Shadows in the Trees: Book 1

Chapter 47

"When can I go outside?" the Captain asked. 

"When you can walk for more than ten feet without collapsing," Fenno replied. 

His brows were furrowed and his eyes were closed as he hovered his hands over her abdomen. Warm, blue light filled the space between her body and his hands with a gentle glow. Healing her had become easier, and he didn't need as much concentration or energy anymore. 

Well, except for her damned knee. Those thugs had shattered it, and then what little had been holding it together disintegrated when she ran for the ship. 

"C'mon Fenno, I feel good as new," she said as convincingly as she could. She winced as he passed over her left side. 

"Are you now?" he asked with a laugh. They had grown rather fond of each other over the weeks, though his companions had yet to warm up to her.

"I do feel much better. Not as much pain," she said, relaxing back into her pillows and closing her eyes. "Thank you, Fenno." 

"Don't thank me yet," he said. "I still have to work on your knee today." 

 She shuddered. Healing her knee was still as horrible as it had been in the beginning. He usually passed out after just a few minutes, the poor thing. 

She heard the door to her chambers open. She figured it was the other healers, preparing to catch him when he collapsed and dump him into an ice bath. The warmth left her stomach, but Fenno was silent. 

"Fenno? What --" she started, opening her eyes. They quickly focused on the tall form approaching her bed. He had turned his back to her and fallen into a bow, his shoulder-length hair covering his delicate features. 

"Please, there is no need," King Sidka said graciously, gesturing for Fenno to stand. "Continue your task. I did not mean to interrupt, I just wanted to check on our guest here," he said, flashing a radiant smile. She couldn't help but notice his sharp canines. 

"As you wish, my King," Fenno said flatly. He turned back to her and the pleasant warmth returned to her ribs. 

 She fought the urge to narrow her eyes and carefully composed her face. She tried to seem calm and poised, despite being prone with a child waving his hands over her. She hadn't seen the king since he had come and asked her advice about his sister. That seemed like ages ago now; she wondered what he had learned in the meantime. 

"King Sidka," she said. "What a lovely surprise. What can I do for you?" She wanted to demand what he knew of her ship and crew, but she restrained herself. Carelessly flaunting her weakness would be a mistake. 

He frowned. "I do not think there is much you can do, given your state." 

She blinked, unsure if he was trying to subtly insult her. His face was open, displaying genuine confusion as far as she could tell. 

"I suppose I meant why are you here?" she said.

"Oh! Of course," he said, laughing ruefully. The pointed tips of his ears and the tops of his cheeks turned pink.

It seemed he hadn't learned much. 

She relaxed, laughing with him. "It's alright, it must be a human phrase. So, why are you here?" 

"Well," he said, approaching her bedside. Fenno shifted over to allow him room. "I have always been curious about our healers and how they work. And I wanted to know how you have been progressing." 

"Don't worry, Your Majesty, Fenno will have me out of your hair soon." 

He frowned. "Yes, Fenno is very talented," he said, though she worried she had confused him again. He looked away, and his eyes fixed on the stack of ancient books on her bedside table. "Some light reading?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.