Chapter 27
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Vale reaches to steady me, my first steps a weak, stumbling mess as I attempt to greet the day.
He and Soria both hover, ready to aid me or scold me depending on how defiantly I push.
I am beyond grateful to have Vale back. His presence brings me so much peace.
I cannot fathom spending the whole day in bed, though.
Well, not so long as Soria, healers, and other visitors keep stopping by to check on me.
I feel like a baby bird they fear will tumble from the nest too soon the way they gawk and stare.
A sense of relief washes over me when Soria ushers everyone out, yes, even Vale, and lets me know a bath has been prepared for me.
She still lingers nearer than usual. Watches more keenly. I abide by it if for no other reason than she remains quiet.
I sink into the steaming water, the heat enveloping me.
The scent of milk and jasmine mingle as I inhale.
Tired and twisted muscles at last begin to ease, but the splintered tears linger.
The ache of the fever spurred fractals of damage throughout.
But now, that burn has turned molten, and I am the one that melts. The war in my body has subsided.
I let go.
Finally, true relaxation, not the languishing in bed of the past day and a half.
When Soria dresses me in a simple gown and pulls back my damp hair, I start to feel more myself, though still very much recovering.
The window is open, and the summer winds reach in beyond the balcony to caress my skin. A welcoming renewal.
I do not fight Soria’s insistence to sit and eat. I feel myself growing restless, but I am far from full strength.
Whether it was the herbs the healers provided or simply the passage of time, I do feel well. Shaky, but well.
I turn to face the door as it creaks open.
Vale greets me with a tentative smile. Eyeing me to see how I’ve fared while he was out.
He exhales in relief when he sees me still mid-bite from the meal set in front of me.
He turns back to the door, waving in Ace, who strides in, carrying an obnoxiously large floral display.
“You know things are dire when they send in the roses,” he jokes. I balk when a number of attendants continue bringing in arrangements of flowers and placing them throughout the room.
“What is all this?” I ask with a laugh.
“Well wishes from your many admirers,” Ace quips.
Vale looks at him, bewildered and amused. “Ace says you made quite the impression while I was gone.” He turns his attention solely on me. “I hope this means I don’t have to share you with all of Caerhollan.”
He takes my hands in his, sitting down across from me. His discerning gaze draws more attention than I care for with the amount of concern laced within it.
“Perhaps I can relieve you of duty, miss,” Ace directs to Soria. I look at her myself now. I am sure she got some sleep as Vale held me through the night, though I have no doubt her vigil carried on longer than it ought.
“Ace is right,” I chime in. “These two will see to it I am well cared for. Please, go rest yourself.”
It takes more convincing, but at least she resigns herself to our will.
Ace straddles the back of the chair next to the vanity as Vale and I occupy the two by the hearth.
It still glows dimly despite the warmth of the new season.
Even with the summer air and the gentle fire, I reach for my shawl, trying to ward off the lingering remnants of the chill I can’t seem to shake.
I reach for another bite of food; perhaps fueling my inner flame is the answer.
Ace and Vale do their best to keep me company.
It would appear news spread somewhat quickly of my ailment after people emerged from their morning solstice devotional yesterday.
I would have liked to take part myself and learn how the people of this kingdom welcome the blessings of the coming season.
Vale leans in toward me, trying to get a read on the dismay no doubt showing across my face. I give my best reassuring smile to him with a nod, letting him know I really am alright.
Remaining one of my favorite distractions, Ace catches me up on all the inconsequential gossip. “Avelyn wanted to bring you flowers herself. But fear not, m’lady, I will protect you from any busybodies hoping to curry good favor. Keeping out the riffraff as needed.”
“Except for yourself,” Vale adds. He gives me a wink as Ace clutches his chest.
“You wound me, my liege.”
I find comfort in their banter. It’s brimming with life. A force I am trying with all my might to muster within myself.
I feel it there, burning beneath the surface. My inner light. Not completely dimmed. Lying in wait.
The sun plays across the sky. Casting shadows that grow longer with each hour. Their company lifts my spirits, but I can feel my body growing weary.
