Page 42 of The Crown’s Temptation

"And," she adds lightly, "the vault of Morrath. It holds some family heirlooms I wish to have. I want you to open it for me."

"I don't know what's in there."

She takes one step toward him. "Does it matter? If it gives you Asharin at the end of it?" She holds his eyes. "Are jewels and trinkets worth more to you than she is, Teorin?"

He exhales.

"Fine," he says.

"Good." She moves to Asharin's bedside and looks down at her. "When she is ready she will begin going to the shoreline. Eravic Vaelor has had the best healers from across the Thronelands deliver various treatments to his ship. One of them is an expert in poisons. He has created a treatment for her while they try to find the antidote. If it doesn’t work, they will try various remedies until they find one that works."

“So she’ll be with Vaelor alone while he gives her an unknown treatment?”

“Yes.”

"I don't like that."

"It is the only way."

"I'll attend."

She pauses. "You cannot attend."

"Then forget it."

"You would risk her life over your own pride?"

"Someone needs to make sure she is safe."

"Eravic Vaelor is as honorable as they come." She looks at him. "Even you know that. And he will not allow a feeder to hover while he works. It is an insult to his character."

She smiles. "Those are my terms."

He looks at her. There is something familiar in her face that he cannot place. He turns it over and finds nothing.

"Have we met before?"

She shrugs. "Maybe."

"Why do you want her as a companion? None of this makes sense."

She changes without warning. The teal bleeds out of her hair, her eyes, and what is left standing in its place is a woman with dark brown hair and softer eyes and a face that is quieter and older and real in a way Dali was not.

"I was her closest confidant when she came to Rathmor Palace," she says.

He stares. Then it hits him. "The servant. Mary. She mentioned you."

"Maridale," she corrects him. Her voice is different now. Lower. More careful.

Something feels off. He cannot name what. But Asharin is lying in that bed and her eyelashes have barely moved in weeks and he wants to see her gold eyes open and looking at him even if what is in them is fury.

He says yes.

The Sea

JUNIS

Two days passed without incident.