Page 155 of The Fifth Life of Alicia
“Kalon—”
“Father, Allie is my fiancée, and Rina is one of my knights. Hayes will be investigating regardless of what you say.”
He pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed, holding his hand out in the direction of his knight. “Chester, you and Sir Hayes will both take lead of the investigation. Go now.”
Sir Chester bowed. “Yes, sire.”
I ran my fingers through my hair, dropping my head down. “What was she even doing there? High Priest, do you know when Rina will wake up?”
“I’m awake,” Rina groaned.
I jolted to my feet. “Rina. How are you?”
“I can’t feel my arm, Your Highness.”
“It was paralysed by the wraithhusk. Your injuries have already been healed, and you’ll be fine when we obtain the antidote.”
“That bastard.” She rubbed her eyes with her left hand. “Other than that, I’m fine. Is my lady safe?”
“Try not to move, Dame.” High Priest Dhaesis rushed over to her and held out his hands. A golden light emanated from them, and he nodded. “The poison is contained within her right arm, but I’m unable to dispel it. The Magic Tower will need to provide the antidote.”
Aerwyna cleared her throat. “Duke Trelawney, if you’re willing, my mages can assist. We have many of the herbs needed to combat it with us.”
He paused for a moment, then nodded. “I would appreciate it, Lady Aerwyna. I daresay your mages are far more used to creating the antidote than mine are.”
“Thank you, Your Grace.” She turned to me. “With Your Highness’ permission, I will retrieve two of my mages from the security checks and go with the duke.”
I glanced at my father who nodded his assent. “Very well. Return to the Imperial Villas. High Priest, assist Rina and go with them.”
“I should stay with Lady Alicia, Your Highness,” he argued.
“Why? You cannot treat her. It makes no difference if you stay or not.”
“What’s wrong with my lady?” Rina tried to sit up and failed, collapsing back onto the table instead.
“Rina, go with High Priest Dhaesis,” I ordered, pressing my fingers against my forehead. “I want a full report of what happened when your arm is treated.”
“But I—”
“That’s an order, Dame Draper.”
“Yes, sir.”
Nobody said anything as they exited the tent, leaving only me, Allie, and my father behind.
“I’m surprised the marquess hasn’t come to check on her,” Father said, taking a seat in one of the other chairs, undoing his cape.
“I’m not. Allie is under the impression he sold her off to me, and she suffered greatly at the hands of the marchioness and her sister. They don’t have the greatest of relationships.”
“Hmm. I’m disappointed.” He stroked his chin. “We’ll move her back to the villa when everyone else has left. Those nobles have enough to chatter about without seeing her like this.”
I nodded slowly, turning my attention down to her. She still had no colour in her cheeks, but she really did look like she was sleeping. The High Priest wouldn’t have made an incorrect assessment of her injuries, so where did that blood on her dress come from?
“She’ll be all right, son.”
I looked over at my father. He smiled warmly, but it couldn’t hide the worry in his eyes.
“It doesn’t matter if she’s all right or not, not for the person who did this,” I replied, sliding off the chair and kneeling next to her. I linked my fingers through hers and kissed her knuckles. “Father, when we find out who’s responsible for this, their life belongs to me.”
