Mystic's Touch (3 page)

She decided to start her exam with something easy. Something
that wasn’t so, well…manly. She lifted his hand that was closest to her and
examined every part. Each finger, between the fingers, under the nails as well
as the palm and top. Her hands were dwarfed next to his. The breadth of each of
his fingers was almost double hers. While they didn’t look like a laborer’s
hands, his had seen rough conditions.
Huh.

What?
he asked.

Sorry. I am surprised.

By what? Did you find something?

No. Nothing to explain your condition. There are no fresh
wounds or puncture marks to indicate an infection or poison entry point.

Then what surprised you?

Your hands. They’re, um… They’re not what I expected to
find on a prince.

What did you expect to find? Well-manicured and jeweled?

A little, yes. Yours have obviously seen a harder life
than most princes would be expected to live.

That’s probably true.

How so?

He sighed.
I assume you know that I went to school in Shirghada.

Yes.

What you probably do not know is that I served in their
regiments after finishing my learnings.

Danet’s mouth fell open.
But their regiments produce some
of the most elite forces in the world. How did you get in? And why did the king
allow such a thing?

The king didn’t know at first.

But…

Some of the people I met at school planned to join, so I
figured I might as well give it a shot. I didn’t want to go home. There was
nothing for me here as long as Father ruled.

But you could have been killed.

Possibly. I could have been killed getting thrown from
the back of an eligari too. It’s not as if I asked for suicide missions.
However, the training was invaluable. And I wouldn’t have traded the experience
or the friendships I made for anything.

Pride and conviction rang in his tone. She didn’t know what
kind of training they did, but she was sure it was extensive and physically
demanding for Shirghada to have the reputation it did. For any leader, the
training would be an invaluable experience. As a man, he probably saw it as a
worthy challenge. There were obviously many benefits to what he did. Despite
the risk.

It took initiative and drive for him to choose that instead
of becoming a spoiled and pampered prince.

Impressive.

Not that I object to your holding my hand, but I’m going
to be very disappointed in your abilities as a physician if that is the only
thing you examine.

Danet dropped his hand as if it had bitten her. Her foolish
woolgathering was going to get her caught if she didn’t focus.
My apologies.
I let myself be distracted
.

He chuckled in her head. The sound was like a warm caress.
That
kind of distraction she couldn’t afford.

Your head hurts, you said. What else?

My hands are fine. One of them feels rather nice now.

If he could have, Danet felt sure he would have grinned at
her. She chanced a look at his face. He was a handsome devil. Every woman in
the city would be throwing herself at him as soon as he was up and around.

She made a harrumph sound then moved to the foot of the bed
so she could check his feet. Like the rest of him, they were large and
masculine. She ran her thumb across the sole of his foot, checking for any
protrusions that she might miss with her eye.

Believe it or not, my feet are somewhat ticklish.

You can feel that?
She deliberately ran the nail of
one finger from his heel to his big toe.

Yes!

You can feel it, but there was no physical response.
Interesting. I had wondered if your ability to feel touch had diminished. That
answers that question.

Taking pity on him, she checked his other foot and tried to
not tickle him. Like his hand, she didn’t notice any scratches or puncture
marks.

She moved to the other side of the bed so she could check
his other hand. His four extremities were the most likely place to have
accidently come in contact with a poisonous plant. Unfortunately that theory
expired when she found nothing.

Other than being a little sensitive to touch, can you sense
or feel any difference in your feet or hands?
she asked as she moved her
inspection up his arm.

Nothing out of the ordinary, no.

And I don’t see anything on this hand and forearm.
She
knew it had been a distant hope to find something so easily.
Do you feel
discomfort or pain or heat or maybe even numbness anyplace unusual?

Like a hot, prickling feeling maybe?

Possibly. Where do you feel that?

On the back of my neck.

She sat on the edge of the bed and ran her fingers along the
side of his neck. It felt hot to the touch.

Where exactly? Can you feel my finger?
she asked.

A little higher.

She pushed her fingers into the edge of his hairline. As she
moved around the corner toward his ear she felt something. She jerked her hand away
instinctively.

What?

I felt something. Let me get a linen and then I want a
closer look.

