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Brandth came out of a light doze in an instant. Someone was trying to kill him. It wouldn’t be the first time, nor probably the last. He waited for the assassin to lean in a little closer. Exploding into action, he blindly reached for them. Hell, this chamber was dark. Capturing the fiend by their weapon hand, locking onto their wrist, yanking hard, bringing the killer down to sprawl across his chest, bringing his other arm around to lock them in place.

The moment he moved Brandth’s world exploded. Pain stabbing at him, an encompassing angry swamping wave radiating from his lower leg, causing him to cry out even as the breath was snatched from his lungs in shock. His brain busy dealing with breathing through the pain, yet he wasn’t so numb that he wasn’t unaware the assassin was a woman. Her gasp of dismay his first clue, confirmed irrefutably by the press of soft full breasts against his chest.

He gave his cock stern orders to behave, he had bigger problems to deal with than a hungry libido. Then the all too familiar smell of her hit; vanilla, honey and jasmine. In a flash it all came back. The hunt. His injuries which led to his stay in the Lair infirmary. The blindfold protecting his eyes. And how that familiar smell meant he’d just attacked Perri, the healer assigned to look after him.

So, it was official, Brandth had somehow offended the Gods most heinously.

“You… oh…. What do you… think you are about?”

Venom and outrage tinged the voice directed into his ear from a mere few inches away.

“I pray for mercy… please… don’t move… you can’t imagine the pain.”

Perri ceased struggling instantly, she took her oath to do no harm seriously. Though was still breathing hard, puffs of air hitting Brandth’s chin, and those full breasts pressing harder against him in a rather interesting rhythmic fast pace, reminding him all too vividly of the sexual act.

What a silly stray thought at this juncture in time. Especially when it involved the waspish strident Perri, of the soft hands and the no nonsense manner.

“I beg you fair lady for a moment… to recover myself.”

The pain was slowly receding, now that they were both still as statues.

“You need to release me, Sir.”

“Just a minute or two more.”

“This is most irregular. We do not condone violence from our patients.”

Brandth felt hot colour flood his cheeks.

“For that I must apologise… I thought… perhaps I was dreaming… that you were an assassin, come to kill me.”

“Assassin? I think perhaps more you thought I was some poor woman’s husband, come to seek vengeance on you for trespassing where you should not have been dallying.”

“You appear determined to paint me the scoundrel. Have I wronged you somehow, Healer Perri?”

“Not at all, Lord De’Luca, you’re my patient. It’s my job to heal you and your job to get better as fast as possible, so that someone more deserving may make use of your bed.”

“Your work ethic is admirable.”

“You have a unique gift whereby every statement you utter sounds like you are mocking me.”

“That is very far from the truth.”

“Ahem.”

They both ceased talking, Brandth recognising that voice, the ancient Master Healer Mary.

“Is there a problem here that I need to be made aware of?”

“I was having a… nightmare, an unforgivably lashed out at Healer Perri.”

“Is that so?”

The tone was dry yet tinged with amusement.

“For a moment I thought we were experiencing a blanket shortage and Perri had taken it upon herself to keep you warm.”

An embarrassed choking sound was issued, followed by Perri desperately trying to wriggle free.

“Gently. Gently.”

Brandth pleaded, as she attempted to slide off of him in a huffy speedy manner.

“Well, I’ll leave you two to disentangle yourselves.”

Interesting, Perri didn’t appear to be making much progress. Was she enjoying their little unexpected intimate moment perhaps.

“Are you having separation anxiety already? Trust me. I don’t appear to be going anywhere anytime soon.”

“Let go of me, you oaf!”

Oh, he still had hold of Perri’s wrist. Oops, his bad. He hadn’t even realised he’d been absently stroking the velvet soft skin across the back of her hand with his thumb until Perri pointed it out. Abruptly Brandth released his hold. Now Perri’s struggles to get to her feet began to bear fruit. Thankful that she appeared to be extra careful of his broken leg as she levered herself away, which meant she was forced to move slower and wriggle more to get the right angle.

Determinedly Brandth clamped his teeth together, he didn’t think a remark about how much he was enjoying Perri’s awkward dismount would be well received. Perhaps though, the smug smile that clung to his lips told a story of its own. Because he was damn sure there was no reason for Perri’s knee to come down so hard between his legs as she, with one last heave, managed to lever herself from the bed.

