Dr. Shepherd was still working to save me when a maid from the Crown Prince's Court burst through the door. "My lord, the Crown Princess has been suffering from stomach pains today. She's requesting Dr. Shepherd come examine her."
Homer's expression changed instantly, open concern written across every line of his face. Without a moment's hesitation, he grabbed Dr. Shepherd by the arm and pulled him toward the door.
Ruby Abbott, my personal maid, threw herself at Homer's legs and clung on. "My lord, if you take Dr. Shepherd now, the lady will die!"
"The Crown Princess only has a stomachache. Any court physician can see to that. But my lady is hanging by a thread..."
"Please, my lord, have mercy on her..."
"Insolent wretch! The Crown Princess is of the highest birth. Who are you, a servant, to decide her care?"
Homer's mind was already gone from this room. He kicked Ruby aside and tossed an order at the servants without looking back. "Brew some ginseng broth. Keep her alive."
"The moment the Crown Princess is fine, I'll bring Dr. Shepherd back."
Ruby scrambled to follow, but I stopped her. "Ruby, don't. Let him go."
Her eyes were swollen and red. She looked at me, heartbroken. "My lady, wait for me. I'll go find a court physician."
I struggled to prop myself up and pulled a box from beneath the bed. Inside lay the Body Collector's Iron Medallion. I pressed it into Ruby's hands.
"Ruby, take this into the palace. Give it to the Emperor and tell him Penelope Maxwell is calling in her favor. Tell him I want divorce papers."
Years ago, when the Emperor himself had traveled to Millhaven Village to bring the Crown Prince and the young lord back to the capital, he'd been so grateful for my saving their lives that he promised me one request, anything I asked.
I had never dared waste that chance. Now, finally, it had a purpose.
Homer didn't return with Dr. Shepherd until the following afternoon.
By then, the royal physician Ruby had summoned was already on his way out.
Homer caught the physician by the arm. "How is my wife?"
"She'll live. But I'm afraid..."
Homer's voice dropped low, unsteady in a way I'd rarely heard when it concerned me. "Afraid of what?"
The physician shook his head with a heavy sigh. "Her body is ruined. She'll spend the rest of her life in pain."