Fear of Fire and Shadow (The Fade #1) - Samantha Young Page 0,10

in panic. “What happened?” her voice was hoarse.

“You fainted,” I snapped, as if it was somehow her fault.

She looked to Raj. “Why?”

Raj shook his head. “Lord Matai, help me move the princezna to the bed.”

I stood back, and Valena gripped my hand to reassure me. The gesture was sweet but ineffective.

“Lord Matai, Rogan, please leave Valena and me alone with the princezna.”

I objected, “No. I’m staying right here.”

“Rogan.” Matai grabbed my arm. “For once, do as you’re told.” I wasn’t even given a chance to struggle. Not that I could. Matai was as big as Wolfe. He pushed me outside the suite and shut the door behind us, his large body blocking my entrance.

“I need to be in there with her.”

“No. You want to be, there’s a difference.”

“Matai.”

“Stop it, Rogan,” he hissed. A flash of sharpness in his eyes revealed his deep concern. “For once … just stop.”

I slumped at his tone, my heart pounding so hard I was sick with it. “What’s wrong with her, Matai? She won’t tell me.”

“I know.” He grimaced. “She’s been overtired lately. I’ve tried to talk to her about it but …”

“She keeps saying nothing is the matter,” I finished.

“Yes.”

Our eyes locked. We both knew something was definitely wrong.

It seemed forever before Raj beckoned us back into the suite. It had probably only been fifteen minutes.

“What’s the matter?” I rushed to Haydyn’s side and grasped her hand in mine.

She was sitting up in bed now, color returning to her cheeks, and she smiled a bright smile that relieved me.

Matai stood hovering at the end of the bed. He threw Raj a belligerent look. “Well, man, what the hell is going on?”

I shot the soldier a chiding look. He and Haydyn were supposed to hide their feelings for one another, not make it obvious to even the most unobservant person.

Raj smiled indulgently, glancing from Haydyn to Valena. “Both Valena and I have examined the princezna. We sensed only the darkness of exhaustion and so we removed it from her. The princezna is feeling much better.” He strode to her other side. “As for this not sleeping, I will have one of the servants bring a tonic from my stores that should help you find rest, Princezna.”

“Thank you, Raj.” Haydyn bestowed a grateful smile upon the healer. “I appreciate your help.”

Suddenly I was exhausted by the fright she had given me. “Next time maybe you’ll do as I ask and see Raj before you collapse on the floor.”

The others looked a little shocked. Not Haydyn. She appeared remorseful. Because she knew me well. “I’m sorry, Rogan. I promise not to frighten you again.”

“Pfft.”

“Rogan?”

“If you’re all better, I have things to do.”

Matai and the healers glared at me, but I did not care for their opinions.

Haydyn narrowed her eyes on me. “Yes, you do have things to do.” She threw back the covers and got out of bed with a surprising breeze of energy. “Tell Jarek to ready my horse and yours. We’re going to the marketplace.”

I clenched my jaw but strode toward the door to do her bidding. The marketplace! She knew I hated the marketplace. She was punishing me for my inability to admit I was frightened.

“Oh, and Rogan …”

I stiffened. I did not like that singsong tone of hers. It meant she was up to something. “Yes, Your Highness?”

“After you speak with Jarek, please find Captain Stovia. We’ll need an escort.”

I grimaced and marched out of the room, her sweet laughter following me. Despite the distasteful thought of being in Wolfe’s presence, I smiled at the sound of her laughter and shook my head at her mischief.

“There you are,” I called as I came upon Jarek in the Silver Stable. We had stables almost as large as the palace because half of the Royal Guard was cavalry. There were a number of stable boys, and Jarek, a young man my age with a quick wit and warm smile, had been a stable boy up until recently. The old stable master had passed away, and I had suggested Jarek for the job. Yes, he was young, but we had been friends ever since my arrival at the palace and I had never met anyone with such an affinity for horses. There had been some upset at first when Haydyn appointed him as stable master. People assumed he was too young and not responsible enough. But he had the stables in tip-top shape in no time and now everyone could plainly see he was the best