Luci nodded. They were ingredients she regularly used, but maybe the healer didn’t know everything.
“I usually use sage as well,” Luci said.
His mouth curved up in a wide smile showcasing a bright smile as he reached into his pocket and pulled out a vial with a milky purple substance.
“I use that once it’s clean to seal the wound,” he said.
Clever.
Suspicious for reasons she could not say, Luci followed his silent order and took a seat at the end of the couch. Preparing for the oncoming sting, Luci closed her eyes as Hartrich poured the first mixture over her and dabbed with the warm cloth. She hissed out a breath as it stung with a vengeance, making her toes tingle and curl in a terrible way.
Someone grabbed her hand, and she didn’t question it, only squeezed hard to keep the stinging from turning into tears in her eyes. Crying in front of a healer and two princes seemed like a poor use of her time.
“I’m sorry, this will hurt, but I have to clean it first,” the healer said.
“It’s fine,” she said through clenched teeth.
For a brief second, she considered cooking Calcifer, but it wasn’t his fault that he was afraid.
“Breath, Luci,” Brielle ordered from in front of her.
This was all very dramatic. It was just a few claw marks that were already swelling and angry. It wasn’t like she was losing her leg or something. The moment he poured the tincture and began rubbing it away, Luci forgot her name and where she was. Goodness, what was in that to make it sting like that? No, actually, that was burning. She was on fire.
Cool fabric slid over her skin, and just like that, the burning simmered down, and the stinging gave way.
“There, that should keep infection from seeping in. Wounds inflicted by animal claws are notorious for infection. I added in some Peppermint with the Lavender, and though it stings and burns something terrible, it’s very effective,” the healer said.
“You could have warned me,” Luci muttered, opening her eyes and finding them moist.
“I find anticipation makes it worse,” he said.
“Are you all right?” Prince Ira’s voice was thick, but gentle.
Luci looked over to find his hand wrapped around hers. Oh no. She quickly withdrew her hand and wrapped it in her own so she could hide it.
“I’m fine,” she said.
“This is all my fault. You both are suffering because I insisted on bringing Calcifer.” Brielle frowned, tears welling in her eyes.
“It’s fine, Brielle. I’m better, and Prince Ira is obviously back to normal, though I would like to know more about how that is.” Luci said.
“I’d be happy to show you if you are up to it, Miss—”
“My apologies. This is Lady Brielle Treveon and her companion, Miss Lucinda Blackthorn.” Prince Ira said, gesturing between us.
Companion. The correct word was servant, and Lord Treveon would surely not appreciate Prince Ira introducing me as such.
“Max, you remember Brielle from the ball?”
I stilled, and so did Brielle, who knelt in front of me, her hands tight on my knees. I closed my eyes and prayed to fairy godmothers, invisible beings in the sky, and magic pumpkins that the youngest Vencia would take pity on me.
“Of course, a pleasure to see you again, Lady Brielle,” he said.
I let loose a quiet breath that made my chest ache. Brielle rose and gave a small bow to Max, whose eyes dashed to me in a universal signal that Luci took to mean, “you owe me.”
So she did.
“I’m Noah Hartrich, nice to meet you, Miss Blackthorn,” he said, bowing his head.