Match Made in HeVan by Lucy Kelly Page A

overall will help her recover quickly,” he explained.
    “Thank you, doctor. When can I see her?” asked the king.
    “She’s being moved to a private room now. A nurse will be in the room monitoring her life signs at all times. As soon as the transfer is complete, you can go in and see her. She will be awakened when you are there. I’m sure she’d prefer it if you are the first one she sees. We’ve blocked any pain signals from reaching her nervous system, which will enable her to rest comfortably. Do you have any questions?” he asked.
    “No, I don’t. Thank you for taking such good care of her. I’d appreciate it if you’d thank the rest of your team for me,” Ben said.
    After the doctor left, he turned to give his sister a hug.
    “Did you hear? She’s going to be fine,” he said, finally letting a few tears fall.
    BianCa held on tight, sharing the moment with him.
    “You should send a message to all the people outside. They’re waiting to hear how she is,” she told him.
    “Would you do that for me? I need to see her.”
    “Of course I will,” she said.
    She waited until he was being led to Malpha’s room before making her way outside to speak to the crowd. Thors had helped her become comfortable with speaking and dealing with large groups. She was gaining confidence from Malpha, as well. But she was still happy to see her own husband had returned and would be standing next to her when she spoke.
    Someone had set up a crude stage with a voice enhancer. She and Thors stepped up and waited for the crowd to quiet down.
    “Malpha, Queen of KowLer, and who is also my sister-in-law, was stabbed upon her arrival home. She has pulled through her surgery and both she and her babe survived and will recover fully. My brother and I thank you for coming and supporting him and his beloved wife during this ordeal.”
    Several messengers from other clans shouted questions but Thors helped BianCa leave the stage to go back into the hospital. She wanted to see for herself that Malpha was alright. PetruChio, Ben’s closest friend and advisor, stepped up to answer questions and then disperse the crowd.

    Malpha woke up. As the doctor predicted, the first person she saw was Ben. Seeing the fear in his eyes, she reached up and put her hand on his cheek.
    “I’m fine, my love, as is our child. There’s no need to worry,” she said.
    He couldn’t help himself, he had to feel her breath on his face. Leaning over, he gave her a gentle kiss on the lips.
    “I forbid you to ever scare me like that again,” he said in a fierce whisper.
    “I promise I’ll do my best, if you can make the same promise to me,” she answered.
    BianCa and Thors came into the room and Ben reluctantly stepped back so BianCa could weep a little over her sister-in-law. Thors motioned for Ben to step outside into the corridor for a moment. Ben followed him out but then turned so he could still see his wife.
    “It’s done. RubEn will not trouble you or your Queen anymore,” he said.
    “Good,” Ben said with satisfaction, before returning to his wife’s side.
    “I’m sorry if this is going to ruin your plans for a feast day tomorrow,” she said.
    “You haven’t ruined a thing. We’ll have our own private celebration here.”
    “Why do I have to stay here? I feel fine,” she said. Oh , Goddess ! Was that a whine coming from me ? Have I become a whining female?
    “That’s because the doctor blocked your pain receptors. You need to remain in bed for at least five days before you can return to the palace,” he said, reiterating what the doctor had told him.
    “I’d like to speak to the doctor, too,” she said.
    Not only did she want to find out the full extent of her injuries, she also wanted to convince him to let her be monitored from her home. She disliked being in the hospital because there were so many strangers around and all the nurses and doctors seemed to be men. She didn’t have a huge problem with that before the last