13. Irina

Chapter thirteen

Irina

I kneeled before the King as he smiled down from his golden throne. The chair's back towered above the room, though in reality, it only reached a few hands above the monarch's head. The Queen sat in her throne to the King's left and wore the same warm smile as her husband. Ranks of nobles, members of the Privy Council, and courtiers lined the hall on one side, while Master Rist, Siena, Finn, two new apprentices, and my parents stood to my right.

Though I dared not lift my head to look, I felt every eye fixed on my prostrated form.

King Melric's voice boomed throughout the chamber. "Apprentice Irina Santender, the Crown elevates you to full Healer, effective immediately. Further, we name you Crown Healer to House Vance. You are charged with the care of the royal household, as well as advising us on matters pertaining to health throughout the Kingdom. Rise, and don your new smock."

As I stood, a page stepped out of the shadows and presented me with a neatly folded bundle. My eyes widened at the golden trim that framed the deep blue of the fabric. Glittering thread two fingers wide lined the collar and both cuffs. I'd seen Blues many times. Master Rist wore his every waking moment. But these reflected the light of the flames in nearby braziers, its silky fabric dyed a most intense shade. Then I unfurled the garment. The crown and peaks, the symbol of the King, was embroidered in the same golden thread across the center.

Queen Asin cleared her throat to get my attention, then motioned me forward. I glanced at the guards to either side of the throne, their broad swords no more ceremonial than their shining armor. The Queen followed my gaze, then extended her hand.

"Come, Healer, approach." Her tone held a conspiratorial mirth.

As I kneeled before the Queen and kissed her hand, she leaned down and whispered, "The gold was my idea. Given how young you are, I thought it added a delicate touch to impress upon others how unique your skills are."

I stepped back, and the page helped me pull the silk over my head and straighten it into place. It was magnificent. I traced a finger across the smooth surface and smiled up at the monarchs, then dropped to a knee once more.

"Your Majesties, I am overwhelmed with gratitude and pledge to do my best to keep you and your family safe and whole, so long as I draw breath."

The High Chancellor had prepared me for the acceptance of the King's appointment, but I added the bit about drawing breath as I stared at the royal shoes before me.

"We know you will, dear," the Queen whispered. She reached down and gripped my shoulders, lifting me to stand. My breath caught at the touch of a royal, a rarity even more precious than the gold on my tunic. A slender hand found my chin and raised my gaze to meet hers. "Time to face your future."

As the Queen spun me to face the court, the High Chancellor, who stood to the right of the King's throne, called in a clear tenor, "The court and assembled guests are invited to dine with His Majesty, the King, and Her Majesty, the Queen, in celebration of the Crown's new Healer. Pages will show you to the hall where we will dine."

The King and Queen rose, and all assembled bowed as they descended the dais and exited the audience chamber. I stood before their thrones, dumbstruck as the nobles began to disperse and follow pages.

"Irina." My mother's voice startled me out of my stupor. She and Father stood a few feet from the bottom step, each beaming with pride.

Unsure how one descends from the throne, I threw my shoulders back and strode down the stairs.

"Careful, child. They will think you belong here if you keep walking like that." Rist's booming laugh caught me so off guard that I almost tripped on the last stair.

"No danger of that," Father said. "Our girl may be powerful and bright, but she was born with two left feet."

Mother swatted him playfully, then grabbed me by the shoulders and pulled me into a hug. Father added his weight, then I felt bodies thump into me from behind. A quick peek revealed Finn hugging from one side and Master Rist stretching his chubby arms as far as they would reach around the other.

Siena stood a few paces away, refusing to join the group embrace.

"My lady, Healer." A youthful voice disturbed our moment, and the weight of Finn and Master Rist vanished from behind me. I turned to find a boy who looked of ten summers in royal livery. He bowed the moment our eyes met. "Please follow me. The King and Queen wait."

"My lady?" Father's voice was punctuated by a grunt, no doubt caused by Mother's elbow.

I looked over my shoulder and winked. "Mother and Father, please attend me."

Master Rist laughed, Siena rolled her eyes, and this time, I earned my mother's playful slap.

The King's luncheon was more of a feast that I had ever known, with platters of vegetables, meats, and fishes landing before us in a steady stream. By the time dessert arrived on the table, I vowed never to eat again lest my new smock need tailoring to allow for my growing belly.

I emerged from the Palace with a new sense of purpose—and a new silk garment—clinging to my shoulders. As we strode back to the Medica, people waved and gawked. Some pointed at my tunic with the golden trim.

"The ale houses will be filled with rumors this night," Master Rist said.

"What rumors? What are you talking about?" I asked.

"My lady." Father draped an arm around my shoulders and kissed my head. "The people whisper about what your golden thread might mean. Have you forgotten what that color represents?"

"No, of course not." My gaze fell to the cobbles as we walked. "It's just . . . I'm the same person I was before."

Rist stopped walking a few dozen paces from the Medica's door, halting our entire party's progress. He and Father exchanged a glance, and then it was my Master that held my shoulders.

"Irina, we know you. Those you have Healed think they do. The people who waved know only what they hear, and rumors make dragons of toads." He sighed, and his smile fell. "Some will adore you, though they know not why. Others will fear you for the same reason—or lack of reason. Word of your gifts has already spread like wildfire across this Kingdom, and it will only burn brighter now that you wear the King's crest. I fear your days of simple study are ending."

Father nodded. "Your Master speaks truly, Irina. I hear the talk from our patients, in the taverns."

Mother nodded. The others stared.

I didn't know how to feel. The King's and Queen's recognition was beyond anything I could have ever dreamed; and yet, fame had never been my goal. My path was supposed to be that of my parents, of a simple physiker whose work gave hope and comfort. What would come with being well known? How would life change? Would people bless or envy me? Or both? Would they be kind or—?

"Irina, there is time enough to worry later. Come, enjoy today." Mother, as ever, knew my heart. Her smile chased away my fears . . . for the moment.