“Orrf.”

Okay, this pain Brandth was horribly familiar with.

“Oh, I’m dreadfully sorry.”

She didn’t sound one bit sorry.

“Here, I’ll get something to help.”

Her footsteps retreating and then hurrying back. The block of ice she placed a little more forcefully than necessary between his legs had Brandth issuing another hissing gasp of pain. Why that spiteful little hellcat.

Breathing through gritted teeth until finally the pain receded, Brandth lifted the block of ice away, dropping it to the floor where it smashed.

“And I’m sorry about the mess. I thought there was a table there.”

“No bother, it will only melt.”

“Thank you for your time and gentle attention, Healer Perri.”

“You’re very welcome, Lord De’Luca. Now, if there’s nothing else, I have other patients to-”

“Now that you ask, I am a little peckish. And your way of feeding me breakfast still evokes fond memories, would you be so kind as to provide me with lunch?”

“Yes.”

Her tone tighter than a string on a bow.

“Of course. I’ll be right back.”

Lying back, staring at nothing but the darkness created by his closed eyes and accompanying blindfold, Brandth fought the urge to laugh. There was just something so very satisfying about getting under Perri’s skin… soft, sensitive skin. He recalled the feel of the back of her hand under the caress of his thumb.

And every time she dropped that carefully modulated melodic way she had of speaking to be a little sharp with him, or smugly point out his flaws, Brandth felt like he’d scored a point by exposing the real Perri. Revealing no one could be that good and sweet all the time… well, he supposed they could, but not Perri.

He shouldn’t take such delight in poking at her, except her little moments of arched annoyance and quick cutting responses were the most fun he’d had in ages. She had claws, did Perri, although thanks to all his eavesdropping he thought very few here at the Lair were aware of that fact.

More confusing, excepting for Master Healer Mary, who ordered Perri about like all underlings in the infirmary, everyone else treated Perri… carefully. There was no other word for it.

It reminded Brandth of how you dealt with small, scared animals; gentling your tone, hovering over them in case they crumpled or fell.

It seemed madness to him. Perri had a spine made of steel and a tongue just as sharp. He’d never met anyone who needed coddling less. Although, given his lack of eyesight and knowledge of all the players, perhaps he was misreading the situation. Perhaps Perri was in charge of paying everyone’s weekly wages. And to get on her wrong side saw one’s name go to the bottom of the payee list.

His train of thought interrupted by the familiar tread of heels striking cobblestones. Disappointingly no wafts of meat pie or stew assailed Brandth’s nose. Only Perri’s familiar perfume as he listened to the rustle of her clothes as she seated herself beside him, a tray landing on the nearby table with a faint clatter. His stomach rumbled in anticipation, although perhaps more surprising, his cock stirred.

Damnation, what was in that elixir they kept pouring down his throat? It appeared to treat every aspect of a man. He knew elder statesmen who would kill for it. Personally, Brandth could do without the aid, given he was lying there with nothing but a sheet over his privates. The idea of an audience helping to quell things.

“My angel has returned, bringing me sustenance.”

He hid a smile, as Perri heaved a small sigh. Why, he could almost hear her rolling her eyes. Hah, he did so love to prod her.

“I hope you like fruit. It was all they had left.”

“A bowl of fruit salad drizzled with honey and a little custard would be a fine treat.”

He held out his hands for the bowl and spoon. Given the way Perri had fed him this morning, he no longer trusted her in his vicinity with cutlery. For his trouble something cool and pliable was slapped into his hand.

“What’s this… a banana?”

“Yes.”

“Oh… is there anything else?”

Brandth quickly placed the offensive food down on the bed, pushing it away.

“Had a nasty experience once in a little town west of Kelmboarth with bananas, too much rum, and an eating competition. I swore never again.”

“Well, then we might be facing a small dilemma.”

Was that a tinge of amusement in her tone.

“You brought me nothing to eat but bananas?”

“I’ll make up for it with a hearty dinner. In the meantime, a banana won’t hurt you.”

“I’d rather starve.”

“Staying hydrated and eating regularly is very important when it comes to healing. Besides, thanks to trial and error, we’ve discovered that eating just prior to taking your medicine helps it… stay down.”

“You’re no saleswoman.”

Brandth shuddered at the idea of consuming bananas and the dreaded healing elixir in one sitting. He’d rather lick a funk toad.

