Chapter 51

Nicki's flare of anger shorted out at the intensity in Stefan's face. Then the infernal demigod kept talking. "I've arranged to have a medical evaluation tomorrow that both Nicki and I will undergo, and if there is any reason to be concerned, she will be transferred to a cardiac facility in Zurich at the same time we transfer the prince."

"Cardiac!" the queen nearly shouted, aghast. Nicki turned in time to see the woman go pale.

"Really—it's nothing."

"It is potentially nothing to be concerned about," Stefan agreed. "However, Nicki's family has a history of cardiomyopathy, and Nicki has not undergone the required screening for several years, so her condition remains in question." His gaze was like granite. "It will no longer be in question, shortly."

"You knew—" the queen seemed to have trouble breathing. "You knew that your heart wasn't stable, and you insisted on going on this mission? Why?"

"I—" Nicki tried to speak, she did. But her heart felt too full all of a sudden, and she would have given a lot to fake a dizzy spell at that moment. But the thing just kept happily beating along—not too fast, not too slow. That threw her for a loop as well, and when she didn't respond fast enough, Stefan was there once again, ready to step into the gap.

"Because she knew she was the best equipped to help the prince," he said. "She had the contacts and the training. She knew the city. She had the best reason to be there and therefore provided the best cover."

"But, you could have been killed." The queen's soft words drew Nicki's attention back to her, and when Catherine walked forward, it was all Nicki could do not to run away.

"You sacrificed yourself willingly, for a family you didn't know existed until a few short weeks ago," the queen said. "You…" She swallowed. "You helped bring my son home to me. I can never repay that—ever."

"You don't have to repay me," Nicki said, lifting her hands to slow the tide of emotion flowing out from the queen.

"Yes, I do," Catherine said, shaking her head. "You will receive the Rite of O?ros, with my blessing. And my eternal, desperate thanks." She closed the final feet to Nicki, and then her tears did give way. This beautiful, serene woman, so strong in all her actions and words since the moment Nicki had met her, crumpled in front of Nicki like the relieved mother she could finally allow herself to be. Nicki automatically put out her arms and the queen stepped into them, though Nicki was unsure as to who was giving and who was receiving the greater grace in that moment.

"Thank you," the queen whispered. "Thank you, thank you, thank you."

Around them, there was movement—talking, walking, industry. But Nicki paid no attention to anyone but the queen for a few more moments, giving her back all the strength she had left in her body, giving her every beat of her heart, broken or not.

"Of course," Nicki said. "He'll be okay—he's going to be okay."

"I know." The queen leaned back, and her expression had totally changed in those bare moments. Despite being streaked with tears, her face was stronger, almost ebullient. "He's surrounded by those he loves, and that love will sustain him, even if his mind has forgotten why."

She squeezed Nicki's shoulders. "And now we have to make sure you're healthy, too."

Nicki nearly groaned. "I'm good. Really, I'm good."

"You are sick though?" the queen asked, and the question was so gentle, so unexpected, that Nicki blinked at her.

"I'm…I'm maybe sick, though I don't feel sick anymore," she said, the admission almost a relief. "I definitely have a disconnect going on. I get too dizzy, and I sometimes black out. I—my family has a history of heart problems, as Stefan said. I guess…" She shrugged. "I guess I didn't want to find out I did too. I wanted to live my life going full out."

"Being smart doesn't mean being an invalid, you know," Catherine said, and though her voice was stern, her eyes were soft. "And I'm not pressing you on this for only your benefit, although of course that is important."

She turned, still not quite letting Nicki go, until they both could see the cluster of men at the far end of the room. Dimitri and Kristos were practically coming out of their skin with electric energy, Stefan was arguing with Cyril—and Jasen, now that no one was watching him, had allowed his expression to soften. He gazed across the room at his wife, vibrant with joy, and a hope that Nicki hadn't ever realized she'd missed firmly reflected in his face. Queen Catherine gave Nicki's arm a squeeze, her smile radiant as she beamed back at her husband.

"Love is too important to squander, too precious to miss out on," the queen said. Nicki turned to her in surprise, and she nodded to the men again. Specifically, to Stefan.

"Oh—you have the wrong idea." Nicki shook her head sharply. "Stefan and I—I mean, we barely know each other. We couldn't fall in love, not that quickly. We're just…friends."

"Friends," the queen said soberly. "And do you regard all your friends with your entire soul in your eyes, ready to give and give and give until there's nothing left? Do you stand as if your hands are reaching out to connect with the other, ready to offer your whole life up in that one touch, when you haven't even moved?"

"I…" Nicki winced. "I didn't realize I looked like that."

"You don't," the queen said. "He does."

She hugged her more tightly as Nicki froze. "I have known that man since Jasen first began courting me—back then, Stefan served Jasen's grandfather, like he'd served generations of kings before. Then Jasen's father—and then, finally, Jasen. Over those many years, I have seen him look at women—beautiful women from all over the world. And none of them can compare with how he looks at you."

She turned to Nicki, and her eyes were filled with tears again. "Ari wasn't the only man you've helped find his way home again, Nicki. You've brought Stefan home, too. Please, don't ever let him go."