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The truth was that since my hand froze, I had felt off, though I put that down to everything that had happened. When Vale mentioned my magic loosening, though, it made more sense.

Beneath my skin, something bubbled softly. If I didn’t pay attention, I could ignore it, and as I’d been paying attention to not harming Vale, he’d sensed it more than me. It showed how in tune with me he was, and that made my stomach sink.

“I didn’t feel it until tonight,” I replied, focusing on his chest and not his eyes, searching for something in me that I couldn’t give him.

“It’s there,” he assured me. “Soon it will be free. I like how it feels—familiar.”

Thankfully, at that moment, Emilia returned with food, bread, and two cold legs of chicken, before leaving again to retrieve clothing. When she got back the second time with an armful of garments, I was halfway done withthe wound. The human came over and examined my work.

“You’re doing well. Only a couple of those stitches are sloppy.”

My face fell.

“Don’t speak to her like that.” Vale glowered at the human before meeting my eyes. “They’ll hold.”

Unlike with garments, I’d been going for functionality, not beauty. Though it felt vain, to be told my work was ugly still struck me, but Vale’s assurances helped.

“I didn’t mean it to be a criticism. Most people take many moons to stitch up a wound so well.” Emilia held up a wrinkled hand, and for the first time, I noticed she trembled, ever so slightly. “I would have offered, but I’m old and my hands aren’t as steady as they once were.”

“It’s fine,” I said. “As long as it closes his wound and doesn’t become infected, I’ll consider this a triumph.”

“And how’s your head, my prince?” Emilia asked.

“Save for the ache, which I’m still blaming on the ale, I feel normal.” Vale pressed his hand against his temple, which was red but not swollen. A good sign.

“The potions are working.” Emilia turned to where she’d set down the plate of food. “Eat while she finishes. If I need to get more, I will.”

He took the plate and did as the slave requested, while Emilia helped me hold the sides of the wound closed and gave occasional pointers.

I wasn’t sure how long it took for me to sew Vale up, but when I finished, I breathed a sigh of relief. “Try for no sudden movements.”

“Until we run,” Vale said.

“I guess so. That’s still the plan?”

The truth was that we had the option to wait out the night back here. No one would find us, and, for as long as we needed, Emilia would bring food. Vale would be able to heal fully. We could wait until Duran had the Liar’s Salvation ready. Perhaps even send Emilia to get it.

“I think it would be best for you to leave Avaldenn,” Vale said. “Once you’re safe, I can send a message to the castle for them to hunt down the vampires, but I have little hope of them being found.”

“They’re that good?”

“The Red Assassins are among the best of their trade in Isila.” Vale let loose an exhale. “With their stealth, great speed, and strength, vampires are the perfect assassins.”

I swallowed. “I heard there are more.”

“I think you should go too, Princess Neve,” Emilia said softly, which earned her a glare from Vale.

“And how exactly is it that you two know one another?” he asked.

Despite Emilia saving us and supplying everything I needed to help Vale, he didn’t trust her. I supposed the fact that she could access this part of the castle was enough for him to remain suspicious.

“I met her back here after Rhistel came looking for me in the suite,” I lied, not wanting him to put the pieces together that Emilia might be related to the change in my attitude toward him.

“Why didn’t you tell me?” he asked.

Internally, I cringed. I should have seen that onecoming. I’d told him about the diary, about how the queen suspected his mother and Lord Riis of being in a relationship—why would I leave Emilia out?

“I asked her not to,” Emilia piped up. “You’ll understand that it doesn’t look good for a slave to have access to this part of the palace, does it, my prince?” She eyed him. “Even if I’ve done nothing but serve House Aaberg for turns, it casts suspicion on me even if I’ve done nothing wrong.”