Page 24 of Desperately Yours

“Lady Sadira is inside, but she’s getting ready for bed. I don’tthink this is the best time to—”

“Dahlia,” Sadie’s voice called her off. Fingers caught the edge of the door and pulled it back revealing Sadie in the dress she wore to the banquet. “Michaela, I know you’re angry, but I didn’t agree with anything Esmerey said to you. I should have stopped her but I—”

“I’m not here about that.” That verbal assault after dinner paled in comparison to what Fitz was facing. “Can we talk?” I dropped my volume. “Alone?”

Sadie gave a quick nod before she motioned for Dahlia to leave us. A second later, she stepped into the hall with me, arms folded across her chest, either cold or defensive. “What’s going on? It’s close to midnight.”

I wanted to point out that she was still in her dress despite that fact, but being petty would have to wait for another day.

“The king is sick.” She shot me a look that conveyed just how stupid she thought I was, but I pressed on despite that. “I mean, we’re down to the last moments here. The doctors say he’ll be gone by morning.”

Her brow furrowed as she whispered something under her breath then pressed a kiss to her third knuckle. “We knew this time was coming. Time for mourning and reflection to be sure.” Her lips parted as if something had just occurred to her. “Are you here to try to be sure the prince chooses you? Buy me off? Find some scandal from my life that would disqualify me? I’ve heard things about Americans, but surely you wouldn’t stoop so low as to—”

“No,” I cut her off, “on the contrary, I need your help.”

She glanced down the empty hall on either side, shadows thick and looming. “My help? What on earth can I possibly—”

“Your broth. The soup.” I pressed my palms together like a prayer. “Please, I don’t know what you put in it, but it workedmiracles for me and I’m hoping that you could do the same for the king.”

Her mouth dropped open, paired with a horrified look in her eyes to match. “I have no right to do such a thing. I would be put to death if I dared suggest I was worthy to feed His Majesty.”

“Please, Sadie. You’re all Fitz has left. You’re my last hope that he won’t be made king tonight.”

Realization sunk in. “You’re still optimistic he’ll find a way around the law, aren’t you? But if it happens tonight, then you’re out, yes?”

“It’s more than that.” I closed my eyes, knowing she could probably see right through me. “But yes, that is part of it.” I opened my eyes and made my request again. “I don’t understand this country most of the time, but I know you can heal people. Please, try.”

Her mouth tightened to a scowl. “First, answer me something.” She waited for me to nod. “How long have you really known him? What’s this game you’re playing?”

“There’s no game,” I assured her. “Fitz and I have known each other since we were teens. He’s been my best friend for years. I was supposed to be here undercover to help him choose his next wife.”

Sadie’s scrutiny increased. “But you fell in love with him?”

No longer able to meet her stare, I looked away. “Yes.”

“And you realize that if I do this, you’re risking losing him to me?”

I clenched my teeth once. “Yes.”

Sadie waited a moment. Maybe she was thinking about her answer. Maybe she was trying to think of one more question to ask in my vulnerable time of need. Finally, she spoke, “And you’re still asking me to do this? Why?”

My mind went back to only a few minutes ago and Fitz’s invitation to run away with him. Sadie was right. I stood to lose everything, and yet I came to her. Why?

“Because sometimes,” I felt the loss down to my bones, “life isn’t about what you can get, but about what you can do.” I squared my shoulders. “I’m doing it because it’s the right thing to do.”

She watched me carefully. Her once mousy features no longer looked weak or timid. This process had grown her into a worthy opponent. One who wasn’t about to give up without a fight.

“I’ll do what you ask—”

“Thank you, Sadie. I really appreci—”

“For a price,” she didn’t let me finish. I stared, shocked that she would put stipulations on a man’s life. But I knew better than to put up a fight. If she was willing, then I could agree to her terms.

Satisfied I wouldn’t object, she laid it out for me. “This was my idea. I brought it to you. Not the other way around.”

My heart sank. From Fitz’s side, it would look like I’d deserted him in his weakest hour. At the very moment he asked me to run away with him, I fled. “Surely, I can at least tell the prince?”

“No.” She wasted no time. “If you want my help, he must believe this was my benevolence, not yours. All credit will come to me.”

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