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“And it is safe for humans?” It was tempting. The thought of not having the strange flutter in my chest, to stand without my head swimming, or to be startled without my body threatening to faint was so alluring.
“He assures me it is.”
“And you trust him?”
“I do. If he ever betrays that trust, he will die.”
I swallowed hard at the deadly tone in his voice. “Isn’t that overly harsh?”
“He holds my life and the lives of those closest to me in his hands. I cannot afford to be lenient should he betray that trust.”
It made sense. The vial drew my gaze once again. The cut glass caught the glow of the fairy lights above us. “If only my brother had a similar philosophy.” I shivered at the memory of all the nasty draughts, bitter pills and powders, and painfully humiliating procedures I had endured in my teen years when my symptoms had first manifested. Some of the supposed cures had done nothing, but most had made everything worse. I wondered if I dared risk trying another. Adding magic into the mix seemed a bad idea.
“Has he ever made the patient worse?” I asked.
“Never.”
My heart rate increased, the erratic flutter worsening as the pace quickened. My vision would darken soon. Lifting my bowl, I began transferring it to the tray before I collapsed. Emrys caught my hand and claimed my bowl.
“It is happening again, isn’t it?” He set both bowls on the tray. Sliding it away from the couch, he knelt in the space where it had rested. His larger hands engulfed mine. “I can feel your panic rising.”
I closed my eyes, willing away the attack. But it was to no avail. It never worked.
“I promise the elixir won’t harm you, Kate. Please try it.” He pressed the vial into my fingers. “What is there to lose?”
Everything,my mind replied, but I ignored it. “I will take it, but I can’t open the cork.” My hands had begun shaking.
“Let me.” He pulled the stopper free, poured the vial into the untouched mug on the tray, stirred the contents, and then offered it to me. Pressing my fingers around the glazed surface, he guided the cup to my lips, and I drank deeply. Warm peppermint tea flavored with a subtle hint of honey filled my mouth.
“All of it,” he prompted gently when I paused for a breath. With his help, I obeyed.
Chapter Four
Emrys
Her coloring immediately improved. A soft flush flooded her cheeks, making her freckles stand out. I could feel her pulse regulating and settling back into a steady rhythm. I let out the breath I hadn’t realized I had been holding.
“How do you feel?”
She took a deep breath. “Better.”
I could sense her hesitation, but I suspected it stemmed from her past experiences more than the current sensations. “Good.” I tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear and retreated to give her space. “The healer suggested eating with the elixir. Perhaps it would be best if you finish your meal.” I offered her the bowl back only to find her staring down at her feet.
“They aren’t purple and blue anymore.” Her toes wiggled adorably in the grass. They were pale and petite, just like the rest of her.
“Hopefully, they will remain that way.”
She tucked them beneath her on the couch and accepted the bowl. “Thank you.”
I inclined my head as I retreated to the other end of the couch. “How is your brother’s transition into power going? Is he meeting any resistance to his proposed reforms?”
Her dark eyes widened. “Where did you hear about my brother’s plans?” she demanded.
“I have my resources,” I replied noncommittally. The truth was that I had known nothing about the tiny kingdom of Solderland until the day before. Upon meeting her, I had dispatched my spymaster’s best spies to gather every bit of information they could concerning the kingdom. The results had impressed me. “Your brother appears well equipped for his new role.”
“If you are referring to his stubborn tenacity and confidence that he is right in all things, you might be correct.” She loaded a spoon with meat and carrots. I waited until she had put it in her mouth before doing the same with my own utensil. I wasn’t particularly hungry, but I suspected if I stopped eating so would she.
“Confidence is a positive trait in a ruler,” I agreed. “But it needs to be tempered by humility and a measure of kindness.”
