nothing more. The heavy window coverings made it possible for her to roam the castle during the day. They were pulled back at night to reveal the shimmering moonlight and stars.
Sheena moved quietly about the room. Davian’s eyes remained closed, his thoughts on Jade, but he could still hear his efficient assistant in the background.
Only when Jade eventually stirred, later in the evening, did Davian open his eyes. During Sheena’s visit, she’d left fresh towels, a satin robe and slippers on the bench that ran the width of the intricately designed, four-poster bed. He knew she wasn’t far away, no doubt in her own sanctuary on the opposite side of his study, awaiting any command he might give.
He gravitated from his seat to the edge of the mattress, cautious not to jostle Jade.
Her eyelids fluttered and she gazed up at him. “What do I smell?” she asked in a hoarse voice, likely a result of her screams and dry throat, since she hadn’t had anything to drink in over twenty-four hours.
But Sheena had thought of that as well. A crystal pitcher sat on the nightstand, along with a bowl of chicken broth.
“You’re hungry, then?” he asked as he reached for a glass and poured water for her.
“Starving. And thirsty.” She used her good hand to shift on the bed and prop herself up against the mound of pillows. “How long have I been asleep?”
“All night. All day. Into another evening. How do your hand and wrist feel?”
“Better. I healed more than I’d anticipated.” She tried to swallow, but apparently had no real reason for it, due to the dryness.
He held the glass to her lips and she slowly sipped. He told her, “Sheena brought you soup. Are you able to eat some?”
“Yes. Does she think of everything?”
He spared a glance at the items laid out neatly on the bench and said, “I believe she’s fascinated by you. Your tenacity, in particular.”
Jade let out a low grunt. “Right. I’m so dogged, I black out from the pain.”
“Sheena was quite aware of the severity of your injuries. Yet you held on long enough to begin mending yourself.”
“My back was killing me,” she said. “I wouldn’t be surprised if there’d been a hoof print on my spine. I had to fix that first so I could breathe and concentrate.”
“Your loss of blood alarms me.” His voice turned contemplative. “If you need to retain most of it to regenerate tissue and whatnot, then I can understand having to keep it on your skin. But you can’t keep it all in one place.”
She raised the cloak covering her and grimaced. “Your bedding. I’ve made a huge mess.”
“That’s of no consequence. Don’t think anything of it.”
“How can Sheena stand to come into this room? It must reek of my blood.”
With a nod, he said, “She certainly has proven herself capable of rising above. I’m extremely impressed. And pleased. She’s been very resourceful.” She’d taken care of all the little necessities so Davian could stay by Jade’s side. He’d reward the vampire for her loyalty—and her graciousness toward his human guest.
Reaching for the bowl she’d left behind, he said to Jade, “How about you give this a try?”
Jade eyed the offering. “You have someone cook for you? Demons eat human food?”
“Sure. We drink beverages as well. It’s vital for some, like the shifters. A treat for others, like the vampires.”
“And what sort of demon are you?”
“Eat, and I’ll tell you.” He lifted the spoon from the plate on which the bowl sat. He dipped the utensil into the broth and then held it steady for her to sip, repeating the process until she sighed contentedly. Finally, he returned the dishes to the nightstand.
“That was more than chicken broth,” she said. “That was a flavor explosion.”
He grinned. “I have a very competent staff.”
“Clearly.”
“Now,” he said as he refreshed her water glass and gave it over. She still favored her good hand. “You want to know what type of demon I am.”