“I believe I shall wait upon your promised dinner. In fact, give me two helpings of something tasty this evening and we’ll call things even.”

“And your medicine?”

He wasn’t fooled by that sweet tone she’d affected. But he was a desperate man, clamping his lips together, mumbling between them.

“I’ll drink down two lots this evening to make up for my omission…. Ow!”

Why did she always go for his nose? Clamping down on it like her fingers were steel talons. Chomping down he was displeased to note the large piece of banana suddenly assailing his tongue. Yuk, the taste, the texture, the smell… it brought back too many memories, making his stomach roil.

“You’re worse than a fussy infant.”

He forced down the mouthful.

“You’re… Ow.”

His nose was clamped once more, he tried not to bite down but it was reflex, finding himself with another mouthful of banana. Gulp.

“… an evil, evil… Ugh.”

And a third mouthful of the dreaded fruit was shoved into his mouth. Bah.

“Gods, woman… the taste… my kingdom for a cup of tea.”

He heard her sigh, but was too busy grabbing for the cup she’d placed in his hands to care that she not a fan of his dramatics. Anything was better than the current taste in his mouth. He swilled the tea… except it wasn’t tea.

“Awgh. Bah.” Another cup was thrust into his hand, desperate, he swallowed the contents. Ah, blessed water, gulping it down, yet still the medicinal taste lingered.

“You should see the expression on your face.”

“Laugh all you like healer harridan, but I shan’t be chained to this bed forever. Once I’m up and about, retribution shall be mine.”

“Ohhh, I’m all a tremble. Here… this might help with the taste.”

A banana was slapped into Brandth’s hand. Dreadful woman, dreadful fruit. Still, Brandth found himself hurriedly peeling the cruddy thing and devouring it readily, anything to remove the nasty lingering taste of that most foul elixir.

As he chomped down on the soft fruit, he listened to Perri move away, her shoes striking the cobblestones in a soft familiar patter, accompanied by the trill of her merriment. Ohhh, that woman, she needed to be taught a lesson… and perhaps he was just the man for the role.

With nothing better to do, Brandth idled his afternoon away thinking up more and more elaborate ways to wreck vengeance on his nemesis… although it was a little disconcerting to discover the pathways his clearly still addled brain took… as in more than one scenario the two of them would find themselves in tight enough quarters that Perri’s full breasts rested against his chest once more, teasing words whispered directly into his ear…. Honestly, what was in that elixir?

* * *

Keeping her female kin from Lord Brandth De’Luca’s bedside was as futile as trying to keep the ocean from the shore. Their hovering in large groups at the entrance starting to make life difficult for the infirmary staff. It appeared someone had loose lips, Perri’s ruse to have letters written to Brandth had been undermined by the news having gotten out that he was temporarily without the ability to read.

In a desperate bid to bring order and quiet before Master Healer Mary took matters into her own hands, Perri had issued some strict visitation rules. They must line up in single file, awaiting their turn. They would each be allowed five minutes. They must speak quietly, careful not to disturb the other patients. And when the timer chimed, they must leave promptly.

Perri had checked with Brandth before implementing her plan. Unsurprisingly, it met with his hearty approval. She suspected he was bored, although given his ego he probably just missed being fawned and gushed over.

This was going to be painful to witness. But stay nearby she must. Perri had promised Mary that she would watch over Brandth personally. Although thankfully there was a work bench positioned ten feet away from his bed where she could keep busy mixing elixirs and poultices. And those medicinal smells might go some way towards dispelling the clouds of perfume her kin had drenched themselves in.

At first Perri made a determined effort not to eavesdrop. She was not interested in hearing her kin gush and wax lyrical about Brandth’s looks or his wit, as they unashamedly flirted with him. Keeping her attention instead fixed firmly upon the ingredients and herbs before her, rather than witness her sisters, cousins and nieces fuss over his bedcovers, using it as an excuse to pat his muscular chest, or brush back his silky overlong locks.

Problem was though, Perri’s work wasn’t holding her full attention. Was she making a headache powder or a burn balm? Why was cousin Impedera carrying a large painting? Okay, this she had to see. Turning, frowning, watching as Impedera sat down at Brandth’s bedside and began describing in great detail the composition of her painting. A rather bland garden scene in Perri’s opinion, but the way her cousin described it, you would have thought the Imperial Pallene University gladly would have hung it in their main hall.

