Chapter sixteen #2
I dropped my eyes to my work as a sinking feeling told me that he was here to speak with me, probably to ask me to leave since he likely disapproved of my friendship with his brother just like Prince Kavian did.
Apparently, no one had told him that Tavric no longer wished to be my friend.
That thought brought a lump to my throat, and I had to breathe through my melancholy.
“Miss Lyrielle,” he said, coming right over to me. “Might I have a word?”
I looked to the head seamstress, somehow hoping she’d save me by saying I needed to keep working, but who was I kidding?
A member of the royal family was requesting my presence.
So I set aside the pieces of the black bodice I was constructing for Her Majesty and said, “Of course, Your Highness,” before following him out into the hallway, my hands clasped together in front of me with too much force as I channelled all my discomfort into that pressure.
When we reached a door that led to the courtyard, he opened it and gestured for me to go through. Perhaps he would simply walk me all the way out the gate and tell me to keep going, but I hoped not. If nothing else, I needed much more time to finish healing the king.
He did not leave me in suspense. Once he’d looked around to see that there was no one within earshot, he turned to me. “I’ve come to beg for your help,” he said without preamble.
I stumbled back a step. “My help? With what?” A rock sat in my stomach, the word help making me terrified that he had somehow found out about my gift. Maybe Harlan had told him. He probably had.
“My brother.”
I flinched in surprise. “Tavric?”
“Yes.”
“Is he sick?”
“No, but…” He shoved his hands into his hair, making a mess of it, much like his brother was wont to do.
“I didn’t realize the toll this entire situation was having on him.
He was always quieter and liked to be alone, but I didn’t realize just how uncomfortable it was for him.
As he got older, he seemed to handle it better. He hid it well for a long time.”
My heart slowed a little at knowing that my secret was still a secret, but then worry for Tavric slipped in. I didn’t have to ask Prince Dorian what he was talking about. I’d seen it myself. “So what’s different now?”
“My brother, Caelmir, returned five days ago. He’s been gone for months, scouring all the closest lands for answers, or doctors, or treatments for my father’s illness. We put all our hope in him, but he came back with nothing.”
I nodded. “You believe your father will die soon.”
“We know it,” he said as anguish weighed on his expression.
Not if I had any say in the matter, but that thought was for another time. This moment was about Tavric. “Tavric is not taking the news well?”
“I think the reason he’s been able to hold it together before now is because he had hope that it was temporary, that my father would rally and he would have more time before taking the throne, but now he knows…”
“It will all be on his shoulders.”
“Yes, and that burden, it’s…I can’t even describe it. He’s not himself. He can barely make it through the events of the day. He needs you.”
I drew back. “Me? For what?”
“He told me you were the only one who could help. I don’t understand what it is that makes him so crazy.
I know things can get chaotic, but it’s not just that.
It’s like everything is just too much. That’s what he used to say every time he had to leave when we were kids.
He would just say, ‘It’s too much.’ I thought it was an excuse.
But you…you helped him. He said you were the only thing keeping him sane. He needs you.”
A large part of me wanted to run to him without a second’s hesitation, but his dismissive words had been all too clear. “Isn’t that why the princess is here?”
He huffed in frustration. “She can’t help; you can. Will you come?” The way he asked—with desperation, strained patience, and a healthy dose of authority—made it impossible to refuse.
He was right; I could help. I didn’t understand why, but there was something about my presence that allowed Tavric to relax. “Where must I go?”
“He’s been in meetings most of the morning, but the formal audience is going to start soon.
It’s the hardest for him and he’s already not doing well.
Since he hasn’t allowed himself to be around you, he’s gotten so much worse.
It’s like I can see him cracking right in front of me, and if he cracks in front of a room full of nobility… ”
“What do you want me to do?”
“Just stand where he can see you.”
“During a formal audience? With all those nobles looking on, waiting to judge everyone they see?”
“I see you’re familiar with them. Do they intimidate you?” He looked worried.
“Well, no. I find them rather fascinating.”
That seemed to surprise him and he looked at me as if seeing me anew. “That’s encouraging.”
Was it? “You really believe that just standing there will do any good?”
He lifted his arms, then let them fall limp at his sides. “It’s the only idea I have. Please.”
“You’re a member of the royal family. I’m not going to say no.”
“It’s not an order. I’m asking you to do this for Tavric.”
I didn’t answer right away, even though I’d known my answer the moment he’d brought it up. Of course I would help. I wanted to help.
As soon as I nodded, his shoulders sank in relief, and the next moment, we were in motion.