“Not a clue. In fact, if I had a starchart in front of me, I still wouldn’t know where to even start to look for it. I’ve heard of your people, but really know very little other than the name.”
“That is a personal choice.” Maris winked at him. “We don’t like or trust outsiders so we’re not real forthcoming with details about our people or territories.”
“Really?”
He nodded. “If you’re ready, we docked about ten minutes ago. Zarya wants you taken to the palace with her until Syn clears you, health wise. She said you don’t have anyone at home to watch over you.”
“I would argue, but she’s right.” The only person in his apartment was Anachelle, and he was taking care of her. She was in no shape to watch over him as he healed.
When he started to get up, Maris stopped him. He indicated the machine pole next to the bed. “You’re still attached, love.”
Syn reentered the room. “How’s he doing?”
“Not the doctor.”
Syn rolled his eyes at Ture over Maris’s words. “He always says that.”
Maris held his hands up in a very feminine and adorable gesture. “Hey, I respect expertise and when it comes to health, I know nothing. Especially not about other races.”
Without a word, Syn detached the bed from the wall so that it could be used as a stretcher. He put the fluid bag onto a smaller pole that was near Ture’s head. “You coming?” he asked Maris.
“Right behind you, precious.”
Ture felt awkward being wheeled into Darling’s palace. While he’d seen the royal abode thousands of times in his life and had toured the public governing sections as part of a school trip decades ago, he’d never dreamed of seeing the private areas.
They went in through a rear entrance, and toward an elevator. The staff turned to look at them, but no one said anything or stopped them. Syn took him upstairs to a room where servants were quickly preparing it.
Ture’s jaw dropped at the luxury. He’d never seen anything finer. The ceiling over his head held elaborate gold trim and was painted with a breathtaking celestial scene. It was like looking up at heaven.
The bed was larger than Ture’s entire bedroom...okay, a slight exaggeration. Still, it was giant. The bed held a navy blue canopy that was trimmed in gold and maroon— the royal Caronese colors.
The door opened.
Ture half expected it to be a guard telling them to get out. So when he saw Darling, the royal governor, coming into the room to check on him, he was stunned.
“How is he?”
Syn moved him to the bed. “Pretty busted up. Broken arm and shin. Severe hand trauma, but we should be able to get him up and running in a few weeks. I called in a friend of mine to do surgery on his hand. He should regain at least ninety percent usage.”
“Ninety?” Ture gasped.
“Sorry...you might have full recovery. I’m not an expert, which is why I’m calling in a favor from my friend who is. He’ll be able to give you a better prognosis than I can.”
Ture wanted to scream in aggravation. “How much will all of this cost me?”
“Nothing,” Darling said. “I’ll cover every bit of it.”
His offer offended Ture. “That’s not necessary.”
“You protected my wife. Zarya said she wouldn’t have made it through, but for you. I can’t do enough to repay you for that favor. You need anything, you let me know.”
Maris gasped in outrage of Darling’s words. Hands on hips, he sputtered at Darling before he spoke. “You married Lady Z without me? You beast! I’m so heartbroken. How could you? I was supposed to be her maid of honor.” He gave an adorable fake pout.
Closing the distance between them, Darling pulled Maris into a tight hug. “You were there in spirit. Besides it was so quick, we were married before we made it to my bedroom.”
Ture arched his brow. “You really weren’t kidding.”
Darling shook his head. “As I told Kyr, the priest was waiting inside the door and started the formalities the instant we entered. I came too close to losing her. Be damned if I’ll ever let that happen again.”
Ture was still amazed and stunned by the men in this room. That they were everything Zarya had promised him.
Darling kissed Maris’s cheek. “Let me know if either of you need anything at all. I’m heading back to Zarya to make sure she doesn’t lift anything heavier than a spoon.”
Maris laughed. “Good luck with that.”
Darling gave a heavy sigh. “I know, right?” Then he left them alone.
“I’m going to get cleaned up and will be back in a few.” Maris went to a separate door than the one Darling had used. Rather this one was in the middle of the wall and led to a connecting bedroom.
Ture wasn’t sure if he should be flattered or insulted that Maris’s bedroom connected to his. Did Maris think him some whore to be kept like a pet?
Syn tucked the covers in around him, and then checked his fluids. “Sorry about to confidentiality breach. But—”