Chapter 29
The maids' whispers dissolved into silence. I remained concealed a moment longer, still as stone. Only when I was certain the corridor had stilled did I step out from behind the hedge. My steps carried me through the hall until I spotted a maid.
"Pardon me," I said, stepping in her path. "Might you direct me to Nerissea's chamber?"
She gave a nod and led me along the corridor. We halted before a set of elegant double doors. I knew this hallway. My own guest chamber was nearby.
"This is Nerissea's chamber," the maid said kindly.
She lifted her hand, intending to open the door but I reached out, catching her wrist before thinking better of it. I let go at once, flustered.
"Forgive me," I said. "I would be most grateful to have a moment alone before entering. Thank you for your kindness in escorting me. I can manage from here."
She gave a bow and departed.
I turned my gaze to the door, my thoughts unsettled. It was clear to me that she had suffered cruelty at the hands of the palace staff, and Her Majesty knew nothing of it. I wished to speak on Nerissea's behalf, for such cruelty was most unkind, but I could not act without her leave. Perhaps she had reason for her silence. I must first know her heart.
I took a slow breath and raised my hand to knock. There came no answer. I tried again. Still nothing. A third time, and a fourth. All remained quiet within.
A cold unease crept into me. My heart began to quicken in that familiar way it always did when worry seized me. What if something had happened to her?
I opened the door, praying I was simply imagining things. The chamber within was as grand as my own guest room. Seated on a chair beside the great bed was the same physician who had tended to her the day before, fast asleep.
I moved to the great bed. Unlike the chill of the study, her chamber was pleasantly warm, the hearth softly aglow with amber light.
Nerissea lay upon her back, her face turned toward the doorway, toward me. I gazed down at Nerissea and felt something gentle stir in me. Her long and petal-pink lashes looked so delicate, like butterfly wings at rest.
Her eyes fluttered open and they met mine.
She smiled, just barely. "Good morning," she mouthed.
"Good morning," I mouthed in return, feeling warmth fill my chest at the sight of color returned to her cheeks.
I knelt beside the bed and without thinking, reached toward her silken hair. They were unimaginably soft.
"How are you feeling?" I whispered.
"Great."
"Liar." I had been in her place once before, and I knew well it would take more than a single night to feel anything close to "great."
She stifled a small laugh and I smiled in turn. Anything was better than that pained, faraway smile. If I could make her laugh, even a little, then perhaps I was doing something right.
"Lady Naevia," came a voice. I turned just in time to see the physician rise swiftly and offer me a bow.
I leapt to my feet, terribly ashamed for having disturbed her rest. I moved at once to urge her upright, for it was I who had entered without invitation. But in my haste I caught the edge of my heel and tumbled gracelessly forward, crashing into her and sending us both to the floor.
"Ehn!" she exclaimed as we landed.
Soft laughter spilled from the bed. I looked up and found Nerissea smiling. Her teeth peeked through as her eyes curved like crescent moons. The sight filled me with gladness.
The physician laughed too, a merry sound. "Oh, Lady Naevia, if it is an embrace you sought, you need only ask," she teased, helping me rise. "Though I must say, I had no notion you favored married women in their fifties."
My cheeks burned. I turned away from Nerissea's amused gaze. "You jest," I murmured, scarcely able to meet her eyes.
When their laughter faded, the physician dipped her head once more.
"Permit me to offer a proper introduction, as it seems you and my patient shall be spending some time together. I am Dr. Aenira Dunwren. Nerissea calls me simply Aenira, and you may do the same. I am her personal physician."
Personal physician? For a slave? Such a thing was unheard of. And yet, here it was. For a fleeting moment, my heart stirred with awe… then just as swiftly, it sank. Of course Her Majesty would see to Nerissea's well-being. Nerissea was the key to securing her crown.
It was a most unsettling feeling.
I buried the feeling and inclined my head politely toward Aenira, masking all else with an awkward smile. "It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance."
"The pleasure is mine," she replied.
"Um..." I faltered for a moment. "Might I inquire as to Nerissea's condition? Is she in good health?"
"She had a slight fever in the night," Aenira answered, stepping closer to Nerissea and laying her hand upon her brow. "But it has passed. How are you feeling, my sweet?"
"Great," Nerissea murmured with a faint smile.
A lie.
"You ought to rest now," Nerissea said softly. "Thank you, Aenira."
"I shall return at noon to see how you fare," Aenira said with a sigh. She offered me a final courteous nod before taking her leave.
I drew nearer to Nerissea and seated myself at the edge of her bed. "You must cease telling such fibs," I chided gently.
"But I do feel quite well," she replied, the same faint smile gracing her lips.
I slipped a hand beneath the covers and took hers in mine. "Nerissea… I overheard some maids speaking most unkindly of you."
Her expression did not change. "It is quite alright."
"I… heard they added soil to your soup… does such a thing occur often?"
"Only when Her Majesty is away. Do not trouble yourself. It is quite alright."
"No. It is not. Why have you not told Her Majesty? They treat you cruelly. If you find it difficult to speak of it, I can tell her myself."
"Lady Naevia, what do you imagine will happen if I report it?"
"Surely Her Majesty will act. She will not allow such behavior."
"And what if something happens again, and Her Majesty is not present?"
I hesitated. "Then… speak to her when she returns."
"What if it is too late by then?"
"What do you mean?"
"Do you remember when Viscount Thornleigh's men barred our path?"
"I do."
"Her Majesty was not there."
I furrowed my brow, uncertain what she meant to reveal.
"We cannot always depend upon another to come," she said. "If I had not spoken up that day, we may have suffered greatly."
I felt the warmth rise in my cheeks. She was right. I had never truly considered it from that angle.
"Once one begins to rely too greatly upon another, it becomes difficult to stand alone. And so," her gaze drifted away from mine, "I must remain able to stand."
"Nerissea, it is alright to seek help when the situation permits."
She turned back to me. "I thank you for your kindness. But I do not need saving."
Simple words, yet it struck me deeply. Nerissea was strong. I lowered my eyes. Had I been in her place, I could not say I would endure as she had.
A smile found its way to my lips. "I admire you, truly," I said, and meant every word.
The door gave a soft click as it opened, and we both turned our gaze toward it. My heart leapt at once, for my beloved stepped in playfully.
"Your Majesty," I called, already hurrying toward her.
"What a pleasant surprise to find you here, Naevia," she said, casting me a look full of mischief as she passed by and seated herself where I had just been. I followed closely and stood beside her. I wished more than anything to hold her. It was difficult to restrain myself.
"Naevia, do you recall saying you were content with me taking other women?" She leaned toward Nerissea. "Good morning, my little fuckpet," she murmured. Her golden eyes held mine as she pressed her lips to Nerissea's. Nerissea glanced at me, then closed her eyes as my queen slid her tongue past her lips.