Page 26 of The Curse Between Us

“You care for him,” Alec said at last, his voice quieter, laced with something like realization. “Truly.”

There was another pause, heavy and telling.

“Yes,” Edric admitted, the word almost a breath.

Alec sighed, the sound weary and resigned. “Very well. Tend to him yourself. But promise me, Edric. If he gets worse—”

“I am just as invested in his well-being as you are,” Edric interrupted, voice like flint. “And for far better reasons.”

Zephyr winced, guilt gnawing at him. He didn’t blame Alec for considering the bigger picture — that was his role, after all — but Edric’s bitterness cut deep. The last thing Zephyr wanted was to become a wedge between them.

“I am sorry,” Alec said, quieter still. “For suggesting that he was nothing but a tool. I did not—”

“It’s alright,” Edric sighed, the fight draining from him like water from a cracked vessel. “This is how you’ve been raised to think. How you’ve needed to think, to bring us to this point. We are all still adjusting to the idea of peace. I know how important this is to you.”

Zephyr finally managed to clear his throat, the small, rasping sound shattering the quiet like a dropped glass. Footsteps rushed to his side, and Edric appeared, Alec lingering a few paces behind.

“Good morning,” Edric greeted, his eyes softening as he leaned over Zephyr. “How are you feeling?”

Zephyr gestured weakly to the cup on the table, and Edric swiftly brought it to his lips. The water was cool, soothing the rawness in his throat. After a long drink, he croaked, “Less thirsty now.”

A smile ghosted across Edric’s face, but Zephyr’s gaze shifted past him to meet Alec’s. Alec’s eyes, sharp and assessing, lingered on Zephyr’s face. Zephyr gave him a small, deliberate nod. Alec stiffened, mouth tightening, before he returned the nod. They would speak, Zephyr knew. When he was well enough. And it would not be an easy conversation.

“Is there anything you need?” Edric asked, setting the cup aside. His hand hovered, flexing as though he longed to touch Zephyr but didn’t dare.

“Yes.” Zephyr mustered a wry smile. “I need you to rest.”

Edric opened his mouth to protest, but Zephyr lifted a hand, weak but insistent. “And to bathe.”

Color rose to Edric’s cheeks, and Alec, behind him, failed to hide an amused smirk.

“But who will watch over you?” Edric asked, glancing down at his gloved hands.

“I can,” Alec offered, but Zephyr shook his head slightly. The danger of touch was too great a risk.

“You have a kingdom to run,” Zephyr rasped. “While Edric and I are otherwise occupied.”

Alec inclined his head, respect flickering in his eyes.

“Victor can stand guard,” Edric suggested, voice reluctant.

Zephyr nodded. Victor knew the truth. He could be trusted.

Edric turned to Alec. “Will you send for him?”

Alec nodded, already stepping away. “Rest, both of you. You are needed.”

Once Alec left, silence settled. Without the buffer of Alec’s presence, Zephyr’s mind returned to the conversation he’d overheard. To Edric’s confession.

“You should sleep,” Edric murmured, fussing with the sheets.

Zephyr caught his wrist, fingers weak but steady. “Thank you,” he whispered, words heavy with meaning.

Edric swallowed, squeezing Zephyr’s hand gently. “Get better,” he whispered. “Please.”

Zephyr, already succumbing to sleep, held that plea close as he drifted into dreams.

???

---