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.