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“What happened to your meeting? Did you return to it?”
“No,” he says. “I have been here all day.”
“Sorry for interrupting the meeting,” I mumble. “And that you had to stay here all day because of me.”
“Why would you be sorry for that?”
“You probably have far more important things to do.”
“I don’t have more important things than you, Reyna. But you need to rest. If you don’t, you will not be well enough for your final trial on Friday.”
“I’ll be well enough,” I reply. “I promise.”
“Good,” he says, releasing my hand. “Then sleep.”
With the sternness in his voice, I don’t argue with him. I close my eyes and sink deeper into my silk sheets and soft mattress. The gentle flicking of pages comes from where my father sits. I didn’t see what book it was, but I’m willing to bet it’s an exceptionally old and dusty tome. I don’t open my eyes to check whether I’m correct. He would scold me for that.
My stomach growls. Apparently it’s loud enough for my father to hear since he chuckles.
“You haven’t eaten all day,” he says. “You must be hungry. I’ll go and cook something for us both to eat then.”
I can’t remember the last time my father cooked—using his magic, of course. He’s certainly never cooked anything by hand.
“Thank you,” I say.
I hear him place his book onto the window ledge and stride out the room. When the door shuts behind him, I dare to open my eyes and sit up.
After cooking us both dinner, my father resumes his vigil beside my bed. Only when Eliya arrives a few hours later does he finally leave my side. Apparently she came earlier this afternoon, but I was still out cold.
“She needs to rest,” my father’s voice comes from the other side of the door. “And make sure she doesn’t get out of bed. The injuries she has suffered today are not light.”
“Yes, I understand. I was also wondering whether you would like me to keep an eye on Reyna tonight, so you can also rest?”
My father pauses.
“You’re the Grandmage of Nolderan. The city cannot run without you. I promise I will take good care of her.” Eliya can sound incredibly responsible when she tries. Surprisingly.
“She will need to take an Elixir of Rejuvenation on the hour if she is to make a swift recovery ahead of Friday,” my father replies after a moment.
“I will make sure she takes it.”
“Good. Try not to talk to her for too long, either. She must sleep.”
“Yes, of course.”
“And don’t let that faerie dragon into her room. I don’t want it disturbing her.”
“I will make sure he doesn’t.”
With that, my father permits Eliya into my room. She shuts the door softly behind her, and his footsteps fade away down the corridor. When he’s safely gone, she flashes me an exasperated look.
“I know,” I groan. “He won’t even let me open my eyes. I’m only allowed to drink potions and sleep.”
“I can’t decide whether your father is sweet or terrifying,” she says, crossing the room and sitting on the cushioned armchair beside me.
“Definitely terrifying,” I reply. Though my eyes are open, I don’t sit up in case he suddenly decides to return.
“How are you feeling?” she asks, leaning forward. Her eyes scan over me, lingering on the many bandages wrapped around my arms and my forehead.
