Theron stepped out, and Kael, who had been leaning against the door, straightened at once.
"Where is her maid?" Theron asked.
Earlier, thinking Aveline might need company, he had arranged for a younger maid. But perhaps that had been a mistake. Not when she was talking about family. Not when she was sounding so achingly lonely.
She must be missing her mother.
The young maid stepped forward immediately, eyes lowered and head bowed, too careful to meet the royal gaze. That was how women like her survived in places like this; by becoming small, by becoming invisible.
"Get an older maid," Theron said. "Someone who knows medicine. And send for a physician."
The maid bowed even lower. "As you command, Your Royal Highness," she murmured, then retreated without ever turning her back on him.
Theron turned to Kael.
"Let her rest for a couple of days before bringing her into the city. And enroll her among the nobles."
Kael blinked.
