At the sound of a knock at the door, Orinakin slid out from under him, returning a minute later with a salver. Atop it was a cut glass tumbler, and a note. “For you,” Orinakin said, setting it down with a wary smile. “From The Heir.”
“Xio Voe?” Sitting up, Bade read the note. The handwriting was firm and crisp. “‘To cure nausea, settle your mind, and ensure peaceful slumber, swallow this dose.’” Curious, he eyed the amber liquid. He wondered what kind of potion it was.
“I don’t have much experience with modern prescriptions,” Orinakin admitted, raising the tumbler and taking a sniff. “However, if I had to guess,” he smiled, “I’d say that this is whiskey.”
Bursting into surprised laughter, Bade took it from him. “He prescribed whiskey?” Oh, yes, a quick inhalation proved that. Well... Bade grinned. “It would be remiss of me to refuse The Heir’s doctoring.”
Orinakin smiled, sitting comfortably beside him. “You wouldn’t want to be rude.”
“Very thoughtful of him,” Bade decided, and took a sip. Oh, very thoughtful, indeed. “This is,” he shivered pleasantly as it burned, “potent.”
“Strange,” Orinakin said, his tone musing. “I hadn’t realized that alcohol was good for settling an upset stomach.”
“Oh, it works wonders,” Bade said, taking another sip.
Orinakin’s arm settled around his shoulders. “I suppose you shouldn’t share your medicine.”
“This is too strong,” Bade said. “You’d just get drunk. I’d better finish this myself, to keep you sober.”
“How considerate of you.”
“You’re welcome.” Relaxing into Orinakin’s arm, he closed his eyes. He felt a light kiss at his temple, and smiled, whiskey warming him from the inside. Yep. He felt better already.
..............
Xio Voe was considerate.
Xio Voe had a sense of humor.
That discovery had Orinakin so off-kilter, he had trouble focusing on conversation at breakfast.