And did Brandth mock or discourage Impedera in any way? No. He acted and sounded fascinated by her artistic endeavours. How uncharacteristic of him. What game was he playing?

Next up was her half-sister, Oleeia. Pretty, with a habit of cheating at cards and an obsession with the colour yellow. Oleeia barely acknowledged Brandth at all before she began peppering him with questions… not about Brandth, and his likes and dislikes, no, about the Prince. What were the Prince’s hobbies? His favourite foods? Poems? Songs? Did he prefer dogs to cats? What about colours, did he have thoughts on the colour yellow?

Brandth answered each and every question seriously and solemnly. Even taking a moment here and there to pause, as if in deep thought, before announcing that the Prince preferred spring over summer, or was more a fan of sunrises than sunsets.

Blodie wanted to know if the Prince was an early riser. He was. Jurgal wanted Brandth to list the Prince’s favourite books, taking careful note of his answer. Meggsie pleaded for details regarding the Prince’s favourite recipes.

What astonished Perri the most was Brandth’s demeanour. Serious. Thoughtful. No mocking tones in his voice, even when cousin Herla asked him to describe the Prince’s favourite pair of riding boots.

Perri was shocked to her very core. There was not even a hint of laughter in his responses. Who was this man?

None of her kin enquired or appeared to care about Brandth’s health, and not once did he reference it. Instead, each five minute session was all about her female relative. Brandth asking them questions about their lives, his tone nothing but gentle and full of genuine curiosity. Steadying them if they grew flustered with nerves. Bolstering their self-belief if they tried to dismiss or belittle their skills and interests. Being extra gentle if they teared up or sobbed as they recounted what led them to returning to the shadow filled halls of Gloomenthrall following a dismissal by their husband or his death.

Perri finally put a stop to the visits, informing her relatives that Brandth needed his rest and they should return tomorrow. Promptly delivering the man some tea. His voice a little rough as he thanked her, making Perri feel a tad guilty. So much so she instantly refilled his cup.

“Am I dying?”

“What? No. Why would you ask such a thing?”

“Unsolicited tea and a re-fill, forgive a man for questioning good fortune when it lands in his lap, but our history together has made me somewhat prudent.”

“You can’t just say thank you?”

This man, he made her want to… hit him. Violence? Why did he bring out the very worst in her? Perri couldn’t hide the exasperation tinging her tone, or deny that her blood was beginning to simmer in agitation. Automatically she reached over to check his brow… hmmm.

“You feel a little warm.”

“That’s what a steady diet of bananas will do to a man.”

“I’ll request the cook make you a banana pudding if you do not cease harping on about what is done already. Here… it’s just water.”

Reaching out to double check his forehead once he’d dutifully drained the cup. Yes, he definitely felt a little warm. Movement at the entrance doorway catching her eye.

“Your friend… the Captain is here. Are you up to seeing him?”

“Talac? About time he visited.”

“I bid you keep it brief. I fear you may have over exerted yourself this afternoon.”

“Such a worry wart, when we both know you’re just loathe to share me and are marking your territory. Talac, is that you my good man?”

Ohh… Perri moved away, but not very far. Brandth really had felt a little too warm for her liking. Yes, she was hovering, but only because it was her job to do so. Absently cleaning up the potion bench, restoring the jars to their rightful spots and rehanging the dried herbs. Whilst she worked her gaze constantly drifted over to the two men. They were clearly friends, Talac bent over close, in a familiar manner, easy smiles lifting Brandth’s lips as they conversed in quiet voices, swapping news and catching up. Several times Perri caught Talac’s gaze drifting up and down Brandth’s frame in an assessing manner, as if to confirm for himself his friend’s condition.

By the time Talac left, the kitchens had sent over dinner for the patients. Perri perused the options and chose a hearty bowl of soup. Walking over she noted the slight pink colour clinging to Brandth’s cheeks as she placed the tray down on the nearby table before proceeding to prop Brandth up higher. Seating herself beside him she picked up the bowl and spoon, eyeing him.

“I have soup, and I’m prepared to help you eat it, as long as you promise to behave.”

“I am nothing but your obedient servant, Madam.”

To prove his willingness, he opened his mouth in readiness.

Cautiously, expecting some kind of hi-jinks, Perri scooped up some soup and fed it to Brandth.

