Page 108 of City of Snakes
He wasn’t even letting his parents see him.My heart clenched, and my eyes snapped shut for a moment as I tried to settle the dizziness.
“Is Haward still advising him, and is he still allied with Bringham?”
Asterie nodded before she patted my hand. “Put that out of your mind for now. You need to rest—get strong for us. I brought more remedies from Luz.”
“How did you know I was ill?”
“King Darvanda came to us after visiting Emmerick. How long have you struggled with these spells?”
There was no use hiding from my all-knowing-owl friend; she would root out my truths one way or another.
I squeezed her hand. “I’ve always struggled with pain and inflammation. It began in childhood and worsened through my teen years. The healers…no one has ever been able to determine what it is exactly. I’ve been told my body doesn’t ward off illness the way others’ do. So, I’ve taken to ways of keeping the swelling and pain at bay. I’m fine—really. I just sometimes need a bit longer to get back on my feet.”
Asterie’s posture slackened as I revealed one of my most closely kept secrets to her.
“I’ve written to Healer Mortag’s family home in the South Corridor, asking him to send back instructions on how to make the usual tonics you take.” Asterie rubbed the ink where Van rested on her forearm. “You aresureyou are safe here?”
I nodded. Surprisingly, there was no place I felt safer than under the surly King’s roof despite the truth he’d withheld, despite logic begging me to find more reasons to distrust him.
Asterie licked her lower lip, thinking,“I shouldn’t worry her now.”
“My friend...I amalreadyworried that you are keeping things from me.”
Asterie sighed and said, “Fine...King Sheffield is missing.” Her unease leaked out of her. “He went for a morning ride along the beaches and never returned.”
I balked and tried to get up, but Asterie’s hand settled on my shoulder, pushing me back down.
“You have torest. Let Fenris and I worry about this for now. Trust us to handle matters and keep you apprised.”
The South Corridor King was missing, and she wanted me to sit back and relax. With a huff, I let myself collapse against the pillows. I winced. My head throbbed, and I realized, much to my disappointment, that she was right. I’d be useless if I did not let myself regain strength. Being run down and incapable of holding my own head up wouldn’t do anyone any good.
“What have we heard from the Nadiars? Are they safe?”
Asterie smoothed the sheets at her side and said, “Yes, they have increased their flying guard at the East Palace. They are still steadfast supporters of Luz and your rule. Withor withoutthis betrothal. Sybilla, are you certain about this?”
“What better prospects do I have? Haward will come storming in for my head soon. And…there are other complications with ending the arrangement.” I still didn’t understand how I was supposed to wrap my mind around the prophecy—around Isolde’s wishes. Old hag, haunting me with a maternal expectation that was both alluring and terrifying.
“All I beg you to consider is that there are other ways we can remain allies with Sahlmsara—I need to understand that you know that.”
I sighed. “Not everyone finds their soulmate. Not everyone marries for love. You and Fen are a storybook example of something many of us will never find. I have a duty to the people I’ve sworn to protect...So yes. I’ll marry for political gain. I have very good reason to believe the King of the Sahlms will not harm me.”
My friend’s gaze narrowed. “If that is what you wish.”
It was what I wished for. Oddly enough.
“Let’s talk about how to address the troops on the borders of the East and Central Corridors.”
Asterie shook her head. “Absolutely not.Rest.Cassidee is working closely with the Nadiars. She has deep expertise with the East Corridor fleets, and the Nadiars respect her. You drink that.” She pointed to the bluebell vine tea.
My heart sang. She’d brought my favorite—I could kiss her. “Yes, ma’am.”
She rolled her eyes, but a hint of a smile cracked through her usual stone facade. “We’ll come to you if anything changes. No war has been declared. You have one of the strongest Constables looking after Luz. Restore your health. Think not of any of this until we meet again.”
“What else would I think about?”
I sipped my tea; it didn’t taste as full-bodied as I remembered. My illness must have taken my sense of taste.
My friend’s brow rose, and I could feel her bubbling amusement. “You’ll think of something,” she answered, crossing the room to the door. “Maybe plan your veryrealwedding? Maybe set a date?” Her tone was dry, but I knew she spoke in jest.
