"Zavian sent you over," Azriel stated as she opened up the salve, the smell of strong spice- one that reminded Freya of battles and wounded soldiers- was tapered down with something perfumey mixed in it.
"Apparently, you need my help," Freya said.
"I told him I could handle it," Azriel insisted. "Just needed to sort through all those stacks of records first."
He closed his eyes as Freya applied the salve, and the cooling effect was already in itself a healing touch.
"He wanted you out of the castle," Azriel stated.
"And I could do with anywhere around him," Freya said. She evened out the salve on his skin as she spoke. "He's a different person now. I almost cannot recognize him anymore. And don't you dare say it is love," she quickly shushed Azriel as he opened his mouth to speak. "That maid might be a demon but she's evil. Love cannot make you blind to that extent, especially for a King."
