Page 101 of Jailer to the Death God
“Forgive us, your Majesty,” says the innkeeper’s wife, twisting her fingers together. “But we love our inn. It has been in the family for generations, and we would like to remain there. I fear the pressures of being a royal healer would be too much for our son at this young age.”
“I understand,” Vale says. “I would never uproot your family if that isn’t what you want. Please know that this invitation will remain open.”
When the family leaves her chambers, she looks at me. “You’re very gloomy, standing there with your arms crossed. What’s wrong?”
“I am thinking,” I tell her.
Her eyes twinkle. “It looks dreadfully unpleasant.”
“I am going to send out a decree, for every healer who may be living in hiding, and offer them the same mark I gave to the boy and to Tilda,” I tell her. “The healers may not be able to purge someone entirely from plague, but as long as their lives are safeguarded, they can help mitigate the symptoms until I can reach those who are sick.”
She nods thoughtfully. “It’s a good plan. But between that, and the tending of the plague victims, and the life-light in the greenhouses, when will you rest?”
I cock an eyebrow at her. “This from the woman who has scheduled every spare moment of my days since she summoned me?”
She wrinkles her nose adorably and gives me a sheepish grin. “Fair point, Lord Consort.”
“I will rest when it is done,” I tell her. I’m about to speak further of my idea, but Tilda and Hessie enter the room. Tilda is a little pale, but otherwise well. Hessie is rosy with excitement.
“I told everyone in the kitchens that I knew about Lord Arawn all along,” she bursts out. “I told them how you turned me into a cat.” She’s beaming with so much pride I can’t help a half-smile, which only makes her blush more.
“We’re here to dress you for the public forum, Your Majesty,” says Tilda. “The Chief Manager says the courtyard is already packed full of people.”
“Very well.” Vale swings her legs out of bed and stands upright. She wobbles a little, but then she finds her footing.
The sight of her alive and standing shears through my heart. Sweet pain swells in my chest, tightening my throat. I stride out of the room, pressing my thumb and forefinger to the bridge of my nose. I kick the door between the Queen’s room and the parlor, and it swings nearly shut, giving me a little privacy.
Tears are pooling in my eyes, beading hot on my lashes.
I almost lost her.
She was nearly gone.
If I had arrived a few minutes later…
I sink onto one of the sofas in the parlor, weeping silently and listening to the melody of her voice as she speaks with her maids about what she should wear and how her hair should be done.
Blinded by my tears of relief, I almost don’t notice the change in the air—the breath of a new scent, heady and floral.
My head snaps up, my cheeks still wet.
My sister Beirgid, goddess of fertility, stands before me, her long pink hair flowing down to her feet, partly concealing her pale nude form. Beside her stands Aine, goddess of youth, beauty, and love. Her yellow gown, like living sunshine, contrasts beautifully with her brown skin and dark hair.
My first thought is that they have come to avenge their sister by killing me, or by slaying Vale. In truth, I’ve been expecting some response from my fellow gods.
I rise, increasing my height and letting my horns and claws emerge. “You will not touch my wife.”
“We haven’t come to harm her,” says Beirgid. “You two were bound in my name, in my temple. Frankly I enjoyed watching the ceremony—and what followed.”
I clear my throat and glance away.
“Oh, come now, brother. You are no longer a virgin. No cause for embarrassment. You know I can see everything that passes in my temples and shrines. You knew I’d be watching.”
“I did not think of it,” I answer, low.
“He’s telling the truth.” Aine steps forward, peering at me. “He thought only of his little mortal love. It’s too sweet, Beirgid. I can’t resist a true romance, you know that.”
“And I can’t resist such all-consuming passion,” says Beirgid. “Especially in one who resisted all intimate entanglements for so long.”
