Chapter 81

Mara's POV

We spent the afternoon telling people what had happened in Maeve's room. Ronan asked to be present when the young healer gave her account. She said she didn't want him there. He accepted it, then waited outside with the rest of us while Tamsin heard her.

Lucien brought bread from the kitchens. He set some beside me and one piece within Ronan's reach. “This is where I offer bad advice about rest and am surprised when you ignore it,” he said.

“Save it,” Ronan replied. “I am already obeying my commander.”

“That must hurt you.”

“Immensely.”

For a little while they sounded like themselves. Then the infirmary doors opened, and the healer came out. She walked past Ronan without meeting his eye. His expression didn't change until she was gone.