The nurse leaned against the doorway, glancing at him apprehensively. “His pulse is terribly slow. He’s been in and out of sleep.”
“Oh.” Just as Lilac had expected. “That’s not good, is it?”
“In itself it’s not a concern, but I am worried. He’s vomited all the food he’s eaten today, been retching on an empty stomach, but...” Kemble stepped aside, pointing at a bucket that sat just inside the door.
In that bucket, Lilac quickly discovered, was what looked like a mixture of vomit and black sand.
“Internal bleeding, but you’d never tell by his presentation. He’s not terribly pale, and is at least somewhat coherent. He muttered something about toadstools when your father brought him by with the guards. He hallucinated and is a bit weak, which is typical for toadstools. Bleeding in the stomach or esophagus isn’t a noted symptom, however. I’m not able toconfirm it because his valet apparently finished the wine,” Kemble seethed, lowering her voice. “Either way, I must have an answer if news of tonight reaches the emperor. Albrecht is our guest, under our care. Therewillbe questions. ”
“Albrecht is right,” Lilac was quick to say. “I would trust him. Turns out he’s well-researched in Botany.”
“I want him in bed for the day. Hopefully all that retching got rid of whatever was left of it. He will improve once it is out of his bloodstream.” Kemble glanced sidelong at her, then at the closed curtain. “My next thought was bloodletting just to be sure, but when I brought the scalpel out, he stirred. Started talking in his sleep.”
Lilac’s heart began to race. “What did he say?”
“Mostly nonsense. Several incoherent demands. Fresh air, something to eat. I told him he certainly wouldn’t be taking a stroll through the rose garden until he was better, but the rest I could accommodate.” Kemble sighed, placing her hands on her hips. “I am glad you’re here, Your Majesty, or I might’ve had to send for you.”
Throat constricting, Lilac couldn’t peel her gaze from the curtain.
“Sir Albrecht wouldn’t stop asking to see you, and only quieted when I told him I’d see what I could do.” Kemble held out the plates. “You wouldn’t mind bringing these to him, since you two seem well acquainted?”
“Oh.” Lilac accepted them, swallowing her surprise. “Of course.”
Kemble ambled into the room and disappeared into Garin’s curtain, only to return with a wide-mouthed golden vase. “He’s still snoring.” She held the vase out for Lilac to see, but the queen leaned away, stomach already turning. “After feeding him, I was going to cycle out my leeches in the bailey.”
“I’ll make sure he eats.” Lilac stepped into the room as Kemble exited.
“Go on then.” Kemble stopped just outside the doorway. “My leeches aren’t the brightest things, but they never fail me when it comes to finding a vein. Tonight, they couldn’t stay latched long enough.”
“That issoodd.” Lilac turned to nudge the door with her foot, but Kemble lingered.
“I also might have to replace my scalpel,” the nurse commented thoughtfully. “Or sharpen it. After slicing him, I bent to retrieve my cup, when I suddenly could not find the wound. Curious, isn’t it?”
They exchanged glances; Myrddin’s lament had stopped.
Lilac nodded. “This evening has been altogether strange.”
“A strange evening, indeed. And it won’t be the last, Your Majesty.” Kemble placed her hand on the doorknob. “I’ll return soon.Verysoon.” Narrowing her eyes, the nurse slipped out. “No,” she could be heard saying before it had clicked shut. There was a faintmeow. “Shoo, leave my patient alone—wholet this bloody cat into the keep?”
Sweet Bisousig had found her way into the castle. Hopefully, so did Giles for some warmth and a full meal.
Once the door was shut, Lilac strode across the room and yanked the curtain open.
Garin was curled on the cot, shivering under a thin white blanket despite the the hearth on the eastern wall. His eyes were shut, knees tucked into himself. He looked like he was having a nightmare.
She placed the plates down on the shelved cart at his bedside and sank into the chair Kemble had left. Lilac placed a hand upon his knee. At her touch, he jerked awake. One eye popped groggily open, and upon laying it on her, he shot up in bed.
“Madame Kemble,” he called, rubbing the back of his head. “It’s happening again!”
“Shhh.” Lilac glanced nervously at the door. “It’s me.”
Garin opened both eyes and squinted, groaning. “Ugh.” He leaned against the pillows stacked two-high. “The room is atrociously bright.”
She turned to slide the curtain shut—and as she did, Garin retched all over the floor.
“Sorry.” He attempted to wipe his mouth on his sleeve. “I suppose this is your clever way of seeking revenge?”
“You thinkIput those toadstools in your wine?”
