The next day, Rhysa found she could move slowly but without difficulty. At Lord Hermestus’ urging, she wandered around the house, taking the stairs as often as possible. She made her way to the slaves’ eating hall and had her midday meal with Elise. Rhysa found herself in the center of a circle of empathic concern and curiosity.
“So what happened then?” Elise’s concerned voice was just loud enough to be heard above the general background of cheerful chatter.
“I put my hands on the orb, and suddenly it felt like somebody had put my back on a cooking grill. Fortunately, it wasn’t long before I passed out.” Rhysa shrugged. “I’m not entirely sure what happened. I’m told it was magical in nature. Anyway, I woke up in one of the gallery guest rooms at the top of the stairs—too weak to move. I spent yesterday and last night in bed.”
“But you’re all right now.” Elise’s voice made it half statement, half question.
Rhysa nodded. “Just a little weak. Lord Hermestus says it is a lack of energy rather than anything muscular. He wants me to walk around today. If I recover enough, I will probably be sleeping in my room tonight.”
“Well, you be careful.”
“I will.” Rhysa looked up as a shadow fell across Elise. It was “young Tathan”. He patted Elise’s shoulder and grinned down at Rhysa. “You’ve caused quite a stir.”
Rhysa cautiously looked into his eyes. “I’m sorry.” Her voice was timid.
His grin slipped a little. “Hey. Don’t worry about it.” He’d toned down his voice, as if speaking to a skittish animal. “It’s quite a change from the ordinary gossip. Lady Kasteryn runs her House well. There’s not usually much to talk about except speculating why someone was a couple minutes late for duty.” His grin returned. “I promise you, you’re a mystery¬—and so you’re very popular right now.”
She finally smiled back, hesitantly at first, but then with more heart when she didn’t see the flash of burning desire she had come to dread—frank and open admiration, but no desire to possess. “I’m glad I appear to be good for something besides being lost or lazing around.”
He chuckled, two short, amused grunts; he looked down at Elise. “Lady Kasteryn sent me to ask you to attend her.”
Elise’s brows knotted. “I’m not on duty for another couple of hours.”
He nodded. “She knows. But she said something about the prince coming.”
Elise’s eyes went wide, then she lunged to her feet. “And you stand there failing to flirt with the new wench?!” Her voice was unstrung and harsh with anxiety. She scrambled over the bench and took a couple hurried steps towards the door before visibly forcing herself to calm down. She turned back to Rhysa. “Sorry to leave you like this,” she said in an abrupt apology and started to turn away. Then she turned back to Rhysa and grinned. “And don’t worry about Tathan here.” She winked. “He’s got a crush on Lord Amonteus.” With that parting shot, Elise bustled off.
Rhysa glanced at Tathan out of the corner of her eye. By his flaming face, she guessed Elise had hit the mark.
“She never said she knew that,” he muttered plaintively to himself.
“Maybe she was saving it up?”
He snorted. “She would.” He paused a few moments. “I wonder why the prince is coming here?”
Rhysa opened her mouth to explain about her three-way purchase and subsequent conditions, then remembered no one was to know of it except those present at the auction. “I don’t know,” she said instead. She gave Tathan a sly look. “Maybe he wants to catch Lord Amonteus when he’s here this afternoon.”
His face turned red again, but he retorted, “And maybe he just wants to see the Incredible Fainting Slave.”
Rhysa thought that probably wasn’t too far from the truth, but kept her response sarcastic. “Oh yes. I’m sure he’s taking time from his schedule just to see a newly purchased slave.”
Tathan grinned and spoke over his shoulder as he walked away. “Sure he is. I expect you’ll be summoned to make a command appearance.”
Rhysa wiped a scowl off her face and hurried after Tathan. She had to get him thinking on another topic. Suddenly, she realized she was keeping up with him—and he wasn’t walking slowly. “Hey! I’m not weak anymore.”
He glanced at her. “Well. That’s one more for Lord Hermestus. Nothing muscular can heal that fast. At least not without a lot of magic.”
“Where are you headed, anyway?”
“I’m returning to the stables. Lady Kasteryn had just returned from a morning ride when she took me off of tack cleaning in order to fetch Elise.”
They exited through a side door and walked towards the back of the house. They turned the corner towards the stables, and saw Lady Kasteryn walking towards them.
When Lady Kasteryn saw them, she smiled. “Ah, good. Tathan, please make sure there are clean stables and paddock for the prince’s horses to rest in. I know you keep everything clean, but make extra sure of those that will house the Prince’s animals.” Tathan bowed and started to walk away. Lady Kasteryn looked at Rhysa. “And you, my child, are going to help Elise with serving the prince.” Tathan whirled, his mouth open and eyes bugged out. It would have been funny if Rhysa hadn’t felt a heavy, sinking feeling in her gut.
Agents of Ellendahl 