Eliora placed her hand over his on the table.
"It's okay," she murmured. "We can try the mild one first."
His thumb caressed palm palm, but his eyes stayed on Maelina.
"You are certain it will not harm her."
Maelina met his stare. "I would never risk her life, not when her life stabilizes yours."
That answer satisfied him more than anything else she could've said.
He nodded.
"Do it tonight," he said. "After we return to the tents."
Eliora exhaled in relief.
Maelina smirked faintly. "I'll need a few herbs from the cheetah traders."
Zarek rose from the bench immediately.
"I will get them."
Maelina waved a hand. "Relax, Your Majesty. I can shop without declaring war."
Eliora laughed under her breath, but Zarek didn't sit back down.
His eyes moved across the camp, calculating risks.
Eliora reached for his hand. He paused, looking down at her fingers wrapped around his.
"Sit," she said, tugging him back.
