Trial By Fire (Going Down in Flames #3)(30)

“All right. Any special requests?”

“Dessert.” Bryn’s mouth watered at the thought of chocolate.

“What kind?”

“Anything but cake.” It might be stupid that she refused to eat cake, but once a food is a vehicle for poison, it loses its appeal.

Valmont took off, and Medic Williams’s demeanor changed. “Bryn, we need to talk.” She headed for the couch and sat.

Oh, crap. She was using that I’m-going-to-say-something-which-will-tick-you-off voice. Bryn sat on the couch and waited to see what new tragedy was about to befall her life.

“What’s happening between you and Valmont is dangerous. You need to control your emotions. Getting as sick as you did, as quickly as you did, well, it’s unprecedented.”

Wait a minute. “I didn’t do it on purpose. What do you have to compare it to, old medical records? How do you know it wasn’t normal?”

“Whether it’s normal or not isn’t the point. I’ve never seen a case like this, and when we treated you, we were guessing. You can’t let this happen again.”

How had this turned into a game of blame the victim? “I didn’t do it on purpose. And there won’t be a next time.”

“I hope that’s true. Valmont cares about you, but he’s human and human behavior can be erratic.”

Where was this coming from?

“I appreciate your concern, but it’s unnecessary. I care about Valmont, and he cares about me. Everything will be okay.”

“I hope you’re right.”

They sat in uncomfortable silence waiting for Valmont to return. When he did, the tower of takeout boxes he carried was stacked higher than his head.

“What did you buy?” Bryn asked.

“A little of everything.”

Medic Williams stood. “I’ll let you eat. Bryn, I’m glad you’re feeling better. Let’s keep it that way.” And with that, she left.

Valmont set the stack of containers on the library table and popped the nearest lid. The savory scent of steak drifted across the room. “What’s the verdict? Do we need to send out for another deer?”

“No.” She inhaled, and her stomach growled. Bryn worked her way through a steak, two potatoes, a hamburger and half a pizza.

“Are you even chewing?” Valmont asked.

“Yes.” Mostly. “Now I’m ready for dessert.” She reached for the chocolate pie and then stopped. “If you want a piece, call dibs now, or I’m eating the whole thing.”

“I planned ahead.” He opened a small Styrofoam container to reveal a single piece of chocolate pie.

He’d bought her a whole pie. “You are the best knight ever.”

She polished off every last crumb and then leaned back in her seat and yawned.

“Why don’t you lie down while I clean this up?” Valmont stacked the empty boxes.

“I can help.”

“No need.” Once the containers were in the trash, Valmont led her to the couch. “Nap time.”

He stretched out on the couch. She joined him. Medic Williams’s words kept spinning through her head. Bryn pushed them aside. So she and Valmont had a hiccup in their relationship. Not a big deal.

A knock sounded from the terrace window startling her. That was odd.

They both sat up. Grabbing his sword, Valmont headed down the hall. While she doubted attackers would be polite enough to knock, she didn’t bother to point that out.

Miss Enid waved at Bryn from the terrace while Valmont unlocked the window, allowing the librarian to enter.

“Sorry to bother you, but I thought you might want some reading material while you recuperated.”

Bryn took the small black nylon duffel bag Miss Enid offered. “Thank you. Are these more legends books?”

“If anyone asks, that’s the answer you should give,” Miss Enid said in a conspiratorial tone.

The bag contained several faded black leather books with silver bindings and Days of Knights stamped on the cover along with volume numbers.

Valmont grabbed volume three. “This was my favorite. Talia’s grandmother must have read these stories to me dozens of times.” He flipped through the pages, which were covered in calligraphy.

“Are these hand written?” Bryn flipped open Volume One.

“The originals were.” Miss Enid ran her fingers over a page reverently. “These are replicas made on a printing press, but they are still old and fragile, so treat them with care.”

Bryn felt like she’d been entrusted with a secret treasure. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.” Miss Enid checked her watch. “I believe I’ll exit through your dorm rather than flying back.”

“Why would you want to do that?” Valmont asked. “You’ll have to deal with all the Blues staring at you.”

“When I was a student, that might have bothered me, but as a member of the faculty, I enjoy throwing the Blues off-balance a bit.”

“You sound like Mr. Stanton.” Bryn suspected Miss Enid and Mr. Stanton were involved even though their marriage petition had been denied. After all, they’d both refused any other alternative. It was kind of romantic to think about them sneaking around having a love affair.

Miss Enid grinned. “After all this time, maybe he’s a bad influence on me.”