Page 31 of Shadows and Roses (The Dark Queens #1)

The Queen would not be happy if he stabbed this man.

"The Master Healer has strictly prohibited all visitors," Jerome stated.

Damon's charming smile always made him suspicious, wondering what the man was actually after. "Come, I'll be good for her. I make her laugh; you've heard it!"

"No one enters her chambers without permission."

"Yes, yes. At least give her this? The nobles have a fine taste for wine, if nothing else."

He personally had no interest in wine or any liquor, but Madeline liked to sample them. Not that he would give her anything Damon had touched.

If only this flea's ass would stay in the court where he belonged. He probably wasn't going to stop his badgering until something went his way.

Jerome extended his hand, letting the smirking idiot give him the bottle. "I'll pass it along to Master Healer Reivyath for approval."

The pleased smile faltered a bit, but he nodded. "Of course. Have a wonderful night, Jerome."

The man’s backside was always preferable to his front.

Jerome set the bottle at his feet and resumed his watch. Anais' condition was better now, after three days of fever and semi-conscious hallucinations. Sickness was not something he could guard against, and it drove him mad.

He would not let another Queen fall under his care, especially not the daughter of his closest friend, the woman who had saved his sanity and his life. The woman he’d failed.

He would not fail again.