Page 63 of Blooms of Darkness

“I know. Still, try to feel better before planning out more missions, yes?” He poked at my side as Elisabeth opened the door.

She took one look at me and dragged me into her room.

“See you after teatime,” Ian said.

Elisabeth didn’t ask a single question. She hurried around her room, pulling out one of the tattered chairs for me at the small table near the fireplace. I’d spent so much of my life at this table talking to her, the familiarity had me settled before I even had to explain why I was here.

“I’m sorry to bother you so early,” I said.

“Hush now this instant. What happened, sweet girl? What is it?” She sat beside me, taking my hands in hers.

“My scar is hurting despite the salve. I was hoping I could ask for more, and perhaps something stronger for the pain today.” I rubbed my hands together anxiously. I hated admitting I couldn’t handle the pain.

Elisabeth’s eyes hardened. “Of course. Of course, I have just the thing.”

She rose, moving to the cupboards stacked upon cupboards, filled with all of her supplies. She pulled out a few items and a mixing bowl, and I immediately recognized the salve ingredients. Once combined, she let it sit and reached up toward the middle of the cupboards, removing a small vial. Its brown container held a black stopper on top, which she removed, then tapped twice before dipping into its contents.

She walked back to me. “Head back, tongue out.”

I obeyed and she released three droplets of the liquid on my tongue. It had a tart flavor and I reacted as I would if I’d sucked on a lemon.

“That’s for the pain.”

Absentmindedly, I massaged my ribs through my robe.

Elisabeth busied herself, putting the ingredients away and warming her black kettle over the small fire blazing in her hearth. Elisabeth had a fire burning every morning, even deep in the summer months. It was another constant in my life that soothed my soul.

She let me sit, observing in silence. Inside the walls of Elisabeth’s room seemed more like home than almost any other place inside the massive palace.

I smiled watching her work, remembering sitting in the chair as a child doing the exact same thing.

“Did you think when I pestered you as a young Fae, with a million questions about healing, you’d be watching the marriage trials play out years later?” I asked.

She snorted. “I didn’t think you’d ever get married. At least not until some ruggedly handsome man came riding through the gates on a white steed, claiming to be your mate.”

I laughed at the thought. If only love were so easy. Ian had been right about one thing—mates were myths, legends, and wishing my life away for mine was pointless. As sacred as the blessing would be.

“I suppose I always did hold onto silly notions of love.”

Elisabeth stood before me, brushing back my wild, morning hair. “I never said that, child.” She frowned, jumping when the kettle whistled.

Fussing with teacups and sugar, she finally returned and sat down across from me. “Love is a gift, whether it’s a true love match, or a love grown from respect. Love blossoming from friendship is written of nearly as much as the romantic notion of true love, or even the myth of mates.”

“I’m guessing it means you’re rooting for Ian in the trials.” I eyed her over the gold rim of my rose teacup.

Elisabeth chuckled. “I haven’t seen enough of the rest of them to make any sort of informed decision. But.” Shepaused slightly. “You and Ian have loved each other through circumstances no children should have faced. There is nothing stronger than the kind of bond you share. Whether he wins and your friendship develops into romantic love or not, you know no matter what, he will always be by your side. His winning wouldn't be the most devastating outcome.”

“You sound just like him, you know. But what of his sacrifice? What of him finding his own love?”

“If he’s decided this is what he wants, let him do it. It’s not your choice, it’s his. Who are you to say how or whom someone shall love?”

I fidgeted in my chair. I’d never even considered him entering. He’d made his decision on his own. His choice. “I don’t like how logical you two are.”

She laughed again. “You never did. Now, onto more serious matters. You’re not sleeping well.”

I could hide what happened from her, but it wouldn’t help in the long run. “The draught isn’t working as well. For some reason, the nightmares have been worse and more frequent these past few weeks.”

She pursed her lips. “I can increase the dose of some of the ingredients, but it would leave you vulnerable in your sleep. Meaning, it would be harder to wake you should something happen. With Ian not by your side, I’m not sure now is the time to take the chance. Especially with so many rakes running about.”

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