Nurtured Back to Full Health.
I observed her watching me closely, studying my reactions. Despite the extra layer, I still shivered, growing colder by the minute. Trying not to startle her, I closed my eyes and forced my body to stay still.
Unexpectedly, I felt the bed shift on the other side, as she slipped under the covers, pressing her body against my side. Holding my breath, I surrendered, finally falling into a slumber, consumed by pure exhaustion.
I woke up with a high fever, my body weak and throbbing with pain. As I struggled to sit up, she hurried to my side, holding a glass of water to my parched lips.
"More," she urged me, before I obediently finished the entire glass. After helping me lay back down, she gently placed a cold compress on my burning forehead, her attentive gaze never leaving my face. It struck me that in those few hours, she had shown more care and concern than she had in the past five weeks.
As I silently observed her, a sense of gratitude welled up within me, soon replaced by a sudden stab of agony in my leg. Sensing my discomfort, she instinctively moved to uncover my injured limb. With delicate precision, she loosened the bandage, examining the wound with a tender touch. With a damp sponge, she wiped away the dried blood and pus, her fingertips caressing the edges with utmost care.
It felt much better than the rough hands of the royal medic, I was sure I could get used to this.
"Rest well, the healing requires all your attention, Your Majesty," she explained, as she gently applied ointment and secured a fresh bandage around my thigh, I couldn't help but marvel at her dedication to soothe my pain. But deep down, I knew it's just a way of thanking me for stepping in, before she could become another one my father used for his entertainment.
Carefully, she helped me straighten my leg, covering me in warm blankets, and ensuring the compress remained securely in place on my forehead. Overwhelmed by fatigue, I gave up and fell asleep, grateful for her presence.
The next morning was much more pleasant. As I removed the wet washcloth from my forehead and sat up, I noticed her standing at the door engaged in quiet conversation. Approaching my bed, she was accompanied by a young maid, holding fresh bandages.
"How are you feeling, Your Majesty?" She asked softly as she stood next to me.
"Better," I grinned, "I'm hungry. And I smell like a dog..." I laughed after holding my shirt up to be able to smell it.
"Mia, would you please get a pail with warm water and a towel? And some soap with a washcloth. Have Patrick help you with that," She turned to the maid who had just set the dinner tray on the table. She just nodded and hurried out of my chambers again.
"Wait a minute, let me eat first." I stopped her as she reached for the blanket to check the bandages - I wouldn't have admitted to her for the world that I simply wanted to hide my morning erection from her.