"We have to talk," Marianne said to Thomas only.
Sylvia felt him go still behind her.
The nurse at the door chose that moment to clear her throat, which Sylvia considered either very brave or very unfortunate.
"Lady Sylvia's full-body scan is ready," she said. "Seven wants a complete glandular map, endocrine response, pheromonal pathway analysis, and neural stress reading before the next dose of pain medication."
Thomas's arm tightened around Sylvia at once. "I am coming."
"No," Marianne said.
Thomas looked at her.
The room chilled.
Not because Marianne released her dominance. She did not. Her control remained flawless, the kind of discipline that made Sylvia understand exactly why Rohan trusted her with armies.
But Thomas reacted to the command anyway.
"I am coming," he repeated.
Daniel stepped closer, his voice quiet. "Thomas."
"She is in pain."
"She will be surrounded by medical staff," Daniel said. "And we will not allow her out of monitored range."
