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Jesska let out a sigh of relief. “Oh, yes, please. That would be amazing. I have no idea what I’m doing.”
“Follow me, m’lady, and I’ll walk you through the basics.”
Jesska grinned and flanked Camilla as they left the library.
“You have Eberg, who, as butler, is head of hiring and firing all staff. Then there’s Elna, who is head of the female house staff, so in a sense, she is Eberg’s equal.” Camilla smiled. “But don’t tell him that. He likes to think he’s in charge of everyone, including me.”
Jesska giggled. “I won’t tell a soul.”
Camilla pushed a door to the side patio open and Jesska frowned. “Aren’t we going to the kitchen?”
“No, m’lady.”
Jesska felt a prick, and then she registered excruciating pain as her body crumpled to the ground.
Camilla knelt beside her and smiled. “I’m sure you’re wondering what’s going on, m’lady, so I’ll give you an overview. As we speak, your sister and your niece are being taken to a secure facility in order to assist with our objective. You are needed to keep His Majesty in line. I apologize in advance, as the pain you’re feeling isn’t even the beginning, but be assured it will all be over shortly.”
Kaz?
“And by the way, don’t bother trying to contact His Majesty. He’s dealing with something of the greatest importance. Far more important than you.” Camilla glanced up and smiled again. “Jóvin, love. You’re just in time.”
Jesska felt tears leak down her face. Jóvin? The man she’d gone to bat for? The man she had trusted with her life and had fought with Kaspar over? Her heart broke. In a weird and naïve way, she had believed him to be her friend.
“What... what are you doing?” Camilla squeaked, and then Jesska heard nothing.
Jóvin appeared over her and gave her a sympathetic smile. “This is going to hurt, m’lady, I’m sorry.”
Jesska’s heart raced as he moved a pen-like device toward her. An EpiPen. That’s what Kaspar had said. The antidote. Jóvin was helping her. She didn’t get much further with her thoughts of relief. Fire swept her body as it contorted, and she cried out. Jóvin rolled her gently to her side, and she gasped for breath.
“I’m sorry, Jesska. You won’t be in pain for long,” Jóvin promised, and rubbed her back.
“Kaspar,” she rasped.
“He’ll be okay, m’lady. I felt it imperative to help you first.”
“Where is he?” She pushed herself up.
“Austri has him.” Jóvin made his way to Camilla, who was lying face up a few feet from Jesska, her body rigid.
“What do you mean Austri has him?” Jesska demanded. “What’s going on?”
Before Jóvin could respond, Kaspar’s bellow sounded as the side door slammed open, the glass in the windows shattering as the door hit the side of the house. Austri followed close behind.
Jesska was scooped up into Kaspar’s arms and she pulled him close. “I’m okay.”
He kissed her hair before laying his hands on her face and studying her. “How much pain are you in?”
“Not much, Kaz. I’m okay.”
“It’s the Red Fang wearing off.”
“I know, baby. Jóvin warned me.” She cupped his chin. “Hey, I’m okay.”
Kaspar glanced over at Jóvin. “Thank you.”
“No time for that, Your Majesty,” Jóvin said. “We need to find your brother.”
Austri lifted Camilla from the ground, her body a floppy mess, and carried her inside. Much to Jesska’s irritation, Kaspar wouldn’t let her walk back inside, and insisted on carrying her. Arriving at the library, Austri set Camilla on one of the sofas and sat by her feet.
