Mystic's Touch (6 page)

Danet reached across and clasped the queen’s hand to show
her support.

“He was a good man,” the queen continued. “Very few knew
that he was a loving husband and father as well as a wise, caring ruler. I miss
him terribly. I keep waiting for him to stroll through the doors as if he had
been on another diplomatic visit.” She lifted tear-filled eyes. “But I know he
won’t.”

The queen’s gaze roamed to the bed where Ceros lay. “And now
Ceros. I don’t know what to make of it.” She looked back at Danet. “As far as I
know, he was perfectly healthy. Gehiji, Ceros’ friend who traveled with him,
assures me Ceros had not been ill or injured before they left. He is equally as
confused by Ceros’ condition as the rest of us.”

“Do you think someone would want Ceros out of the way?”

The queen patted Danet’s hand then stood and walked toward
the prince’s bed. “As long as there have been kings there have been others who,
for one reason or another, wished to step into their shoes. If you are asking,
do I think someone is trying to kill my son so soon after my husband’s somewhat
questionable death, then I will tell you, yes, it has crossed my mind.”

Danet let go of the last remnants of hope that Ceros’
condition was a coincidence.

“Ceros has been away from Licosia long enough that he
shouldn’t have any personal enemies here,” the queen said. “If anyone wishes
him ill, I believe it would have something to do with his ascension to the
throne.”

“Who would be next in line?”

“Since Ceros was the only male descendant, the decision
would fall to the council.”

Danet was once again glad for her years of training that
kept her face schooled in a neutral expression. Her impulse had been to roll
her eyes and declare most of the council weak-minded fools.

Well said.

Unfortunately her years of training hadn’t taught her how to
keep her thoughts hidden.
Yes, well…

I assume you have reasons for your opinion. Perhaps we
will discuss those reasons at a later date.

“Is that why the high council meeting has been called?”
Danet asked.

“Has it?” The queen sat up tall in her chair.

“So I was told.” She quickly added, “However, I have not
been able to confirm that with anyone on the council.”

The queen stood and took a couple of steps before stopping
and turning back to Danet. “Excuse me, my dear. I believe that is something I
need to look into posthaste.”

Danet stood as the queen hurried to the door. “I hope I
didn’t just create more problems for you, my queen.”

The queen stopped and looked back at Danet. “You never
create problems for me. I suspect that, as usual, you’ve just prevented me from
being blindsided. And I intend to find out by whom.”

I just stirred up a nest of snakes, didn’t I?
she asked
Ceros.

If you did, the snakes had better be worried,
the
prince said.

Yes, but who else might get bitten?

As Hesina promised, a dinner tray was delivered along with
the prince’s bowl of broth. She sat on the bed and fed them both.

What else did they bring you to eat?

After all your grumbling, I’m not sure you need to know.

But I’m hungry and your food smells way better than what
you’re dripping into me.

Danet sympathized.
If I had any way of getting something
more substantial into you I would. I’m thankful we’re getting this much in.

The first thing I’m going to do when I am recovered is
have a feast prepared.

I wouldn’t recommend that,
she said as she chewed a
piece of soft bread.

Why not?

After being ill like this, your body will need to adjust
to its norm. Stuffing a bunch of food, especially rich or heavy food, will only
send your stomach into spasms. You’d most likely throw up whatever you ate.
Give it a week, then order your feast.

You physicians are just a bunch of naysayers.

She shrugged then ladled another few drops of broth into his
mouth.
Maybe so, but some of us are right more often than we’re wrong.

A commotion at the door made Danet grab the knife off her
dinner tray as she turned to see what was happening.

What’s going on
? the prince demanded.

I don’t know.

She scooted to the end of the bed to look into the hallway.

Damnation! Not being able to move is extremely
frustrating,
Ceros groused.
I should be up protecting you. Not lying
here helpless.

Shush so I can hear.
Oh Gods. I just shushed the
prince.

Yes, you did. We’ll discuss that later. What the devil is
going on?

I still don’t know. No one has come in and I’m reluctant
to get very far from you even though I know there are very few people the
guards will allow to pass.

The doors burst open and a flood of people swept in.

Oh this should be fun,
Danet mumbled.

What? Who is it?

It’s two of the high council members, Aleric, your
mother, her usual attendants, two of your mother’s personal guards and a man I
do not know.

Danet put the knife back on the tray and stood to greet the
visitors. “Good evening, my queen.” She let her gaze sweep over the group. “Is
there a problem?”

“There was some confusion about who may and may not be
permitted to enter the prince’s chambers,” the queen said. She was wearing an
expression meant to convey royal boredom, but Danet recognized it as one the
queen wore when she was truly worried about something but refusing show it.

