Always and Forever

SOUNDTRACK: "Slip Away" by UNSECRET and Ruelle

*****

~ DAVID ~

Five hours. When I finally strode into the healer's chambers, it had been five hours since we'd returned to the castle. And three since she'd woken up.

That burned.

Stark claimed he'd been interviewing some of the guards who were present at the luncheon—a very delicate undertaking when they were our own men and claimed loyalty to me. But one we would not shirk from

To hear Stark tell it, when Zara's Abigail brought the message—to Stark, who was intercepting all communications to me to ensure no stealth attacks laid in wait—he hadn't even been told. His sentry was young and overly protective. He hadn't understood that Stark wanted to be interrupted. So Stark didn't get it until he left the room—along with a second message that she'd fallen asleep again. 

When he finally reached me, I was ready to climb the walls.