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With the help of the others, baskets of the herbs were gathered and stacked on the stoop of the cottage.

“So, Cricket, other than the bloodshed—how was your night with the prince?” Cy popped a gooseberry off one of the shrubs near the door and dropped it onto his tongue.

My face boiled in heat.

“Later, Cyland,” Gwyn said. “We’ll ask later.”

Gwyn winked as she strode past, the clever grin on her lips a sure sign she intended to press me for every salacious detail at the first opportunity.

CHAPTER 27

Adira

Outside wascool with misty skies of an approaching storm, but I’d steamed water for some pungent tea I’d found in one of the cupboards and left a low flame in the inglenook to keep Kage warm.

All night he’d shifted between shivering and boiling with flushed sweat.

With more frenzy than I expected, I rushed to the front sitting room where I’d settled him on one of the plush sofas. Heady relief came at the sight of him, still half covered in a heavy bear fur, asleep.

“Dammit.” Asger rounded my shoulder and hurried to kneel beside the prince.

His heavy steps stirred Kage awake.

“Wildling,” came out in a rough rasp until his eyes fluttered open. Kage groaned and let the back of his hand fall over his face. “Cease looking at me like I’m dead, you bastard.”

“On this my worry is warranted.” Asger peeled back some of the linen cloth I’d used as a makeshift bandage to inspect the wound on Kage’s neck. “By the goddess. It’s a miracle it didn’t tear out your throat.”

“It’s also putrid.” Cy shielded his nose with the back of his arm. “How have you withstood the stench, Cricket?”

I hadn’t even noticed. Too flustered with making certain Kagekept breathing and all. Sitting by his feet, I rested a hand on his shin, drawing his dark gaze. “How is your pain?”

“There,” he croaked.

“You’re still on fire,” I admitted, and rummaged through a small basket. “I found some herbs with the books, and this lot said they’d help make them into medicines. Hopefully you get some relief soon.”

“You foraged?” Kage’s dry lips split into a smug grin. “How mage-like.”

Gwyn leaned onto her elbows over the back of the sofa. “You look absolutely unattractive, My Lord.”

Kage rolled his eyes. “Why are you here?”

“We all joined Asger in his worry when you did not return last night,” Gwyn said. “Then, we heard of the Immorti packs.”

“All right,” I interjected, “from what I read—correct me if I’m wrong?—”

“Oh, I assure you I will,” Cy interjected.

“The faeryworm will be the foundation, then we add the rest as we go. Right?”

“Impressive.” Gwyn patted my head and took up the basket of fungus. “I’ll steep them while you ready the ferns, Cy.”

Asger abandoned Kage’s side and joined Cyland in chopping and separating leaves, roots, and seeds. Gaina left the room where the king and queen slept, one swipe of her hand hinted that she had shed a tear. She forced a grin and went to Kage, patting his pallid, stubbled cheek until he opened his eyes again.

“Hello, Golden Boy.”

“Gaina?” Kage wore a stunned mask at first, before puffing out his lips. “Woman, how did you get in here? You gave up my arm ring, you know.”

“Did I?”