“It is a ridiculous notion that council members are not be
permitted entry,” the older councilman grumbled.

“We were merely checking on the health of the prince,”
Aleric added.

“You could have come and asked,” the queen pointed out.

“We wanted to see for ourselves,” the other councilman said.

“No one is to be permitted entry unless I say so. And right
now only Danet and family are allowed. Per his physician’s orders,” the queen
added.

“Until we know what caused the prince’s collapse, it is for
the best,” Danet interjected smoothly.

“And why is
she
here instead of Master Darius?” the
younger councilman sneered.

“The prince is still under Master Darius’ care,” Danet
clarified for the group. “I was asked to monitor the prince’s healing and
ensure the best care is provided in order to hasten his recovery.”

Well said. Politically correct yet interpretable in more
than one way.

“I understand you have been able to get a response from the
prince?” Aleric asked.

Danet looked to the queen. She gave a slight nod but
otherwise, no facial expression.

“There were a couple of twitches in his toe but nothing more,”
Danet said.

“What did you do to get this reaction?” Aleric asked.

“The first time, nothing. The second time, I tapped his
foot.”

“You haven’t given him any medicines or herbs or anything
like that?” Aleric asked.

“The only herbs or medicines the prince is receiving are the
few Master Darius ordered be given with the prince’s broth,” Danet said.

“The queen indicated you were trying something new with the
prince,” Aleric hinted.

“It is common practice to manipulate the muscles of
bedridden patients. We do this by moving the limbs to stretch and extend the
tissue to increase blood flow and prevent the muscles from forming knots or
becoming lax due to lack of use.” She shrugged. “There are no herbs or
medicines involved.”

“Is that what made the prince respond?” Aleric asked.

“It is doubtful unless the motions improved his circulation
momentarily.”

“Does this mean he is getting better?” the older councilman
asked.

Everyone in the group looked to Danet for an answer.

“That would be for Master Darius to determine,” Danet said
smoothly. “I should hope it would be a positive sign, however.”

“When will Master Darius return?” the younger councilman
asked. Danet was taken aback by the thinly veiled hostility in his tone.

“I couldn’t say. As he left, he mentioned he was late for a
meeting with Aleric and would expect a report each day of the prince’s
condition. It was unclear if he would return this evening or wait until
morning.”

“I say we wait until Master Darius has a chance to examine
him again,” the younger councilman whispered not-so-quietly to Aleric.

“As you wish,” Aleric agreed. He turned to the queen and
bowed his head. “My queen. Our apologies for the disturbance. We will check
with you when we require updates on the prince’s heath.” His gaze traveled the
remainder of the group. “Good evening.”

Danet and the queen’s attendants bowed their heads in return
and murmured their farewell. The queen tipped her head slightly in
acknowledgement but remained as she was. The gentleman she didn’t know remained
in the shadows near the wall.

After Aleric and the two councilmen departed, the queen
mumbled, “Pompous asses,” then crossed the room to the prince’s side. She
picked up Ceros’ hand and clung to it.

“Gehiji, what did you think?” the queen finally asked.

So
this
was the elusive Gehiji. Now she knew whom to
look for.

The man stepped out of the shadows. He was of similar age to
Ceros, but had darker features. While he was handsome and moved with a
warrior’s natural grace, Danet found her attention still drawn to Ceros.

“I believe your description was keenly accurate, your
Majesty.”

This elicited a chuckle from the queen. “I meant about the
people we’re dealing with.”

“I think you have a couple of toothless snakes.
Unfortunately, that doesn’t make them any less venomous.”

Gehiji always cuts to the heart of the matter.

“Quite true,” the queen said thoughtfully. “Danet, any
change?”

“No, my queen.” She glanced about the room to ensure her
attendants were out of hearing range. “But I haven’t worked on his upper body
yet. I was trying to get a little broth into him when you came in.”

“It seems we have interrupted your dinner as well,” Gehiji
said.

“’Tis no matter. I can finish later,” Danet said as she
pushed her tray aside.

“I don’t believe we have been properly introduced. I am
Gehiji Talasona.” He made a slight bow but didn’t lower his eyes from hers.
“Your name is Danet?”

“Oh, I am sorry,” the queen interjected. “I forget you two
have not been properly introduced. Gehiji, this is Danet. Actually, it is
Mistress Danet, to be completely correct. Danet was one of my most trusted
handmaidens until she completed her apprenticeship. Now she splits her time
between her father’s healing clinic in the heart of the city and here.” She
smiled at Danet. “She’s agreed to take charge of Ceros’ care.” The queen swept
a hand to Gehiji. “Danet, this is Gehiji, one of Ceros’ closest friends. He
traveled with Ceros from Shirghada.”

