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close to your head and spine might cause this kind of
reaction.
    I don’t remember brushing up against anything thorny.
    Danet folded the linen around the thorn so she wouldn’t lose
it then tucked the linen into her bag inside the basket. She grabbed some salve
she had in her bag then returned to his side and patted his arm in a consoling
manner. Don’t worry yourself over it. Let me find out what kind of plant it
was then you might remember.
    As she dabbed on the salve, she said, The thorn might or
might not have been the problem. So don’t get your hopes up too high.
    He grunted. Well, you’ve done more than those fools who
keep coming in here, poking and prodding me.
    They’re doing their best. Is there anyplace else that
aches or has discomfort?
    My back is a little uncomfortable. That feels similar to
when I’ve slept in a bad position for too long.
    I wouldn’t be surprised since you aren’t able to arrange
yourself comfortably. After I change your linens, I’ll have you help me find a
better position for you. Anything else?
    Other than the itch on the back of my leg, no.
    She smiled. Which leg?
    My right one. Just below the knee.
    She pushed the sheet aside then pulled his knee up so she
could get to the spot he mentioned. Like the rest of him, his leg was firmly
muscled and tanned.
    When she scratched her fingernails over the area, he groaned
with relief. Right there. You just don’t realize how a tiny itch can become
so bothersome until you can’t do anything about it.
    She chuckled. I’m sure. She patted his leg. Okay.
I need to finish these linens before the guards think I’m just in here napping.
    Thank you for taking care of my itch. And the thorn.
    She was once again surprised by the sincerity in his voice. You
are welcome, my prince.

Chapter Four
     
    Danet had just tucked the last corner of the bed linens
under when the queen came in, followed by her usual entourage.
    Danet turned away from the bed to make the proper curtsey.
“My queen.”
    “Danet. What are you doing here?”
    “Hesina was in a bind and I offered to help.”
    The queen regarded her for a moment before saying, “I see.”
She approached the bed and looked down at the prince. Her gaze was tender, as
one would expect of a mother watching a sleeping babe. “I suppose it would be
too much to hope that he woke while I was at luncheon.”
    “I have noticed no change in his condition since I arrived,
my queen.”
    Well said. Not a lie, but not entirely the truth either.
I’m impressed, the prince teased.
    The queen nodded then sighed. She turned to her escorts.
“Maya, would you please have tea brought in for us? And Theosa, I believe I
could use my shawl. The pale-blue one, if you please.”
    The girls departed, leaving Danet alone with the queen.
    “I am glad you’re here. I was going to send a message this
evening if I didn’t see you.”
    “How may I assist you, my queen?”
    “I assume you did more than change the linens.”
    Danet tipped her head.
    “Do you know why he is like this?” The queen indicated the
prince with a wave of her hand.
    “I’m afraid not, my queen.”
    The queen’s shoulders wilted.
    “Not yet,” Danet quickly added. When the queen met her gaze,
the pain and fear Danet saw made her heart ache. “I did a brief exam because I
didn’t know how much time I would have. Father and I both have questions. He is
already looking into a few things.”
    The queen took Danet’s hands. “Thank you.”
    “You should know we would not allow the prince to remain
this way if there were something we could do.”
    “I know. But in this, I am a mother first and a queen
second. I want my son well and whole and happy. Darius may be the king’s
physician, but I trust you and Sebak far more. Please help him.”
    Danet was honored the queen trusted them so much. But she
feared how much faith she was putting in their abilities.
    You’re Master Sebak’s daughter?
    I am.
    You could have mentioned