Page 96 of Court of Secrets and Flames

She has nothing to worry about from the soldier who quite likely saved my life last night.

“Close to something.” His jaw clenches. “I was able to track the pastries to a new potboy who has only worked a few days. He has been missing since the incident.”

“A spy…from Aclaris?” I try to keep my words as short as possible.

“Possibly.” Blair’s eyes sharpen like knives. “We need proof.”

My laugh comes out as a cough. “Strawberries. They’ve always been my favorite. Now, they’re tainted. Someone will pay for this.” The words burn their way up my parched throat.

“Indeed.” He picks up a glass and the pitcher of water. When I focus on it, I can see the cold form and turn the drink into slush. “Sip this. And rest. The cold will help with the fever.”

Mother holds the glass while I sip. Blessed relief traces down my throat, the half-frozen water numbing the pain. Blair glances at my mother, giving her a tiny nod before backing away.

She watches him for a moment until he’s on the other side of the curtain. “Well, at least he’s good for something. Would do him well running a tavern.” She continues to grumble as she adjusts my blankets lower again.

A flash of color catches my eye, and I spot a huge bouquet of pink, yellow, and white roses. “Pretty flowers. Are they from you?”

“No. The king. I heard you got sick while dining with him, so I’m guessing he feels guilty.”

Not guilty enough. Though, I suppose that’s not entirely fair. After all, he’s not the one who poisoned me.

I close my eyes, allowing the tiny bit of comfort to lull me back toward uneasy slumber. The strawberries of death will notbe my end. Not today. A sudden chill touches my forehead, and I pry my eyes open to spot my mother rolling the frigid cup over my skin.

It takes all my strength, but I think I manage to smile at her before sleep takes me again.

Moments later, I’m pulled from my slumber as the door creaks open.

“Look who we brought.” Leesa sings out, though concern underscores her attempt to lighten the mood.

“Leesa, quiet. This is a sick room. Your sister was trying to sleep.”

“Sorry, Mother.” I can’t see her over the pile of blankets stacked around me, but I don’t miss the guilt in her voice. Sitting upright is too much of a struggle, and after a few fruitless attempts, I give up.

The guy who was with my sister in the archives, Bastian sidles over, pulling the curtain open. I honestly have no idea what Leesa was thinking, bringing someone who’s a virtual stranger to me for a visit, but I’m too exhausted to argue.

At least he’s quiet. And oddly enough, the concern on his face appears real.

Blair steps up beside him. “How are you feeling? I have to say, you look a thousand times better than you did last night.” Despite his jovial tone, he keeps his voice low.

“Thank you. I’m getting there.” I let out a breathy laugh, then gasp as my stomach clenches in protest. Needles, only slightly dulled, scrape at my insides again.

“Careful now.” Leesa strokes my hair as the maid enters with a tray.

The steam from the tea wafts toward me, carrying the sharp, familiar scent of medicinal herbs.

“Healer’s orders.” She sets the tray with the cup next to me. “It’s been an hour already.”

The tea scalds my sore throat as I swallow, the herbs leaving a bitter taste in my mouth. I set the cup down with a shaky hand and lean back against the newly fluffed pillows, relishing their cool comfort.

“I don’t think I can talk much.” The effort of speech grates like sandpaper.

“Don’t push yourself on our account. You just need to rest and heal.” Leesa keeps her voice gentle, her brows knitted with worry over an armful of pillows she’s holding.

The maid scoops up the tray and empty cup. “I’ll be back in one hour.”

“I’m going to make myself comfortable on your couch. Get some rest.” Blair dips his head, first to me, then to my mother, before stepping away.

I like that Mother approves of the friendly soldier since my own affection toward him keeps growing as well.

---