Chapter 12 #2
“I am sorry,” she said softly. “And his mind? Does he wander? Speak without sense?”
“No. His thoughts remain clear.”
She asked more questions, each one pressing deeper. The longer I spoke, the heavier my shoulders became, as if the weight of his suffering had settled upon them.
“Has anyone in your family shown signs of such an illness?” Selene asked. “It may be inherited.”
“Not to my knowledge.”
She hesitated. “May I examine you?”
I frowned. “Why?”
“I carry many Elementars,” she said. “Some work in rather peculiar ways. I can touch you and see if any shadow of disease flows in your veins.”
I looked at her with distrust. I’d never heard of such a gift.
“It doesn’t hurt,” she added quickly. “I will not touch your thoughts. Only your blood.”
That did not comfort me at all. If anything, it made matters worse.
Reluctantly, I offered my hand.
She met my gaze, and there was warmth in her eyes. A warmth I had not seen in a long while. Not here, in the capital, where every glance weighed you as prey or a rival.
The Elementars upon her hand began to glow faintly. She studied the veins along my palm and forearm with careful focus. I felt power stir within my blood. I could not tell whether it was mine or hers.
Suddenly, Selene’s face drained of color. She released my hand at once.
She stood silent, staring at me.
Had she sensed my water-bound power? I could always blame the Elementars I was wearing.
“Is everything alright?” I asked.
“Yes,” she said, though sorrow dimmed her voice.
“I see no sickness within your Family’s blood.
But what afflicts your brother…” She swallowed.
“It is not something I know how to cure. I believe it cannot be healed. You can try to ease his pain. But what has been done to him is beyond reversal. I am sorry. There is no hope.”
Strange words for a medic. But I saw pain in her eyes. As if she understood what I was going through.
I thanked her for her help and left.
I walked the palace corridors in quiet defeat. Helpless against my brother’s illness.
When I stepped onto the Inner Court, my path was barred by Eric Salvadore. He stood there, elegant, finely dressed, his silver hair carefully arranged, diamonds shining at his wrists. He was surrounded by his servants and advisors. I inclined my head in a brief bow and continued toward my chambers.
“Lady Nerissa,” his voice called after me. “Might I have a word with you. In private.”
At his gesture, his servants withdrew at once. I didn’t object, I knew this moment would come. He turned, guiding us toward the gardens.
“Let us walk.”
We moved along immaculate paths, perfectly kept. White statues rose between hedges of pale roses. White stone, white flowers, white gravel beneath our feet. I wondered how much white could exist in one place before it began to feel like we were in a morgue.
“I have heard,” Eric said calmly, “that you are seeking a cure for your brother. A terrible tragedy for the Veymaris family.”
My steps faltered for the briefest moment. How did he know. I had only just left the medical wing. Were there eyes in every corridor of this place?
“My physicians could sail to Thalrock,” he continued. “Examine him on the site. Perhaps they could help him.”
A faint smile curved my lips.
“Thank you, my Lord, for your concern,” I said lightly. “I did not expect the Salvadore family to trouble themselves with heirs from the islands.”
I met his gaze.
“Though a handful of medics seems a rather modest price for a vote,” I added.
Eric laughed, smooth and unforced.
“Young Lady is quite direct,” he said. “I cannot tell if more after your father or mother. Both were… singular in their ways.”
He clasped his hands behind his back and kept on walking.
“Yes. The vote. It is no secret that the Dominium stands on the brink of a change. Lady Cassandra, capable Regent though she may be in her husband’s stead, can no longer hold all threads together. And her son…” He grimaced faintly. “Too young for such a burden. Everyone knows it.”
“You place little faith in your future son-in-law,” I said. He laughed.
“Oh. Some matters must be anticipated in advance,” Eric replied. “Aidenar, despite his lack of seasoning, shows promise. And this news about his powers. Who wouldn’t want a grandchild from such a line.”
A grandchild.
The word echoed in my thoughts. Marriage. Children. This conversation was heading in a bad direction.
“So,” I said coolly, “What do you want to charm me with? My Lord.”
His gaze lingered in a way I didn’t like.
“You do speak like your father,” Eric said. “It is no secret that your finances are strained. When I take the Regency, many official contracts may be renewed. Including transports across the Dominium. Much work, much fortune. Enough to secure your Family for generations.”
“If… you win,” I corrected him.
“Better me than Dorthal,” he replied. “Don’t you agree?”
We stood beside a fountain. The same one where Magnus had pressed me. The nymphs were smiling at me. Coincidence?
“There’s still some time before the vote,” I said. “I will consider your proposal.”
“I hope you will, Lady Veymaris,” Eric said. “And I hope you remain in White City longer. The palace would surely benefit from such a rare pearl of the sea.”
He bowed and disappeared into the garden paths.
So the Election had truly begun.