My vision is already blurring by the time I return to the chair at Anya’s side. I take her hand and watch as her eyes flutter andher head turns. She makes a few small sounds like she’s trying to speak.
“Your eyes are very swollen, my lady,” the matron says. “If it’s painful to open them, it’s alright to keep them closed.”
“I’m here,” I tell her. “You don’t need to rush anything for me. I’m not going anywhere.”
She squeezes my hand, and I suck in a relieved breath, then squeeze her back. “I’m here.”
“If you are willing to keep them closed, I can apply some salve to help the swelling reduce, but you have to keep them closed for a few hours. Can you nod if you understand?” The matron asks.
I hold my breath while I wait. When she nods, I make a choked sound that is half laugh-half cry. “That’s so good, Anya. You’re going to feel better soon.”
The matron carefully applies the salve, then talks her through each step of her process. She applies scented oils to her temples, and pours a few different liquids into Anya’s mouth. She’s able to swallow and keeps the medicine down.
“I’ll return when she can open her eyes, but Yasmin will stay with you to assist you,” the matron says.
“Thank you for your help,” I reply.
After about an hour, Anya manages a hoarse whisper. “Can I sit?”
“Of course.” I release her hand. “Let me get a few more pillows and I’ll help you.”
Yasmin helps me situate Anya so she’s seated, then offers her some water. Anya sips it, and keeps it down.
“We should call for some broth, it will help her regain her strength,” Yasmin says.
“You know, I can hear you. You don’t have to talk about me like I’m not here,” Anya says, her voice still rough.
“You have no idea how glad I am to hear you speak,” I say.
“I thought I was going to die there,” she says.
“I’m so sorry for everything. If I could change it, I would.” I take her hand in mine again.
“How is she?” Caiden asks quietly from the doorway. He’d peered in a few times in the beginning, but mostly had stayed away.
“She’s going to be alright,” I say, more for myself and Anya than him.
“Good. Is there anything I can help with?” he offers.
“Broth. Can you please order some?” I ask.
“Yes, of course. And I’ll get you some food as well.”
“And for Yasmin,” I say. “Make sure there’s enough for everyone.”
He nods, then leaves the room.
Anya keeps the broth down and the swelling on her eyes is nearly gone. Whatever that salve was, it works like magic. She’s talking more now, telling me the story of the attack and the journey back. It sounds like she was just scratched and bruised, like Caiden said, but the swelling came on when they were only a day’s ride from here.
“He asked if I wanted to stay in the village and have healers come to me, but I knew you’d worry. I wanted to be where you were,” she says.
“I wouldn’t have cared as long as you were safe,” I tell her.
I catch Caiden peeking into the room every so often, but he walks away quickly, never lingering. It’s not what I expected from him. Had he changed, or is he pretending to win me over? Or is this who he is and the version I met was who he had to be under his father?
I wish I could trust my instincts when it comes to him, but there’re too many blurred lines there.
“So, you’re officially married,” Anya says after a bit of silence.
