“The prince was correct in asking you not to use your… enhancer? Is that what you called it? You are showing similar symptoms to someone with a brain tumor. I’m going to assume that this technology requires regular checkups and adjustments that haven’t been available to you.”

  He stopped lecturing me only briefly, holding a lens up to my eyes and observing.

  “Let’s not pretend I have a choice in the matter,” I replied.

  He laughed, lowering the lens for a moment to give me an incredulous look.

  “Let’s not pretend you haven’t had every chance to turn around and leave this kingdom at any time. These are not your people. You owe them nothing.”

  “We are all one people. PanTech just shoved us into different pens and convinced us we aren’t. The people here deserve help as much as all the other zones I’ve visited. As much as my own.”

  His eyes, which had gazed at me almost mockingly a moment ago, closed a little as he smiled.

  “Were you a physician?”

  “In a manner of speaking. A veterinarian. A physician for animals. I helped the veterinarian in my village until she passed away, then I took over her practice. When I joined PanTech, I found myself helping with the animal experiments that resulted in the anthropomorphic animals you’ve seen in Adversity Management.”

  “I was the first test subject,” Ghost said, and I was surprised by the hint of pride in his words. After all, it wasn’t by his choice or mine. PanTech had essentially confiscated him from me and forced him to undergo the procedure.

  “Well, third, technically. The early tests were carried out on a rat, then there was Henry, and then you.”

  “I hope Henry is well,” Ghost said. I’d expected him to make a witty, sarcastic remark about being in third place, but it seemed the mention of Henry resurfaced memories.

  “I’m sure he’s helping Linda the same way you’re helping me.”

  I doubted that was much comfort. By now, Linda and the others could’ve been overrun by machines, forced to relocate, or killed.

  The royal physician gave another sympathetic smile.

  “I can see you’re the type not to let anything go. I suppose we should discuss the herbs used to assassinate the chief adviser.”

  “First, I’d like to address you as something other than ‘Royal Physician’ if we’re going to be seeing more of one another.”

  “Dinis,” he said.

  I paused for a moment, considering the implications. Everyone else here had names that fit the culture of the zone.

  “Former Adversity Management?”

  He nodded.

  “Ancient history. I was a young man back then and worked to expose an emperor’s efforts to hide away young women and prevent them from taking their PanTech entrance exams. I was assigned to safeguard the health of the emperor who replaced him, Renyi’s father. It was a tumultuous time. This zone is no stranger to plots like the one that just took the chief adviser from us. Renyi’s life will also be in perpetual danger.”

  The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

  “My mother was one of those women kept by that emperor. She said her parents gave her up, thinking she’d be living a better life. PanTech became her savior, and she always idolized them.”

  “Understandable, given her position. It’s fascinating to consider that something I once played a role in set into motion the events that would lead you here today. But enough of philosophy and history. I know you’re eager to delve into the subject of the herbs used to assassinate Tannis.”

  I nodded. “If I’m going to have this medallion, I may as well make proper use of it.”

  “It may be in your best interest to hide that medallion and present it only when necessary. Misunderstandings may arise otherwise.”

  “Misunderstandings? Like what?”

  “Well…” he scratched the back of his head, considering his words carefully. “It is customary for men like the prince to give a similar gift to a woman he intends to pursue. While all high-ranking officials will recognize it, many others will not. Some may see it and believe there was another intention behind you receiving it. The prince is under heavy pressure to choose his future empress as soon as possible, so—”

  “Thank you for the advice. About those herbs,” I said, cutting him off. I found myself flustered by the topic and was eager to move on from it.

  I detected the slightest grin on his lips, but he was willing to drop the topic.

  “Ah yes, Emberweed and Strideblossom. Common here, but rare throughout the world. This is the only place where both grow. It’s an old assassin’s trick, but it fell out of favor due to stricter regulations and how easily they can be traced.”

  “Isn’t that strange…” I said, tapping my chin.

  “In what way?”

  “The method used to target the prince utilized advanced technology only available from PanTech, but the one used on the chief adviser employed something local. Not only local, but essentially exclusive to this zone.”

  He quickly mixed a small cup of medicine, made from some sort of powder, then handed it to me.

  “Perhaps that was deliberate, so you wouldn’t be able to establish a clear profile.”

  “Or… perhaps we’re dealing with a diverse cast of villains and not a single mastermind.”

  “Or a diverse array of villains working under a single mastermind. As I’ve said, you’ll find no shortage of treachery in this zone, particularly in this palace.”

  “It may become more relevant later. With a high-profile target like Tannis, it’s safe to say those who carried out the plot have covered their tracks and utilized a buffer of scapegoats. Rather than work backward, why not consider how the process might start?”

  “You sound a lot like Tannis himself, Taylor. He was cautious. I have my doubts that the tainted food he ate was served here in the palace. Narrowing down possible sources might help you reach a quicker conclusion.”

  I took a sip of the medicine, feeling my mind clear a little.

  “I appreciate your help.”

  “My help comes with a condition,” he said. “I can see you’re a difficult patient. I’ve met many in my years. Our future emperor is another, but I have learned a trick or two in dealing with difficult patients. If you want my support, you’ll follow my guidance as your physician.”

  I raised my eyebrows. “Ah, a driver of hard bargains, I see.”

  “I work with what I have. Perhaps I’ve lived in this palace for too long.”

  “So, about this issue with my enhancer… how long do you suppose I have?”

  He sighed, looking down at his hands as he clasped them together.

  “It depends on a number of factors. A PanTech HQ lab, manned by experts, could make this problem go away. If that isn’t available, the next factor is how often you use it and how hard you push it when you do. I don’t know how they are made. It could overheat. It could explode. It could be seen as a foreign object that your body is rejecting. I have no way of knowing. I can monitor your health over the next few weeks and see how quickly it deteriorates.”

  “Come on, you can be honest,” I said, partly in jest, but also afraid he really was holding back.

  “I would never insult you by withholding your prognosis. The bottom line is this: it isn’t just the prince who doesn’t want you to use the enhancer. That is my official order as your physician. Unless the day arrives when you are able to receive care at PanTech HQ, or by one of their experts, do not use your enhancer again. Each time you do, there’s a chance you could drop dead. A chance I have no way of estimating.”

  The reality weighed heavy on me. Without the use of my enhancer, I was severely limited. I’d gotten so used to always having it as an option that I barely remembered navigating problems without it.

  “Alright…” I finally said.

  A servant entered. I recognized her as one of Renyi’s attendants who had brought me clothes before.

  “Lady Taylor, I have a message from His Majesty. The prince often has tea in the palace garden at dusk and would like to know if you’d be willing to join him.”

  Lady Taylor? Even stranger, did she just say he was asking if I’d like to join him? No orders this time?

  “Tell the prince I’d be honored to accept his invitation.”

  PanTech Chronicles trilogy and the series, both available on Amazon.

  Thank you so much to everyone who supports me on Patreon. I wouldn't be able to do this without you!

  Special Thanks: Shin and Drunkenbiker

  Patreon | |