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The horses were fascinating creatures, and he would have enjoyed the quiet, rustling warmth of the stable far more if his heart had not been so agitated. He leaned his forehead against Sienna’s neck, wondering if she knew her master was grievously wounded.

Does Her Highness have a horse?

“I’m sorry. I don’t understand.”

Her Highness. The princess. With a crown. Does she have a horse?

“The princess? A horse? Yes, she has many horses. Her favorite is kept in the other stable.”

They walked across a small, sheltered exercise ring to another large wooden building. Horses nickered softly at their entrance.

“This one. Sundrop.”

The horse tossed its elegant head and then snuffled Kaerius’s outstretched hand.

But even the horses could not soothe his troubled heart.

What about Galbraith? Is he still pursuing Her Highness?

“I don’t know what you mean.”

I am finished here. I want a bath.

Kaerius did not want to take the time to heat the water, and he wasn’t entirely sure of the process for doing so anyway, so the water was icy cold. He shivered and washed quickly, scrubbing each inch of skin with soap and the rough cloth that had been left for him. The emptiness in his belly made the cold feel like it was sucking the life out of him. His hands felt clumsy and strange. He dried himself off and dressed in the suit that he had worn the first day, noting how his cold-stiffened fingers fumbled with the buttons on the shirt and trousers. His human body seemed so weak and easily fatigued.

At last he managed to get the vest and jacket on, but he left them unbuttoned. What was the point in looking beautiful and elegant to humans if Marin was not there to see him? Besides, his fingers were still numb, and he felt stupid and slow with the cold that had sunk into his bones. He wasn’t sure he could get the little silk-covered buttons to cooperate anyway.

He opened the door and was surprised to find that Sanders was still waiting for him.

“The princess should be done with her meeting soon, and I believe she mentioned having dinner with you. Follow me, Your Highness.”

Kaerius lagged as the young soldier set off at a brisk pace, and his breath came short.

“Are you feeling ill?” Sanders slowed down. “You’re quite pale.”

I am a little dizzy and tired. Kaerius felt this admission was justified, especially since the youth was unlikely to understand him anyway.I’ll be fine.

The exertion of climbing up eight flights of stairs was enough to bring a little heat back to his body, but he felt so light-headed as they reached the top that he stumbled and doubled over with his head between his trembling knees and his shoulder against the wall. His blood rushed in his ears, but the sound seemed foreboding rather than reassuring.

Sanders put a supporting hand on his shoulder. “You’re a bit feverish, sir. I’ll send Sir Vincent up to Her Highness’s quarters to see you, if he’s not there already for the captain.”

I’m all right.Kaerius shoved himself upright and continued onward.

Sir Vincent was just finishing his examination of Brighton, whom he pronounced much improved but still in desperate need of quiet, dark, and rest. He did say that Brighton might be read to or listen to quiet music for a few hours a day, but ought to do so with his eyes closed. The captain should not read, though; the act of focusing and deciphering the symbols into words was a strain on his injured brain.

I am glad he is recovering. Kaerius felt the guilt twist inside him again when he studied Brighton’s pale face. The guard’s eyes were deeply shadowed by bruises. Kaerius pointed at them and looked at Vincent questioningly.

“That can happen with trauma to the head. It’s only a symptom of the injury, and isn’t concerning in itself.” Vincent looked at Kaerius appraisingly. “I was inclined to think the worst of you at first, but I didn’t want to say it. I owe you an apology forthinking you a violent, untrustworthy vagabond. Her Highness has said you have been quite an encouragement to her in these difficult days, and Captain Brighton owes you his life. He would surely have died in the cold if you had not found him.”

With an effort, Brighton said, “Thank you, Prince Kai. You’ve been a great help.”

I am honored to have been of service.Kaerius inclined his head to the physician and bowed a little more to the guard.

Lt. Sanders had stepped back from this conversation, but now he said quietly, “Sir Vincent, before you go, may I ask you to take a look at Prince Kai? I believe he’s a bit feverish.”

I’m all right.

“Of course.” Vincent stepped forward, his expression suddenly concerned. “Let me feel your forehead, please.”