Danet grabbed one of the thin linens Hesina had included in
her basket and dampened one corner with water. She sat close enough to the
prince so she could maneuver her head without impeding the light.

I’m going to turn your head just a bit. Tell me if it’s
uncomfortable.

Before you do, can you let me see your face so I know
what you look like?

Does it matter what I look like?

It would be nice to have a picture in my mind at least.
Besides, you know what I look like. Seems only fair that I at least get a
glimpse of you.

She hesitated.

I could command you to do it.

She snorted.
And I could poke you with something sharp
and leave.

You wouldn’t.

You don’t know that.
Thankfully he couldn’t see her
smirk.

Please?

Danet was so startled by his polite request she didn’t know
what to do. She was used to being treated kindly and with a certain level of
respect, but she was still basically a servant to the royal family. And the
royal family didn’t have to ask nicely.

She was humbled that it meant enough to him to do so. There
was no way she could refuse him.

All right.

She pulled her hair to one side and twisted it around so it
wouldn’t hang directly in the prince’s face when she leaned over. She wished
for a mirror to double-check her appearance but that was foolish. He wouldn’t
care what she really looked like. He just wanted to be able to recognize her
again.

She leaned across the prince so she could put one hand on
the bed just above his shoulder then shifted until she hovered above his face.
Can you see me?

Danet watched his eyes as if expecting them to move, but
they didn’t. The vacant expression was almost painful to see.

There you are.

She started to back away.

Wait. Let me see your eyes. I want to know what color
they are.

She looked him directly in the eye.
They’re an odd green
color.

Why do you think they’re odd?

I’ve never seen anyone else with this color.

There’s nothing wrong with being unique.

Danet blinked and retreated so he couldn’t see her blush.
I
suppose not, unless you’re trying to blend in.

Why would you want—

Let’s take a look at your neck and see what’s going on
there.
It wasn’t something she wanted to discuss. Especially not with the
prince.
Tell me if this gets uncomfortable.

She turned his head away from her so she could see more of
the back of his neck. Using the dampened linen as a covering, she ran her
finger around the place she had felt something. When she found the spot again
she moved in closer to get a better look.

“I think there’s something there,” she mumbled as she tried
to scrape whatever it was off his neck.

Finally it fell off.

On the bed below where she had been working was a tiny
thorn. She picked it up with the linen and examined it. It was a dark,
reddish-brown thorn with a curved point. It was somewhat familiar, but since
she didn’t know plants as well as she should, she felt it best to consult with
her father.

Well?
the prince asked.

The prickling you felt was from a thorn. More
specifically, from your reaction to the thorn. It was stuck just inside your
hairline so I’m not surprised it was overlooked during your earlier exams. I
probably wouldn’t have noticed it if I hadn’t been looking where you indicated.

Surely that isn’t the reason for my condition.

I won’t know until I find out what plant the thorn is
from. It is possible that you could have an extreme sensitivity to whatever
this is. And being so close to your head and spine might cause this kind of
reaction.

I don’t remember brushing up against anything thorny.

Danet folded the linen around the thorn so she wouldn’t lose
it then tucked the linen into her bag inside the basket. She grabbed some salve
she had in her bag then returned to his side and patted his arm in a consoling
manner.
Don’t worry yourself over it. Let me find out what kind of plant it
was then you might remember.

As she dabbed on the salve, she said,
The thorn might or
might not have been the problem. So don’t get your hopes up too high.

He grunted.
Well, you’ve done more than those fools who
keep coming in here, poking and prodding me.

They’re doing their best. Is there anyplace else that
aches or has discomfort?

My back is a little uncomfortable. That feels similar to
when I’ve slept in a bad position for too long.

I wouldn’t be surprised since you aren’t able to arrange
yourself comfortably. After I change your linens, I’ll have you help me find a
better position for you. Anything else?

Other than the itch on the back of my leg, no.

She smiled.
Which leg?

My right one. Just below the knee.

She pushed the sheet aside then pulled his knee up so she
could get to the spot he mentioned. Like the rest of him, his leg was firmly
muscled and tanned.

