Chapter 3 #2
As Archer ate, Romilly spoke softly, describing where they were and what was going on.
"I've brought you back to my family home.
As you can probably tell from this room, it's a rather large space.
I have three siblings who I'm sure you will meet just as soon as they know you're awake.
My mother and father also live here, though they have taken a step back from running the place. That's my job now."
Archer raised his brows at the news. He probably could have guessed Romilly was the one leading things. There was something about him that screamed in charge.
"The home — or castle, as it's often referred to — is pretty vast. I would suggest not wandering around it alone unless you have someone to help you, because really, it only takes one wrong turn for you to get lost. While we would absolutely find you as quickly as possible, I don't want you to feel scared or worried. "
Archer swallowed the bite in his mouth, then said, "I don't think I'll be wandering anywhere for a while." With his hand, he motioned to his body. "I'm pretty sore."
Romilly brought up the last bite of the sandwich.
"Yes, I can see that you are pained. I will have to ask our healers if you can have some type of medicine, or if maybe there is more they can do for you.
For now, the food will hopefully help some.
That and resting. The healer suggested three days of not being on your leg.
If you need to get around to use the restroom, or you feel like getting out of this room, I will carry you where you need to go. "
Archer's eyes widened. "You can't carry me around everywhere."
Romilly frowned. "I absolutely can. You are not heavy, little one. In fact, I could probably carry you with one hand. I haven't tried yet."
Archer's jaw dropped. "But you wouldn't want to, right? That's a lot to ask of a person."
"Oh, I think you underestimate how much I would enjoy it. Carrying you in here was wonderful. It would have been better had you not been injured, but I cannot say that I am angry that it brought you here to me."
Archer's mouth hung open. He couldn't believe what he was hearing.
This had to be an elaborate dream. Or yes…
he was in heaven, and this was what the afterlife looked like.
His wildest fantasies come to life with someone who didn't think he was too much or too needy, someone who saw caring for him as a gift and wanted to do it more.
"You are not dreaming, little one. I am very real, and you are here, right where you should be."
Archer hadn't realized he was saying some of that out loud. He would have been embarrassed, except Romilly seemed pleased at his confusion. If anything, the other man was happy to know Archer thought this all fanciful.
Romilly didn't say much else as Archer finished the last of his food.
He brought the water over for Archer to drink as well, then set the tray down on the end table.
"Can you tell me more about you now? I didn't want you to have to try and talk while you ate, but we were interrupted before.
I find myself wanting to understand you. "
Archer shifted his hips a bit, trying not to wiggle with his nerves but unable to sit perfectly still.
"I was just going to say that after I laid down, it was quiet for a bit, and then suddenly I was jolted awake by the wolf's growls.
He was a monstrous-looking beast with large dark gray fur and red eyes.
His teeth were broken in places, which I saw because he opened his mouth right before snapping it over my leg.
" Archer moved said leg, wondering how it was even possible that he could feel it, how his bones hadn’t been shattered and his body left beyond repair.
"Dark gray fur, red eyes, chipped teeth. Was there anything else memorable about him?"
Archer closed his eyes, trying to think of anything that might stand out. It was then he remembered.
"Yes, his tail," he said quickly, needing to get the words out. "There was white on it, but not like the tip or anything. It swirled around it until it reached the end. I thought it was strange for a wolf, especially considering the rest of him was so dark."
Romilly reached his hand out and laid it on top of Archer's where he had placed it on his stomach. He patted it, then stroked his thumb over Archer's fingertips. "That is very good. I'm glad you remember it, little one." He paused. "So the wolf attacked you and then left?"
"Yes," he breathed out. "I was drifting in and out by the time he stopped and left me there to die. I thought it was over, that I'd run away only to wind up in the forest alone. No one to miss me, no one to search."
Archer could have sworn Romilly whimpered at that. The sound was faint, maybe even involuntary, but either way Archer couldn't deny that he was happy Romilly cared at all.
"What happens now?" Archer asked when the silence became too much. Romilly was still stroking his hand, which made it hard for Archer to think, to consider next steps.
"You will stay here. For one, you have three days until your leg is able to be used properly. And even after that, I suspect it will be weakened from everything that happened. I would like to keep you close so our healer can keep a watch on you until we know it's safe for you to move freely."
"I don't want to be a burden," Archer whispered.
Romilly took the moment to pick up Archer's hand he'd been rubbing. He placed it between his own and leaned forward until he was back in Archer's space. Archer sucked in a breath at how quickly the man moved, but also at the intoxicating scent once more.
"You are not and never will be a burden, little one," Romilly said slowly, as if he wanted to enunciate each word so Archer couldn't misconstrue anything. "You will remain here for as long as you wish."
Archer didn't know what to say. He didn't have words. None of this made any sense. It was all too good to be true.