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Lenore did not miss the way Baris clutched the back of his chair before he stumbled out of the box.
Something was wrong.
Lenore wasn’t sure what she could do, having no supplies on her, but she couldn’t sit by and do nothing.
She leaned over and whispered to Lydia, “I’m going to the powder room.”
“If you’re going to hook up, just say so. Don’t be so square.”
“First, I don’t believe for a second that anyone actually says that. Two, with whom? Three, wine makes me have to pee, and I’m trying to be discreet.”
Lydia wrinkled her nose. “You’re so boring. Go powder your nose.”
Lights glowed softly in the corridor outside the theater. She took a staircase up and spotted the familiar uniform of the king’s guards. She recognized familiar faces. Good. She wouldn’t have to convince them why she needed to see Baris.
Kenth pointed to a restroom door, concern all over her face. “He’s in there.”
Lenore found Baris hunched over the bowl of a toilet, emptying the contents of his stomach.
He looked dreadful. The harsh overhead lighting washed out his complexion, leaving him ashen rather than his normal lilac gray.
She rushed to his side, helping him ease back and lean against the wall. A hand on his forehead confirmed that he felt hot to the touch, likely a fever. That was as good as she could do without a thermometer.
Cut crystal glasses rested on the counter, along with other useful items. She filled a glass of fresh water and encouraged Baris to rinse before drinking.
“How long has this been going on?” she asked.
“It came suddenly. I would not…have chosen to spend my evening like this.”
“You don’t have to explain yourself to me. How you spend your time is your own concern.”
He huffed with amusement, then frowned, wrapping a protective arm over his stomach. “My time has never been my concern alone. I must always consider others.”
“Well, in my professional opinion, fuck the expectations of others. You’re going home and going to bed.”
“I’m expected back?—”
Did her stomach lurch when he insisted on returning to a pretty companion? Yes. She wasn’t made of stone. Was she going to abuse her authority to ruin his date night? No, because she was a professional, and sending Baris home was the medically correct thing to do.
Ruining his date night was just a perk.
“You’re going back to the palace and straight to bed. Doctor’s orders,” she said.
“Yes. You are correct. What are you doing here?”
“I’m assuming here is the theater, not here in the bathroom,” she said. “My friend Lydia had a ticket.”
“How fortunate for me.”
She really didn’t think it was. Nia knew of the connection between Lydia and Lenore. Who else would Lydia drag along for a night out at the last minute? Lenore suspected Nia wanted to be seen with Baris.
There was that jealousy again. No good would come of that. Lenore ignored it and helped Baris to his feet, then over to the sink, where he rinsed with the little bottle of complimentary mouthwash. The fact that he didn’t argue with her alarmed her more than his symptoms. She sent a message to Harol, alerting him to the situation.
Baris splashed water on his face and straightened his clothes. He wobbled, as if dizzy.
He’s not going to make it without help, she realized.
“Come on,” she said, placing his arm over her shoulders, and left the restroom.