When she scratched her fingernails over the area, he groaned
with relief.
Right there. You just don’t realize how a tiny itch can become
so bothersome until you can’t do anything about it.

She chuckled.
I’m sure.
She patted his leg.
Okay.
I need to finish these linens before the guards think I’m just in here napping.

Thank you for taking care of my itch. And the thorn.

She was once again surprised by the sincerity in his voice.
You
are welcome, my prince.

Danet had just tucked the last corner of the bed linens
under when the queen came in, followed by her usual entourage.

Danet turned away from the bed to make the proper curtsey.
“My queen.”

“Danet. What are you doing here?”

“Hesina was in a bind and I offered to help.”

The queen regarded her for a moment before saying, “I see.”
She approached the bed and looked down at the prince. Her gaze was tender, as
one would expect of a mother watching a sleeping babe. “I suppose it would be
too much to hope that he woke while I was at luncheon.”

“I have noticed no change in his condition since I arrived,
my queen.”

Well said. Not a lie, but not entirely the truth either.
I’m impressed,
the prince teased.

The queen nodded then sighed. She turned to her escorts.
“Maya, would you please have tea brought in for us? And Theosa, I believe I
could use my shawl. The pale-blue one, if you please.”

The girls departed, leaving Danet alone with the queen.

“I am glad you’re here. I was going to send a message this
evening if I didn’t see you.”

“How may I assist you, my queen?”

“I assume you did more than change the linens.”

Danet tipped her head.

“Do you know why he is like this?” The queen indicated the
prince with a wave of her hand.

“I’m afraid not, my queen.”

The queen’s shoulders wilted.

“Not yet,” Danet quickly added. When the queen met her gaze,
the pain and fear Danet saw made her heart ache. “I did a brief exam because I
didn’t know how much time I would have. Father and I both have questions. He is
already looking into a few things.”

The queen took Danet’s hands. “Thank you.”

“You should know we would not allow the prince to remain
this way if there were something we could do.”

“I know. But in this, I am a mother first and a queen
second. I want my son well and whole and happy. Darius may be the king’s
physician, but I trust you and Sebak far more. Please help him.”

Danet was honored the queen trusted them so much. But she
feared how much faith she was putting in their abilities.

You’re Master Sebak’s daughter?

I am.

You could have mentioned that.

Would it have made a difference?

He hesitated.
No. But still.

“Please, Danet. I will give you anything you desire if you
make him well again,” the queen added.

Danet couldn’t believe her offer. “My queen, I am honored,
but I fear your faith in our abilities exceeds reality.”

“I do not believe that to be so.”

“As much as I would aid you in anything that you asked, it
would be an insult to Master Darius if either I, or perhaps worse, if Father
were to take over the care of the prince. He would never let that happen
without an uproar.”

“I worry only for my son.” The queen began to pace. “You are
right though, and I know it, but I do not trust Ceros’ care to Darius. I simply
don’t.”

I don’t either, to be honest with you,
the prince
added.

“If I might suggest an alternative?” Danet waited until the
queen looked at her again. “What if I were appointed to oversee the prince’s
daily needs? To ensure his linens are changed regularly, that he is properly
bathed and he receives some kind of nourishment throughout the day. That way I
would have access to him. No one would question if I were examining him. Yet I
could still carry information back and forth to Father and keep you updated as
well.”

“That is an excellent idea. And Darius would have no reason
to get his nose out of joint.”

“Exactly.”

Nicely done.

Thank you. I do try.

“That would much relieve my mind, Danet.” The queen grasped
her hands once more. “I will have Theosa spread the word as soon as she
returns.” She hesitated, “You will begin immediately, yes?”

It really wasn’t a question. “As you wish, my queen.”

The queen’s relief was evident in her smile. She squeezed
Danet’s fingers then returned to Ceros’ bedside. As she reached out to brush
her hand across his brow she asked, “Do you think he will recover?” She looked
up at Danet. “Tell me honestly.”

“He appears to be a very strong, healthy man, which
dramatically increases his chances for the better.” She stepped closer to the
foot of the bed. “But until we can determine the reason for his condition, I am
afraid I cannot give you a better answer.”

The queen nodded.

Tell her. Tell her that I’m in here. That I’m fine.
Inside.

