cinder || dnf

chapter twenty five

George received two comms between the time they left the elevator and the time they reached Dr. Za's office- Dream knew because he could hear the chime from his belt- but he didn't answer them. The prince insisted on helping him down the hallway, despite Dream's protests that he could walk just fine, despite the curious stares of passerby. Curious stares did not seem to bother George half as much as they bothered Dream.

He didn't knock when they reached the office, and Dr. Za, upon seeing who had burst in without announcement, did not seem surprised when he saw the prince.

"It happened again," said George. "His fainting, whatever it is."

Phil's blue eyes switched to Dream.

"It's gone now," he said. "I'm fine."

"You're not fine," said George. "What causes it? What can we do to make it stop?"

"I'll take a look at him," said Dr. Za. "We will see what can be done to keep it from happening again."

George seemed to think this was an acceptable answer, but only barely. "If you need funds to do research... or special equipment, or anything."

"Let's not get ahead of ourselves," said the doctor. "He probably just needs another adjustment."

Dream clenched his teeth as his lie detector flashed at him. Phil was lying to the prince again. He was lying to Dream, as well. But George didn't object, didn't question. He sucked in a deep breath and faced Dream. The expression made him uncomfortable- the look suggested that he was a china doll, easily shattered.

Perhaps a hint of disappointment hung behind it all.

"Really, I'm fine."

He could tell George was unconvinced but had no way of arguing with him. His communicator dinged again. He finally glanced at it, then scowled and shut it off. "I need to go."

"Clearly."

"The prime minister of Africa called a world leaders' meeting. Very dull and political. My adviser's about to have a breakdown."

Dream raised his eyebrows in a look he hoped conveyed how much he was all right with George leaving him. After all, he was a prince. The most powerful men and women on Earth had summoned him. Dream understood.

And yet he was still here, with him.

"I'm fine," he said. "Go away."

The worry in his eyes softened. He spun towards Dr. Za and pulled something from his pocket, forcing it into the doctor's hand. "I also came to bring you this."

Dr. Za slipped his spectacles on and held the glass vial up into the light. It was filled with clear liquid. "And this is?"

"A gift from Queen Minx. She claims it's an antidote to letumosis."

Dream's heart lurched. His gaze focused on the vial.

An antidote?

Drista.

Phil's complexion had drained, his eyes widening behind the glasses. "Is that so?"

"It could be a trick. I don't know. Supposedly, it's one dosage- enough for an adult male."

"I see."

"So, do you think you can duplicate it? If it is a cure?"

Dr. Za drew his lips into a thin line and lowered the vial. "That depends on many things, Your Highness," he said after a long pause. "But I will try my best."

"Thank you. Let me know as soon as you find anything."

"Of course."

Relief loosened George's brow. He turned to Dream. "And you'll let me know if anything-"