36 - Being Unwell

"My younger brother, Cayden, was rude in rushing us off without saying our goodbyes properly. I do apologize about that." Anemone curtsied deeply.

Iris's eyes widened with alarm. "No, there's no need to do that!We're friends! Please stand," she said nervously. Anemone fixed her nightgown and robe as she stood. It was awkward curtsying without a full dress. If she were a boy, all she had go do was bow.

"Thank you." Anemone looked at Iris's thin frame covered with the thick blanket. She looked really frail but her eyes seemed to sparkle with happiness and life. Her blue eyes reminded Anemone of what Iris had said. "Does your brothers live with you?"

"No, they don't but they do come visit. If you would like, I'll invite you when they do."

"Do you live alone?" Anemone asked, concerned. Iris laughed a little.

"I live with my nanny and servants if that's what you mean. I requested to live here to avoid the social circle of the city. But... I am glad to see you as my neighbor, Ane."

With her sparkling eyes and shy smile, Anemone thought how cute she was. With what she said, it seemed she wasn't really protected to Anemone. "Iris, if anything happens, you should tell me. I'll come over right away to help you," Anemone promised.

For some reason, Iris's pale face turned really pink. Worried, Anemone jumped over the railing and onto Iris's balcony. She lifted a hand to touch Iris's forehead. She seemed to be burning. Iris pulled back in surprise and her face turned even more red. "Do you have a fever? Your skin is burning up! We should go inside so you don't get cold." Anemone went around and pushed Iris in.

Iris tried to stop her but Anemone already went in. All Iris can do now is cover her burning face. "I'm not too sick! I'm only embarrassed you came into my room."

"It's okay, Iris. We're both girls," Anemone shrugged as she wheeled her to the bed. Looking around, Iris's room was really plain. The only colors were all neutral shades. White bedding, beige furnitures, gray carpeting... It didn't seem really warm. She could see why Iris liked the color red.

Most noble girls had rooms gilded with gold and silver, fancy paintings or tapestries, or filled with hobbies they were into. There was nothing, like a guest bedroom, but there were some bookshelves near the door and fireplace.

While helping Iris back into bed, Anemone couldn't help noticing how thin she was. Her hand could easily encircled Iris's wrist.

"Have you been eating well?" she asked hesitantly.

Iris looked up from getting comfortable in bed. "I try to eat as much as I can but everything is tasteless. I didn't eat this morning."

Anemone heard her stomach grumbled. She smiled sheepishly, covering her stomach. "I haven't eaten anything either..." Iris laughed and reached for a bell near her bed. A crystal clear bell ring was heard three times.

"This is my bell when I need help," she explained to Anemone. Anemone nodded as she took a chair nearby to sit next to the bed. "Will you stay with me for a while?"

"Yes, I can stay. Do you want me to read something for you?" Her eyes were drawn back to the bookshelves. Iris followed where she looked.

"I haven't gotten around to reading them but I would love it if you do." Anemone stood up again and went to the bookshelf near the door. There were many books on romance and adventure. She saw one about an adventure between two girls. While taking the book, the door opened suddenly.