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I turned to face them, spearing them with my gaze.
“I almostdied.”
“Are you bragging?” they asked, tilting their head like a little bird waiting to be fed.
I sighed, exasperation obvious with every breath.
“Was there something you needed?”
“No.” They edged closer. Our arms brushed. “Mama said you were up and about. Just wanted to see how you were doing.”
I glanced down at the crown of their head. Silky curls had been arranged into an artful bun, secured by little gold clips that resembled butterflies. Although I couldn’t see their expression from this angle, the worry in their scent was obvious.
“I’m fine, Pyke,” I assured them, nudging their shoulders lightly.
“The medic said you lost a lot of blood.”
Their voice had taken a telling dip, and I watched as their fingers curled tightly over the balcony railing.
“I did,” I conceded. “I was trapped under a hovercraft and a piece of metal cut into my thigh.”
“Stop.” They covered their face with their palms. “Sorry… I just can’t hear it.”
Ah.All the nonchalant teasing about being on holiday only covered up Pyke’s deep-seated worries about my health. I should’ve known. My youngest nibling had never been very forthright with emotions. They preferred to joke instead of confront by burying real feelings behind a cloud of child-like humor.
I placed an arm over their shoulder, pulling them close.
“I came to see you,” they whispered. “You didn’t wake up.”
“Well, I’m awake now,” I assured them. “I’m not going anywhere.”
“Good,” they whispered into my light cotton tunic. “Please don’t die. I hate the idea of Netto becoming queen. She’d be insufferable.”
A chuckle rumbled through my chest. “You’re right on that account.”
They stayed pressed against me for a minute longer before a happy shriek drew us apart. Pyke went onto their toes, glancing over my shoulder.
I knew what they’d see—I had been staring intently at the scene unfolding in front of me for the past few minutes.
Emberleigh and Olympia were engaged in some kind of faux battle. They ducked behind rose bushes on each side of the garden, peeking over the edges ever so often to launch an attack. Their shared laughter had drawn me to the balcony, and I had stayed to appreciate the novel sight.
Barely ten years old, Leigh had become the spitting image of me. It was as though she endeavored to mimic my every move, from the set of her shoulders to the turn of her wrist when she practiced her fireswirls. The poor pup was so serious all the time… It was a relief to see her let loose—to be arealpup for once.
Life in the palace hadn’t been easy for her. I had urged Zavery to take Leigh into the city and place her in the best school there. But Zavery had refused, insisting that her place was in the palace. Leigh was the one who suffered the consequences of that decision, wallowing in loneliness without any companionship.
Loneliness was an all-too-familiar beast. I wouldn’t wish it on my only pup.
“They seem to be getting along,” Pyke said, stepping back. “One less thing for you to worry about.”
“Why would I worry?” I queried, fighting a smile as Leigh dropped to the dirt and rolled onto her side as though on a secret mission. Her tunic was covered in streaks of mud, and I knew Zavery would have a fit.
“Because your daughter is important to you, and she needs to get along with your future mate.”
I’d been so engrossed with watching Leigh that Pyke’s words almost flew past my head.
“What?” I turned to them to gauge their expression. “What are you talking about?”
“I’m talking about you and Her Highness Olympia Summerstream.”
