The Mad Princess and the Dying Prince novel Chapter 87

Silvanus stirred from his slumber. He called out in response, throwing a thick tunic over his shoulders as he went to answer the door.

But the moment he opened it and saw Cecily standing there, a realization hit him. He stood frozen.

"Well?"

Cecily studied him. He didn't look like a man suffering from exhaustion.

Silvanus blinked, snapping out of his daze. "Last night, I slept better than I have in years."

"Truly?"

"Truly," he confirmed with a nod. He finally understood why she had marched over here; she had come specifically to check on his rest.

Cecily slapped her thigh in triumph.

It was a commoner's gesture, something she never would have dared do back in the royal palace, but her years at the Prince's Estate had allowed her to relax her rigid manners.

"By the gods! Lady Lucia is truly remarkable!"

She held out her hand. "Give me back the sachet."

Silvanus clutched at his pocket, fully understanding the situation now. "It wasn't a gift for me?"

It really was the sachet's doing! He hadn't checked inside the cloth pouch last night. Was it filled with some rare, sleep-inducing apothecary herb?

"Hand it over! A gift for you? You wish. Lady Lucia gave that to me. If you want one, you can go beg for it yourself."

In the end, Cecily ruthlessly snatched the sachet back.

Silvanus stood there, thoroughly bewildered. Did Lady Lucia know how to craft magical apothecary blends?

"I have only heard that the physician is notoriously difficult to summon. I have never heard him called a liar."

"Then he will surely come." She looked at her husband with lingering concern. "However, it is said that he is closely tied to Prince Jareth. If we employ him, will it affect your standing at court?"

Lord Forrester had just returned from the provinces to report on his duties. He had caught wind of rumors that, barring any disasters, the king intended to keep him in the Royal Capital and elevate his position.

However, even years ago, Roderick had been perceptive enough to see the king's underlying wariness of Jareth, back when the Prince was merely a young boy.

Now that Jareth was a grown man of formidable power, the king's paranoia had surely deepened. If Roderick associated with the Prince's inner circle, the king might view it as treasonous. His return to the capital was already perilous; countless political rivals were waiting for the slightest misstep to ruin him.

Hearing her fears, Roderick smiled softly and took her hand, patting it reassuringly.

"Half the nobility in the Royal Capital has either hired Physician Finch or desperately tried to. The king will not mind. I am simply trying to save our daughter. He will understand."

During their journey back to the capital, their daughter had contracted a terrifying, bizarre affliction. They had stopped at no fewer than ten apothecaries and healers along the way, but none could offer a cure.