“Then you accept the role of steward under my service?”
“I do,” he breathes. “And I shall see this realm elevated.”
72
Rosalina
“Couldn’t sleep a wink the night of the full moon,” Marigold cries as the three of us reconvene in my bedroom.
“I know,” Astrid grumbles. “I’m in the room beside you.”
Marigold puffs out her chest. “Well, what else were Eldy and I supposed to do? We had to trust that you’d all look after each other.”
“We did,” I say, smiling. And I’m happy to hear that some old wounds between her and Eldy seem to be mended … She’s got quite the twinkle in her eye and has laced her corset so tight, I think she might well pop out of it.
We’ve been huddled on my bed for an hour now as I’ve caught them up on everything that’s transpired: the assassination attempt, by the Nightingale, Sira’s appearance, and the letter I received from Dom and Billy.
I clutch it, the paper wet with my tears. My father has always been so strong, so determined. I can’t imagine him sick or bedridden. My only solace is knowing Farron’s family will look after him like he’s one of their own. Once I get word from Coppershire, I’ll travel straight to his side and see he makes it safely to Spring. Ezryn promised his realm’s best healers would look after him.
The door knocks and creaks open. Eldy pops his head in. “Apologies for interrupting, ladies.”
“I’m happy to see you, Eldy,” I tell him genuinely.
He looks to Marigold and the biggest smile appears beneath his mustache. She blushes and smooths her perfectly pressed skirt. Quite the difference from the two squabbling staff they were when we arrived. I wonder if Marigold is tempted to tell him about her curse. Probably not. She’s so loyal to Ezryn and the other princes. But hiding the truth from her love … It must be killing her inside.
Pain laces through my chest, and I rub my heart.
If only Ezryn could find his mate.
“Why are you here?” Astrid says sharply, bringing everyone back to focus.
“Oh! Hem. Yes.” Eldy straightens and places a wooden chest on the end of the bed. He clicks it open, revealing many small bags, vials filled with plants soaked in liquid, and dried herbs. “Ms. Marigold told me of your father’s illness, Lady Rosalina.”
Astrid gives her a glare, but she just shrugs. “It was when I was fetching us tea!”
“I’m sure he’ll have excellent care in Coppershire, but I thought I’d put together some of our most potent and rare treatments until he can be transferred to see us here in Spring. See, this one here is a powdered stardrop. They’re quite a plentiful resource, found up in our mountains. Sprinkle a little on his tongue to neutralize any toxin. A healer will know what to do with all of these,” Eldy continues. “Consider it a gift from the Spring Realm.”
I get up, placing the letter on my end table, and grab Eldy’s hand. He blushes but doesn’t pull away. “This is so thoughtful. Thank you for all the hospitality you’ve shown me.” I look back at Marigold and Astrid. “Thank you all for everything.”
“Whatever you need, Rosie, we’ll be here,” Astrid says, grabbing my arm.
Another knock sounds, and Eldy opens the door. Wrenley stands there dressed in her gold and white robes, arms filled with beautiful red flowers.
Her gaze shifts around the room, taking each of us in, before she steps inside. “Forgive the intrusion.”
“Not at all. What can I do for you, Wrenley?” I do my best to sound genuine, but I can’t help but feel jealous at the sight of her, remembering how she and Dayton had laughed and danced at the party. And the bitter words I’d said about her. She’s been nothing but nice to me. It wasn’t like this when I saw Tilla. Because I know Kel is mine, and Dayton … Dayton isn’t.
“I ran into Prince Kairyn, who informed me that you and High Prince Ezryn had returned to the keep.” She smiles. “Prince Kairyn told me to bring these flowers to your room.”
“Thank you. That’s very kind.” I wave her in.
“Majordomo, your boutonniere has wilted.” She offers Eldy another one of her sweet smiles and plucks the white flower from his breast pocket. She replaces it with a blooming red one.
“Ah, is red the new fashion? Hard to keep up with you young things.” He straightens the flower. “Thank the stars. It was such a trek up the mountain to find these little stardrops.”