Don’t let his pretty face fool you. Gehiji is one of the
most deadly and most decorated warriors in our unit. There’s no one I would
trust more at my back.

Danet dropped her head into a slight bow, hoping to hide any
reaction Ceros’ words caused. “Welcome to Licosia.” She looked up again once
she was sure her expression was neutral. “I am sorry your stay has been under
such a cloud.”

Gehiji looked at the prince, his face grim. “Me too. I hate
seeing him like this.” He glanced back to Danet. “And you have no idea what
caused it?”

“We’re looking into several possibilities. But no, we know
nothing definite yet,” Danet said.

Find a way to get Gehiji alone. You need to tell him
everything.

I will try.

“Danet’s father is a well-known healer and scholar. She has
already enlisted his help. As soon as she knows something, she will tell me and
then I’ll be sure to find you,” the queen reassured Gehiji.

“Please do.” He nodded to the queen. To Danet he added, “And
if there is anything you need assistance with or if I can answer any questions,
please seek me out.”

The queen patted Ceros’ hand then called out to her
attendants. “Let’s return to dinner.”

While the queen was distracted, Danet whispered to Gehiji,
“I need to speak with you.” She glanced in the queen’s direction. “Alone.”

He seemed startled but nodded once before following the
queen and her entourage.

“Danet, should I have Hesina send you a warm tray of food so
you can finish your dinner?”

“No, thank you, my queen. What remains does not require
warming.”

“I’ll check on his condition again before retiring for the
night.” The queen paused again. “I assume you’ll be staying?”

“Hesina has offered to have a lounge brought in for my use
so I do not have to travel back and forth, so yes. I will stay.”

The queen looked as if she wanted to say something, but
thought better of it and simply nodded.

Finally the room was quiet again and Danet breathed a sigh
of relief.

I know I said I’d try to leave your private thoughts
alone, but I can’t help picking up on your worry for Mother. While I appreciate
your care for her and your concern, is there some threat I don’t know about?

Danet climbed up onto the bed to rearrange what was left of
her dinner.
No. It isn’t a threat that worries me. It’s the burden that your
mother carries.

How so?

I’ve always known she had a lot of responsibilities. I’ve
helped with some of them through the years. But this is a load she has never
faced before. One of her children is facing an unknown illness, something she
has absolutely no control over. It has been my experience that no matter how
old someone’s child becomes, parents never quit worrying. Most would gladly
take their child’s place instead of watching them suffer. In many ways, an
illness or injury is as hard on the parent as it is on the patient. Add to it
that her husband has died, so the one person she could always turn to for
comfort and strength is gone. With the daily stress of running a royal
household, I don’t know how much more she can take.

Ceros fell silent. Finally he said,
You are right.

I don’t mean to worry you but I can’t help but be concerned.

You are a genuinely caring person. I find that
refreshing.

Thank you, but I fear it will get me into trouble one
day.

Not if you have someone watching your back.

Danet chuckled.
That would have to be a very energetic
someone to keep up with my schedule.

Perhaps.

Danet picked up the bowl from the tray.
Do you want any
more of the broth?

Not if I have any say about it.

I’d like to get a little more of something in. How about
some water?

Since wine is obviously not an option, then I suppose it would
be better than that foul-tasting liquid Darius ordered.

As she spooned in the drops of water, she noticed the sheet
flutter over his feet.
Did you move your toes?

Not intentionally, no, but things are not working the way
I’d like them to right now.

Probably not. I think they twitched some more.

I’m taking it as a good thing since nothing hurts when
they do.

I agree.

She set the bowl on the tray then scooted off the bed.

Where are you going?
Ceros asked.

I’m getting the tray off the bed so I have room to work.

What are you planning to work on?
he asked with
reservation.

In a word, you.
She set the tray on a table near the
hallway but kept the bowl of fruit for later.
I need to finish working the
muscles in your upper body. Most particularly your back.

If you mean to do what you were doing to my legs, then I
have no objections.

I’m not sure how I’m going to accomplish it though.

She set the fruit on the desk then rummaged around in her
basket of supplies for the oil and a linen cloth.

What do you mean? Don’t you just need to run your magic
fingers over all the places you think need it?

She snorted.
Magic fingers?
She poured some oil into
a small bowl.

They feel like it when you’re doing whatever it is that
you do.

Have you never had someone rub you down after your
training sessions?

Er… Not in this manner, no.

She stopped at the edge of the bed and looked down at the
prince.
What other manner is there then?

As part of the, er…recreational activities provided by
specially trained ladies.