Embers in the Ashes

Chapter 2

The regiment moved the fastest it ever had. The prince worried about infection setting in. An unnatural heat had already settled over the girl, not that she knew. She slept fitfully where she was cradled against his chest.

Rezon blew through the outer wall, headed straight for the palace gates. He only stopped to carefully lift Cahira into his arms before sprinting to the med ward. From the highest tower in the castle another young man watched these events with a pain in his heart that not even he could explain.

Servants split like the sea before the prince. So focused on his destination, he plowed through any who stood before him. The doors opened with a bang, startling the staff. He searched the large sterile room until his eyes settled on the head healer. He marched up to the woman and made his demand with all the authority his status allowed, "Fix her."

The woman looked at the girl. Dirt and blood coated her body. The burns were deep enough to be fatal. There was no guarantee she would make it through the night let alone a full treatment, but his majesty was not in the mindset to hear such news. The healer focused on what could be done in that moment. The rest would be handled when and if need be.

"She'll need to be bathed first." Rezon's hands curled around Cahira. He had not forgotten about her gift and knew her mark had to be somewhere. He, however, didn't trust this woman to remain silent should she discover it.

"Very well. I shall handle it."

"Your majesty! That is most improper!"

"Are you questioning my judgement?"

She lowered her gaze, shaking her head.

"Good." He pointed to a young assistant, "You. Run a private bath." The boy sprinted out of the room. He was absolutely terrified at being singled out. See, this boy was invisible, he needed to be. If he had ever been discovered death would be the least of his worries. Unwilling to risk angering the prince further, he rushed to finish the chore.

When the boy returned the prince was still glaring at that horrible woman. The boy fell into a bow, "The bath is ready, your majesty." The gaze that rested on him was much gentler.

"Thank you. Lead on." The tub had been set in an abandoned guest room. The boy took a moment to examine the girl as Rezon rested her on the bed. Her face was quite alarming. Blisters had grown across her skin and pus oozed from those that had burst, but it was the distress on her even in sleep that hurt him the most. Rezon patted her cheek until her eyes began to flutter. She grimaced as she started to sit up.

"Rezon?" No sane citizen had ever dared call him by his given name, but he simply smiled. It was a welcome change. He was never one for formalities anyway.

"Hello." He wouldn't meet her eye, "I'm sorry, but you need to wash up before the medical team can work." She looked away, a faint pink peeking through the dirt, but nodded. The boy, who had watched quietly from the doorway, stood before her.

"Cloth is stuck to your burns, you'll need to soak them to help with removal." A bowl was in his hands the liquid stung her nose. A look of distaste flickered over her features before she agreed.

The boy was close to her age if a bit younger, he kneeled in front of her, sponge in hand. "May I?" She gave a small hum of acceptance. When the solution touched her skin she hissed, unconsciously shifting. "Sorry." Rezon gripped her hand.

"Squeeze it if you need." She smiled faintly.

"Thank you." The words were breathy each one feeling forced from her throat. She glanced at the boy. He wouldn't look at them. she tilted her head; his hands were steady, but he slouched and his grip on the sponge kept tightening.