“You should rest, little flame” Vale whispers across to me while Ace acts suddenly enthralled by the brushes and combs across the vanity table.
“I know I should. But I also don’t want to just waste away in this bed either.” I hate the desperate tone I hear in my own voice. Hate having to ask another for anything.
“Then I shall strike a bargain. You rest, even if just for a few hours, and if you are feeling well enough—” the strong emphasis on the “if” gives me pause, but anything that might get me out of this chamber is worth hearing him out on, “—tonight, we will go for a walk. Just you and I.”
I can’t contain my enthusiasm. Such a simple joy, but I fear now I may not rest from the urge to break free.
“Ace…” All it takes is a nod from him to the door to be understood.
Ace steps close, placing a hand on the back of the chair and leaning in toward me. “He is a stern commander, but he has never once steered us wrong.” And with that he makes his exit, with dramatic flourish of course.
Vale rises, and I remember what a mountain of a man he is.
His broad muscular shoulders fill the space as he steps towards me, hand outstretched for me.
I stand and he leads me to the bed. I walk slow and surely.
As much as I might love the idea of him scooping me into his arms as my knees prove too weak, I am also quite certain that would not lead us to rest, and I mean to uphold my end of the deal.
I climb under the covers and sink into the bed, asking him to stay a while until sleep finds me.
He closes the window, draws the curtains, and lies next to me in the darkened room. The heat of his body is better than any salve or remedy. In mere moments—I am asleep.
Some hours later, I wake. Soria is gently pulling aside the curtains as the last colors of sunset cascade across the drapes. “You keep resting if you need it dear,” she speaks softly across the room.
I roll my spine and stretch my limbs, feeling far more vigor than reason would allow given my state of recent days.
Pulling myself upright, excitement floods through me. “Gods no!” My cheery tone seems to startle Soria. I measure my next words so she knows they’re sincere. “I feel better than I have in a week. Maybe longer.” I surprise myself with how much they ring true.
“It’s not too late, is it?” I ask, realizing how long the sun keeps night at bay this time of year.
“My dear, you do know that man would do anything in his power to move the moon and stars, change the very patterns of time if he thought it would make you smile.” She sounds endeared not just to us, but to our love. I hold that as the honor it is.
She steps out into the hall briefly, likely to deliver a message that I am awake, then sets to readying me for the evening. We bicker a bit about what I should wear, given that it will likely be a brief outing, and only if my strength allows, despite my constant reassurances that I feel quite fit.
I spy the midnight gown hanging amongst others. My solstice gown. I trail my fingers delicately across the threading. “It would be a shame if he never saw me in it, as beautiful as it is.”
“I doubt he will even notice the dress. His eyes hold only you.” She reaches for it, presenting it to me. “They did a fine job tidying it up.” The warmth of her smile and subtle permission are all I need.
The fabric slides over skin, no longer trembling. Is this the same gown from just nights ago? The material hugs the curves of my body, accentuating my feminine lines. Rose blush across my chest, I look more alive. I feel more alive.
She places delicate silver pins in my hair just as a knock comes at the door. Turning to stand, Vale becomes breathless the moment I am in full view.
This. This is the moment I was robbed of. The storm, his absence, that infernal call. All stood in place of this—him looking at me as if I am the stars themselves—this is what I was waiting for.
We walk slowly through the halls; I grip his arm not because I need to, but because I can tell he needs me to. Needs to know I am there, I am not faltering, and yes, that he might catch me if needed.
I feel… good. The healers have done their work, it seems. More than I might hope for, even on my best days.
Gone is the searing burn through my muscles and the chilling ache in my bones. It would seem my appetite served me well. I’d be inclined to skip or give a twirl if not for the fact I don’t dare alarm him.
I don’t mind the unhurried pace. It feels good walking at his side. The heat of his body next to mine, the gravity of him. It feels like home.
As much as I have strived to become acquainted with Caerhollan and its surrounding lands, I know in my heart, next to him is where I belong.