“Yum, chicken and vegetables… and surprisingly tasty.”

Perhaps the man was just hungry, Perri hurriedly taking advantage of Brandth’s co-operative mood, diligently feeding him soup until the bowl was empty.

“Next, I suppose is the dreaded medicine. No need to trick me, just hand the stuff over.”

Brandth held out his hand.

Okay, now he really was beginning to worry her. Co-operative. His reddened cheeks. The warmth of his brow.

“I also have a fruit tart, as soon as you drink your medicine you may have it.”

“Sounds like a fair trade indeed.”

That was it, she was calling Mary. Watching as Brandth sculled his medicine, barely making a face before chomping through the tart she handed him in a speedy and obedient manner. That was not good. Perri quickly signalling for one of the orderlies to fetch the Master Healer.

“Hey… who is being handsy now?”

Brandth sounded dazed and distant as he tried to bat away something, his hands flailing in the air as Perri stood beside Mary who had just yanked back the sheet so they could survey Brandth’s broken limb.

“Ssssh, pretty one.”

Mary patted his shoulder.

“His leg looks fine. No sign of infection.”

Perri pulled back the sheet whilst Mary rested the back of her hand against his forehead.

“But he’s warm alright. And acting a little drunk. That’ll be the fever settling in. Lying too long on that boggy ground before they moved him, probably caught a chill. Just a low grade one, but he’s bound to make a lot of racket and cause a bit of a ruckus until it breaks.”

Perri didn’t envy the nightshift staff the task of trying to keep Brandth cool, quiet and happy. It appears her Great-Aunt was of a similar mindset.

“There’s only one solution. I’ll have a couple of the orderlies move him to your suite, Perri, and you can monitor his status throughout the night.”

“Me?”

Okay, that had come out way higher in pitch than had been intended. Clearing her throat quickly, Perri tried again.

“Me? Why me? Wiselle is working this evening, she’s very capable.”

“Nothing wrong with Wiselle, but she doesn’t have your touch when it comes to mixing potions. And in your quarters the Lordling can make as much noise as he likes without disturbing anyone. It’s a good solution. Unless there’s a problem? Something… personal going on between you and the pretty boy?”

It was difficult to interpret that twinkle in Mary’s eyes. She liked to cause mischief. And Mary made no secret of the fact she thought Perri hid herself away in the infirmary too much, using it as an excuse not to mix and mingle with the Lair inhabitants.

It was insane though to think her elderly relative was plotting something… yet Perri couldn’t shake her suspicions. But nor could she think up a good enough argument that would prevent this nightmare from occurring. Lord Brandth De’Luca in her chambers… the two of them alone together for an entire night… the Gods really were testing her fortitude and patience.

“No. There’s nothing… personal between us other than I’m his healer and he’s my patient.”

“Good. Good.”

Mary patted Perri’s hand, the gleam in her eyes sparkling even brighter.

“Just try and keep the mayhem to a minimum.”

“There will be no mayhem.”

Perri could guarantee that whole heartedly.

Heaving a sigh, Mary shook her head.

“Pity, you could use a little mayhem in your life Perri. You give… him too much power, there are plenty of good men out there… or even right under your nose.”

No… Mary was not proposing that Perri have a fling with Lord Brandth De’Luca, was she? Never in a million years. The two of them? Together? The pretty glib man and her? In what world would a man like Brandth want anything to do with the likes of her? Mary was tasting too many of her own potions, there was no other explanation.

Still, a memory from earlier in the day rose up, her lying across Brandth’s chest, one of his arms around her, his heart thumping rapidly against her own, his thumb idly caressing the back of her hand. A moment filled with so much potential… of promise. Promise? Honestly, the only certainty Perri could be absolutely sure of was the look that would eventually fill Brandth’s eyes when they removed his blindfold and he finally saw her… horror, pity, relief that he could walk away.

Straightening her spine, Perri took a deep fortifying breath. Brandth was her patient. She was his healer. Certainly nothing untoward would take place with just the two of them alone together all night in her suite. Although, if ever there was a man likely to be up to no good, Brandth De’Luca was that man. It would pay to be on her guard. Brandth was a worldly man. All smiles and oozing meaningless flattery. Clearly not to be trusted.

Well, if he did try anything overtly underhanded in Perri’s chambers, then he would swiftly discover the novel experience of being smothered to death by a pillow.