29. Jasmine
“Lana?” I called out when we burst into my small home. I looked around in worry for a moment, noticing so many changes inside and outside our home. But then I remembered Boshun saying he’d come here that first night to help my sister.
If I didn’t love him already, I would after seeing how secure and safe he’d made our tiny home.
“I’m here,” Lana said from the sofa. “You won’t believe what happened. Our home . . . I woke up, and it was changed. I think something magical occurred while I was asleep.”
I gave Boshun a quick hug and rushed to my sister.
“I think you’re right.” I stroked her forehead, finding it hot. “I’ve brought the best palace healer, Geradine.” I knelt beside her and tugged up the incredibly soft blanket to cover her shoulders. For the first time since we’d moved into this tiny shack, a chill didn’t shake my spine. It was warm here, welcoming, and I owed Boshun everything for giving this to my sister.
Lana’s smile trembled, and I hated that she was so sick.
“Step back, please,” Geradine said from behind me. “Allow me to examine her.”
“This is . . . Prince Boshun,” I told my sister, taking his hand and tugging him close. “We’re . . .”
“Good friends,” he said.
Her gaze went from his face to our hands linked together, and her smile grew wider, happiness gleaming in her eyes. “I’m happy for you, Jasmine. You work hard. You take care of me. You deserve the best.”
That was Boshun.
“Hush, please,” Geradine said, though kindly. While I stood nearby, she placed a device on my sister’s chest that connected to two small black balls she’d tucked into her ears. She listened for a long while before removing the balls and returning the device to her bag. “It’s as I thought.” Her gaze sought mine. “You’re lucky she’s lived this long.”
“Jasmine nearly killed herself working to buy my medicine,” Lana said, her hand stretching out to take mine. “My sister’s amazing.”
Geradine nodded to me, her sharp gaze taking in all of me as if for the first time. Her pert nod showed approval. “Most die quickly from this disease if it’s not treated correctly.”
“I did all I could.” My words came out weak. If I’d been able to find my sister a cure, I would’ve done anything, even sacrificed myself to make sure she got well.
“Fortunately, I brought the cure with me.” Geradine pulled a bottle of brown liquid from her bag. “When you described her symptoms, Jasmine, I took a guess. I’m glad I’m right.” She patted Lana’s arm. “One spoonful of the medicine twice a day until the bottle is empty. It’s enchanted, and I buy it from a reputable source. Trust me, this will cure you. Within a week after finishing the bottle, you’ll be almost as good as new.” She rose and with a nod to me and Boshun, she gathered her bag and left.
I collapsed on the side of the sofa and wrapped my arms around Lana.
It was okay to cry about something like this.
And I did.