I was removed from Julian's room the morning of the council hearing.
Mrs. Pell delivered the order while I was checking his pulse. She would not meet my eyes.
"Lady Vale says you are to attend the council session as a witness," she said. "You are not to return to the bedroom afterward."
"Who will watch him?"
"A temporary nurse is coming."
"Has Dr. Hales approved her?"
"I don't know."
I finished the pulse count before I put down the chart. Then I turned toward the bed.
"Lord Vale, I'm leaving now," I said. "A nurse will come in to sit with you. Dr. Hales knows the arrangement."
The temporary nurse arrived as I gathered my case. She had a clean uniform and a steady manner. I gave her the chart and explained the routine.
"Don't rely on the astrologer," I said. "Watch his breathing.
