Never Again!

It was strange really. Elswyth should have been happy to be done with her task. But instead she felt a little sad.

She did not want to leave Heron. Actually, she would have rather liked to see what he planned to do to shape his kingdom into what he wanted.

But she was just his guide and protector until he reached Crull and she had performed her duty. She needed to leave now. Before Serendiah tried to hire her again.

Still she felt reluctant to leave. So much so that her legs felt much like lead the further she walked and her heart felt heavy. She forced herself to keep walking. Telling herself that it was better to leave than to stay.

She had almost made it to the door of the castle when she stumbled. Her muscles tightened, refusing to move any farther. She managed not to fall on her face by holding onto the wall but she found herself unable to force herself to move forward.

Something was wrong.

Elswyth had no idea why she was unable to keep walking. But for some reason she found herself thinking of Heron. He would be all alone here, and without anyone he knew. All his entourage had died and he was all alone. Poor guy.

Perhaps her body was just being honest. She really did not want to leave him here all alone.

With a sigh, she made up her mind. Whatever. Anyway he was a prince still and should have someone to look after him. And he could probably use the friendly face.

So, she turned herself back around and started heading back. Yeah, it had definitely been her own body trying to tell her what she really wanted. She could walk much easier now.

When she got back to the throne room, it was in chaos. Servants rushed to and fro. And Serendiah looked nervous and unsure of what to do.

It was soon clear to Elswyth what had caused this.

Heron had fainted. He seemed to have slipped off a chair onto the floor. A doctor was checking his vitals.

She didn't even think. Just rushed back in and headed straight for him. She had only been gone for a few minutes and he was already like this! She would never leave him alone again then!

Not if he couldn't keep safe for a few moments. "Is he okay?" She dropped beside him and ran her eye over him. He looked okay at least. Just unconscious.

It was Serendiah who answered, "I don't know. One minute he was fine and then he seemed to be in pain. Then he fainted."

"He's fine. At least physically." The doctor looked up, "I would ask a wizard or cleric though. I think it was caused by something unnatural. I'm no expert though. You could ask – "

He was interrupted by Heron opening his eyes. The prince seemed a bit out of it, and for a moment he just blinked as he seemed a bit confused. Then he focused on her and his brow furrowed, "Elswyth? I thought you left…"

"I came back. Apparently with good cause if you can't keep on your feet for a few minutes." She relaxed seeing he was fine. This man was a bit of a handful. He seemed to attract trouble.

He tried to stand up, and though he stumbled a bit, with her help he got back up on his feet. He was biting his lip, "I'm sorry. I have no idea what happened."

Serendiah sighed, and shook her head, "It's alright." She paused, and looked at the doctor, "The doctor said you were physically fine but suggested you have a wizard or cleric take a look at you. I am assuming by that he meant that you might be under some spell." As the doctor nodded she continued, "Well anyway I suggest you go rest for a bit in your room and I'll bring around a wizard to take a look at you. You should meet Kur at some point anyway. I hope that you'll be polite to him at least. I know that you Amrielians don't like magic and all but right now you might – "

Heron interrupted her, "Don't worry. I have nothing against magic."

Yeah, Elswyth thought. You became a wizard yourself, sir. Of course you have nothing against magic.

"Alright then." The queen looked relieved, "Then I feel no qualms introducing you to Kur. Go rest now."

Elswyth offered him to lean on her and after a moment's hesitation Heron did so. She helped him as a maid guided them to his room.

Before leaving, the maid told her she would prepare her the room next door so she could easily look after him. With a smile Elswyth accepted the offer. She did not want to leave Heron alone.

Heron looked at her as she settled him into his bed and smiled faintly, "Um, Elswyth? Thanks."

"What for?"

"You came back. Thank you. I'm glad. I wanted you to stay you know but didn't think I could ask…"

As she looked at his smiling face Elswyth felt her heart give a little flip. It was something that had never happened to her before and for a moment it left her unable to speak.

Oh. Oh dear. She liked him. She liked Heron. Well, she already knew she liked him as a friend. But she liked him more than she had thought. This was why she was so reluctant to leave him.

"I… Well, you need someone to look after you." She didn't know how she managed to say that while her brain was whirling with what she had just realized and her heart was beating fast from the overstimulation of that adorable smile.