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“Thank you, Kai.”

She hurried into the inner rooms and locked the door behind herself.

The spacious vestibulein which Kaerius slept had no external walls and no windows, and thus with the doors closed, it hadno natural light. He slept deeply, untroubled by the lingering headache or the fading ache in his chest.

At the sound of the door to Brighton’s room opening, the Mer prince woke with a start.

“Prince Kai?” Lila held up a lamp, and the light splashed across his face. When she saw him squinting up at her, she said, “He’s asking for Her Highness. You can go in to him, if you want, while I let her know.”

Kaerius shot to his feet, all drowsiness gone. Lila motioned him in to the room and continued to the door to the princess’s private quarters.

A lantern on the bedside table was lit, so Kaerius could see that Brighton lay on his side. His eyes were surrounded by deep purple bruises.

Kaerius knelt so that he and the guard were at eye level and touched his friend’s shoulder softly.

“Kai,” said Brighton, and he slitted his eyes open for just a moment before closing them again. “Thank you for coming.”

The prince’s heart twisted inside him. He put his hand on Brighton’s shoulder again, as if the touch could offer some comfort.

The guard apparently took it as a question, for he said, still with his eyes closed, “I won’t be much use today. Her Highness receives the Frintan delegation this evening.”

The princess hurried into the room just then, and Kaerius reluctantly moved to one side so she could face Brighton directly. “I’m here,” said Marin. “How are you feeling?”

Brighton snorted softly without opening his eyes. “The words I’d use aren’t appropriate for your ears, Marin. I’ll be fine in a few days.”

Lila bit her lip but said nothing.

The princess said, “I’m sure, but I expect you to rest and heal in the meantime. That is an order, Captain.”

The guard sighed and swallowed, wincing. “Whitaker and Rogers can stand in for me as security. Keep them with you at all times when you’re outside your quarters. The guard rotation for your quarters is already set.”

He stopped and took several slow breaths before continuing. “Prince Kai will need to stay with you at the dance tonight.”

Marin’s voice cracked. “I can’t imagine dancing when I’m worried about you.”

“Didn’t you say you’d informed the Frintan delegation that there would be a dance?” Brighton opened his eyes, squinting as if the lamplight was painful.

“I can cancel it.”

“Don’t be ridiculous,” Brighton said. “There’s no reason to insult Frinta over me. Did security find anything?”

“They haven’t reported yet.” Marin frowned.

“I need to talk to Whitaker.”

“He’s on his way,” said Lila.

The morningthat followed was a strange, tense time of waiting. Brighton’s subordinates came to receive orders and then went away again. Sir Vincent came and pronounced him much improved, but still in considerable danger if he over-exerted himself. He was advised in no uncertain terms to sleep and rest, preferably in the dark as much as possible, to give his brain a chance to recover. He was not to read for at least three weeks, but he was allowed to listen to quiet music.

When Marin retreated into the outer room, Kaerius followed her.

What can I do to help?

She bit her lip and looked at him. “I don’t know what you’re saying,” she said, her expression troubled. “But I wasn’t imagining it when you said Ralph was the one who attacked Brighton. Was I?”

It was Ralph. Have your staff confronted him?

“Brighton thinks it best to have more evidence before we detain him for trial. How can you be sure it was him?”