Page 68 of The Golden Princess

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“So his wares were stolen!” Ali said, as if that had been the most confusing part of the matter.

I was too busy looking at Rowan’s leaking wound to answer. “What’s been done for him?” I asked Yara. “How bad is it?”

“One of my girls has run for the apothecary,” Yara said. “But his shop may already be shut.”

“He needs the palace doctor,” Rek said. “And quickly. He was injured in service to the kingdom, and I shall ensure he receives proper care.”

“Th…Thank you, Your Highness,” Yara stammered, for once overawed into near silence.

“How do we get him there?” I asked, relieved at Rek’s words.

“Samuel, Benjamin.” Rek signaled the two guards. “I’ll mount first, and the two of you can hoist him up to me. I can keep him upright as far as the palace.”

As they both pushed forward to join us, Rek looked down at Rowan. “Did you see where he went? Did anyone?”

Rowan grimaced. “I’m afraid not, Your Highness. I went down hard, and he was out the gate quick as anything.”

Rek’s mouth tightened for a moment, but he didn’t ask further questions. The crowd had drawn back, giving us room, so he was able to remount without trouble, holding himself ready to receive Rowan.

The groom didn’t complain during the process of lifting him, but from the tightening of his mouth I could tell he was in pain. I turned to Yara.

“Don’t worry. I’ll take good care of him.”

She nodded, hand over her mouth and eyes wet.

I turned to Mariam and Ali next. “Keep that gate locked and the guards on alert.” I lowered my voice. “And guard your tongues.”

Neither of them protested at one of their servants giving them orders, so I started toward my own mount, only to stop and turn back.

“I assume Navid isn’t here because he still hasn’t returned from his day’s outing? Do either of you know where he is?”

Both of them shook their heads, and for the first time it occurred to me to feel fear for my absent friend. What had happened to him?

But I couldn’t stop to worry about that now. Rowan needed our urgent care, and I couldn’t keep him waiting.

We rode back with no prisoner, just a gravely injured friend, and I couldn’t have felt more opposite to my previous hopeful attitude. Once again, the streets stretched before us, seeming to lengthen as we traveled.

Rek had to ride carefully to keep Rowan steady and to not unsettle his horse who was high tempered and unused to carrying two. But I noticed Rowan’s lips moving, despite his closed eyes, and guessed he was murmuring to the stallion.

His efforts must have worked because the horse gave him a smooth ride, following in the wake of Samuel who had shot ahead at a near gallop, riding far faster than was ideal in city streets.

But thanks to his faster pace, by the time we reached the palace, they were expecting us. Two doctors waited in the courtyard, accompanied by several servants bearing a stretcher. They carried Rowan away while I was still dismounting, but I would have caught up to them if Rek hadn’t grabbed my arm.

“You stay with your friend,” he said. “I know that’s what you want. But I have to check in with Jerome and find out what’s happening with the prisoners. I’ll come and find you afterward.”

I nodded and rushed off, having to run to keep the stretcher in sight. But after I’d successfully followed them through the palace, the doctor barred me at his door.

“You’ll need to wait out here.” He pointed at a bench on the opposite wall. “After I’ve treated him, I’ll give you an update on his condition.”

Reluctantly I nodded and took the indicated seat. I was soon on my feet again, though, pacing the corridor. I strained my mind, trying to think what I could have done differently to protect Rowan but also capture Esai. I came up with nothing.

“Zaria?” Adara’s voice made me stop. She ran down the hallway and threw her arms around me. “Rek just told me…I can’t believe it…You really weren’t hurt?”

“Not me, but my friend.” I pointed at the closed door. “Your doctor is treating him now. I don’t know if he’ll…”

“Oh no!” Adara’s ready sympathy made her eyes well up, although she didn’t know Rowan. “Father’s doctors are the best in the kingdom. If anyone can help, it’s them.”

I smiled my thanks, grateful she hadn’t given false reassurances that everything would be all right.


Tags: Melanie Cellier Fantasy