“Do you want a sleeping draft?” Her stiff-backed posture meant she wouldn’t go away until I stretched out. She flicked her long brown braid over her shoulder, waiting for my answer.

Ginger reminded me of Loren—practical, intelligent, and stubborn when it suited her. Like now. Around forty years old, she didn’t tolerate overly whiny patients, either.

“No, thanks.”

“Then what are you waiting for? An order from the prince?”

I smiled for an instant. Should I tell her about how well I obeyed orders from Ryne?

Ginger pointed to the pillow.

“Okay, okay.” I kicked off my boots and eased back onto the cot, resting my head on the pillow. Every muscle relaxed as a heaviness spread throughout my body. “Are you always this bossy?”

“Only when needed.” She remained standing next to the cot. “Stop fighting it and close your eyes.”

“Yes, sir.” I managed to provoke a slight grin from Ginger before she faded. “All right, Tohon, your turn.”

“My turn for what, my dear?”

“Tell me things I don’t want to hear. Your turn to gloat.”

We walked through a forest, holding hands. I gazed at the greenery, flush with life. No autumn colors. Familiar clumps of trees and bushes passed and I realized we were in the silent-training area near Zabin.

“There’s no need to gloat. You’ve finally accepted the truth. And see what you’ve learned already.”

“That I’m capable of doing horrible things?”

“Don’t be so hard on yourself, my dear. Experimenting and learning are essential. You already discovered quite a bit about the Lilys and how the toxin and serum work. You may even find a cure for the toxin and save lots of lives.”

“Searching for a cure created the plague, Tohon.” As he was well aware, since he’d helped the healers with their research. “I’m not going to be the cause of another one.”

“How do you know another one hasn’t already been started? You’ve even considered how strange it was for Ryne to get sick years after being exposed to the disease. And don’t forget, I know all about Death Lily toxin. I’ve been experimenting with it for a long time.”

Horror welled. “Did you produce a different strain?”

“Have you ever wondered why I helped the Healer’s Guild?”

“You’re dodging my question.”

“Indulge me.”

I mulled it over. “You had the time since your father picked your cousin to be his heir.”

“Ouch. Keep thinking.”

“Your magic makes all the lady healers swoon so I think you had your pick of evening companions.”

He smirked. “The perks of being a life magician. But I was after more than a warm bed. Think devious thoughts, my dear.”