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furnishings.
    Aren’t you the diplomat all of a sudden.
    Yes, well, that happens when I’m surrounded by royalty.
    He chuckled. I’m afraid that happens all too frequently.
And here I was hoping you would be one of those genuinely refreshing people who
would tell me what they really thought instead of what you thought I wanted to
hear.
    You will probably hear more of my honest opinion than you
should. Especially since I’m not used to having someone else in my head,
hearing every stray thought I have.
    It is a little unsettling isn’t it?
    To say the least. But I can’t have you beheaded if
I don’t like something you think or say.
    True. He sounded far too pleased with the notion. But don’t let that stop you from speaking freely.
    Danet settled for a grunt instead of a reply.
    “My queen,” Danet said as she stepped to the bed. When the
queen looked up from her quiet reflection, Danet continued. “If I may, there
are a few things I would like to retrieve from home. I should also let Father
know my duties will be changing until the prince has recovered. I shall return
as quickly as I can.”
    “Yes, of course. Give Sebak my regards and tell him we are
sorry to pull you away from your duties at the clinic.” She turned to Theosa.
“Please have an escort readied for Mistress Danet.” Before Danet could protest,
the queen cut her off. “It will be faster and will save your energy for Ceros.”
    Danet knew it pointless to try to argue. She bowed her head.
“Thank you, my queen.”
    “I’ll have Maya speak with the guards while you are gone.
And Hesina as well. We’ll make sure everyone knows what I have asked of you.
I’m sure it goes without saying that if anyone questions you or refuses any
orders you give, you are to let me know immediately.”
    Danet tipped her head. “Yes, my queen.”
    “Oh, and one more thing, Danet. While I have the utmost
faith that you will care for my son to the best of your ability, please
remember to have a care for yourself too.”
    The look she gave Danet told her two things. One—the queen
was not unaware of the threat leveled at Ceros, and by association, now her
too. Two—the queen was genuinely concerned about her welfare.
    Mother never was a fool, the prince said.
    “I will,” Danet said softly.
    “Good. You may go.”
    “Thank you, my queen.” She made her bow, gathered her basket
and linens and headed to the servants’ area once again.
    How long will you be?
    Not long. Especially with an escort to and from home. I
want to get this thorn to Father as soon as possible so we can find out what it
is.
    Agreed. Mother was right however. You do need to take
care.
    I will. Word that I have been asked to help will not have
gotten far yet, so I believe I will be safe for now.
    Don’t assume anything.
    Yes, my prince.
    I mean it. I need you.
    Danet’s foolish heart gave a little leap, but she quickly
reminded herself he was concerned because she was the only one he could communicate
with and because she and her father were skilled healers. I will return, she
assured him.
    You’d better.

Chapter Five
     
    Danet’s father and the housekeeper, Ryana, met her at the
front door when she reached their home.
    “What’s happened?” Sebak asked.
    “Nothing, really.”
    “Then why have you been escorted home? Are you ill?” Ryana
asked.
    “No, no. I am well, I assure you.” Danet unwrapped her shawl
from around her hair and draped it over a hook just inside the foyer. “The
queen wanted me to return quickly and offered an escort, that is all.”
    “So you are to return to the palace then?” Sebak asked.
    “Yes and soon. I just needed a couple of things.” Danet
reached for Ryana’s hand. “No need for worry, Ryana.”
    “So we should not plan on you for dinner, then?”
    Danet smiled. “No. But I will take some of your sweetbread
for the morning if Father hasn’t eaten it all yet.”
    “Even if he did, I would have another ready for you by