“Bring Antonius to me.”

I clenched my teeth and stood on shaky legs as Cassianus watched me warily.

“Sergius tells me you are not yet fit for travel,” he said. “He says you need more time to heal. A few more weeks at the hospital will undoubtedly-”

“To further line your pockets for treatments?” I interrupted with a snort. “No, I don’t think so.”

“I fear you would be forced to make another long journey, forced to return here when your wound becomes inflamed,” Cassianus said with conviction. “By the gods, you must stay with us another week at the very least.”

“No.”

“A few days, then,” he insisted. “Allow...