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Julien’s blurry shape pushed to his feet from where he had been sitting next to the bed. “We need to talk to Averett. Jalissa?”
“Go. We will be fine until the healer arrives.” Jalissa tipped her head in the vague direction of the door, the movement adding to the queasiness in her stomach. “There is nothing either of you can do.”
They could not heal Edmund or lend her strength. All they could do now was complete Edmund’s mission and warn Averett.
Julien’s hazy shape gave something that might have been a nod, then he and Vriska jogged out of the room.
Jalissa turned to Edmund, one hand over his heart, the other gripping his hand. She just had to hang onto him for a few more minutes. Then the healer would arrive, and they would be fine.
Her heart thunked in her chest while pain seared through each of her internal organs. She drew in another breath, and Edmund’s chest rose beneath her hand. She exhaled, and his chest fell.
The door swung open again, and two blurry shapes hurried inside.
The stuffy tones of the elf healer Nylian rang in the room. “Jalissa Amirah.”
“Please heal him. He has been poisoned with ricin.” Jalissa did not budge from her spot beside Edmund.
“So I have been told.” Nylian leaned over Edmund, then pressed a green-glowing hand to Edmund’s chest next to Jalissa’s hand.
Jalissa gasped as soothing relief spread through her, banishing the pain that had become so constant over the past few days.
Sarya sank into the chair beside the bed, her face falling in lines of exhaustion.
Jalissa blinked back her own weariness, black spots dancing at the edge of her vision. But she did not dare give in to sleep—or unconsciousness—until she knew Edmund would be all right.
Nylian continued to pour magic into Edmund, his face lined in concentration. How much magic was it taking to heal Edmund? Would Edmund be all right, or would he find himself permanently weakened as some of the trolls had been after their poisoning?
Finally, Nylian drew his hand away. “He should rest comfortably, for now. I will need to continue healing him as the poison works through his system.”
Jalissa nodded, her head still swimming a bit even though she was no longer in pain.
Nylian gave a small bow. “I will return in a few hours.”
“Linshi.” Jalissa did not even glance up as Nylian left. Instead, she dared to lift her hand from Edmund’s chest to sweep some of his sweaty hair from his forehead. With the elven healing magic doing its work inside him, his face had smoothed in peaceful sleep for the first time in days. His chest rose and fell steadily, though she still kept her grip on his hand. If lending her strength to him helped him heal, then she would do it.
A knock sounded on the door a moment before Edmund’s mother peeked into the doorway, a servant behind her. “May I come in?”
“Of course…Macha.” The name still felt strange on Jalissa’s tongue. She had not called anyonemachasince her macha had died over a hundred years ago.
But when Edmund’s mother had offered that she could call her macha or mother or mama if she wished, Jalissa had tried to make an effort to do just that. It felt good to have a mother again, and Jalissa would not take it for granted, especially since they would only have Edmund’s mother with them for a short time, given her human lifespan.
Edmund’s mother stepped inside, then gestured to the maid. The maid held out a tray that appeared to have a pitcher of water, glasses, bowls, and a pot of something that wafted aromatic steam into the air. “I brought food and water, if you’re hungry or thirsty.”
“I would appreciate some water.” Jalissa did not think she could stomach food just yet, even though it had been over a day since she had managed to eat anything. It had been far longer since Edmund had food.
Edmund’s mother poured her a glass of water, then held it out to Jalissa.
Jalissa’s fingers trembled as she took the glass, sloshing the water. Thankfully, the glass had only been about half full, so she did not dump any of it on herself.
She managed a few sips, and the water slid down her throat, as cool and soothing as healing magic. She swallowed another sip before she handed the glass back.
Edmund’s mother set the glass on the bedside table, adding the pitcher and other glass as well. She said something to the maid in a low voice, and the maid bobbed a curtsy before carrying the tray with the soup out of the room once again.
Turning to Sarya, Edmund’s mother gave her a compassionate look. “You should rest. I will stay with them in case they need anything.”
Sarya wearily lifted her head enough to glance at Jalissa.
Jalissa waved to Sarya. “Please rest, Sarya. You got us here. Now take the time to regain your strength. You earned it.”
