Caleb didn't like the idea at all, but he was impressed at the way Laurel offered her services. She didn't have to because he was more than enough to take care of his wife, but at present she was in a very weak state and he couldn't leave her alone, and so he nodded. "Thanks for all your help, Laurel," he said in a low voice that sounded jittery. "I appreciate it."
The sorceress blushed. The king acknowledged her help, which was a step towards acceptance. She bowed to him in all politeness even as her spine ached. She dug out the leather skin from Auril's satchel and then left the cave in search of an animal.
Caleb's gaze went back to Elize. He fought panic when he saw how battered her body was. He concentrated on her heartbeat and it was uneven. Her lips were pale and cracked and her cheeks were hollow. He cradled her head. Her body trembled a little and he pressed her tighter against his chest. "Elize," he called her.
