Following Her

*Rafe*

“Since Bertha and Brenda have been dealt with, everything has gone smoothly,” Jerim beams. He pats George on the shoulder, who is in on the donating rotation once more and currently giving blood, healthy as a horse.

“I’m glad to hear it,” I say. “And I’m glad we caught them before George here got any sicker. I am sorry, George, that you suffered so. That should never have happened.”

George’s eyes nearly bug out of his head. Apparently, a prince apologizing to him is not anything he ever expected to happen in his lifetime. “Your Majesty, I am just glad I was the last. That none of my other friends had to go through that… wolfsbane poisoning.” He shuddered.

I also pat George on the shoulder. “That’s very noble, George. And like we said, you didn’t have to go back to donating blood if you didn’t want to…”

George straightens. “Your Majesty, I consider it a duty and a privilege to make sure you are all well-fed. You give us a lot, and I want to give back. I am still young enough to