"He is not awake," Lauri-Ell counters, tilting her head to regard Clarice. "When he awakens, I will ensure he has visitors. Until then, we protect him, until he can protect himself."

And her tone goes low and a touch colder. More dangerous. If Lauri-Ell was one thing, it was insanely protective.

"This is my time to walk and clear my head. I will also fetch food and water. Then I will watch. I watch from outside. It is inappropriate for a guard to enter the chambers of her prince."

Add in that she hadn't been able to save him, and she wasn't feeling like she belonged at his side when he awoke, if he awoke without his twin.