That would not be prudent.

Prudent? I do not give a damn about prudent. This is my
mother. She is worried for no reason.

I’m afraid she is worried for a very good reason.

But—

I must insist, my prince. It would not be wise to tell
her right now. Even if I were able to convince her, there are too many ears. We
do not know who may be listening nor do we know if your condition is as a
result of someone wishing you harm or a mere accident.

He went quiet.

Danet let what she said sink in as she bundled up the linens
she had removed from the prince’s bed.

The queen seemed content to simply sit beside Ceros and hold
his hand. She was most likely remembering the last time she had seen him.

Your points are valid,
the prince said.
I will
concede. For now.

Will it make you feel better if I promise to tell her as
soon as we know more? And when I believe it is safe to do so?
she added
quickly.

Very well.

Danet took a cleansing breath. Gods and Goddesses above.
Dealing with tender royal feelings was exhausting.

I heard that.

She thought there was a note of amusement in his tone.
Thankfully Theosa and Maya returned, saving Danet from having to respond.

“Your tea, my queen.” Maya sat the tray on the table in the
sitting area across the room from the bed. Theosa laid a shawl across the back
of one of the chairs.

The cushioned chairs and table seemed out of place in the
room, making Danet wonder if they had been brought in specifically for the
queen’s use.

She moved furniture into my room?
the prince asked.

Danet grimaced. It was hard getting used to having someone
else in her head.
I couldn’t say for sure, my prince. I was merely
speculating on the differences between the furnishings.

Aren’t you the diplomat all of a sudden.

Yes, well, that happens when I’m surrounded by royalty.

He chuckled.
I’m afraid that happens all too frequently.
And here I was hoping you would be one of those genuinely refreshing people who
would tell me what they really thought instead of what you thought I wanted to
hear.

You will probably hear more of my honest opinion than you
should. Especially since I’m not used to having someone else in my head,
hearing every stray thought I have.

It is a little unsettling isn’t it?

To say the least. But I can’t have
you
beheaded if
I don’t like something you think or say.

True.
He sounded far too pleased with the notion.
But don’t let that stop you from speaking freely.

Danet settled for a grunt instead of a reply.

“My queen,” Danet said as she stepped to the bed. When the
queen looked up from her quiet reflection, Danet continued. “If I may, there
are a few things I would like to retrieve from home. I should also let Father
know my duties will be changing until the prince has recovered. I shall return
as quickly as I can.”

“Yes, of course. Give Sebak my regards and tell him we are
sorry to pull you away from your duties at the clinic.” She turned to Theosa.
“Please have an escort readied for Mistress Danet.” Before Danet could protest,
the queen cut her off. “It will be faster and will save your energy for Ceros.”

Danet knew it pointless to try to argue. She bowed her head.
“Thank you, my queen.”

“I’ll have Maya speak with the guards while you are gone.
And Hesina as well. We’ll make sure everyone knows what I have asked of you.
I’m sure it goes without saying that if anyone questions you or refuses any
orders you give, you are to let me know immediately.”

Danet tipped her head. “Yes, my queen.”

“Oh, and one more thing, Danet. While I have the utmost
faith that you will care for my son to the best of your ability, please
remember to have a care for yourself too.”

The look she gave Danet told her two things. One—the queen
was not unaware of the threat leveled at Ceros, and by association, now her
too. Two—the queen was genuinely concerned about her welfare.

Mother never was a fool,
the prince said.

“I will,” Danet said softly.

“Good. You may go.”

“Thank you, my queen.” She made her bow, gathered her basket
and linens and headed to the servants’ area once again.

How long will you be?

Not long. Especially with an escort to and from home. I
want to get this thorn to Father as soon as possible so we can find out what it
is.

Agreed. Mother was right however. You do need to take
care.

I will. Word that I have been asked to help will not have
gotten far yet, so I believe I will be safe for now.

Don’t assume anything.

Yes, my prince.

I mean it. I need you.

Danet’s foolish heart gave a little leap, but she quickly
reminded herself he was concerned because she was the only one he could communicate
with and because she and her father were skilled healers.
I will return,
she
assured him.

You’d better.