I don't know how much time had passed, but I slowly regained consciousness. The first thing that I became aware of was pain. My body hurt everywhere and my head felt like it had a rampaging war party inside of it. Next was my hearing, and I could hear my dad trying to comfort my mom. Lastly, I started regaining the ability to move my body. So far it's just my fingers, but it was enough to get my dad to call Donny over.
Slowly I opened my eyes and tried talking, but I couldn't. I had a few experiences like this before, but I would still wait for Donny to confirm it. It didn't take long for Donny to make his way over to me.
"Don't try to talk right now, okay? I had to place a breathing tube, a nasogastric feeding tube, and a catheter shortly after you had passed out. That was four days ago. Now, if I'm going to remove the breathing tube and catheter, I need you to relax, alright?" Donny spoke slowly and clearly since everything still sounded a bit muted. Glaring at him slightly, I nodded. I really hated being tubed and having catheters in, but I do know that they're necessary sometimes.
After everything was removed and he helped me sip some water, I tried talking. "What happened to me? And why?" My voice was very hoarse from lack of use mixed with having the breathing tube removed.
"You went through the Inheritance process, that was why you were in so much pain. I can only guess as to why it happened. Best guess is that the King's Call triggered it. Like I said, it's only a guess. However it happened, it ended yesterday. You've successfully made it through the process, congratulations." Donny explained, smiling at the end.
"What about school?" I asked, nervous. The school year has barely started, and I'm already having a rough start.
"We informed the school that you are sick and that you need two weeks off school. Your brothers have picked up your homework for you as well as made copies of all the class notes." He said calmly. It sucked, but considering that I can't move right now, it's to be expected. It's also why I still have the damn feeding tube in place.
As Donny walked away, my parents came up to my bed. "Hey, son. We're so glad to see you awake. You gave us quite a scare." My dad said, laying a hand on my leg. I felt bad for scaring them, but we all knew that this was unavoidable.
"I'm sorry. It never crossed my mind that the King's Call could trigger the Inheritance process." I apologized sincerely. Worrying my parents never sat well with me, since they've constantly done it since I was born. Adding more stress to them always left a guilty weight on me.
"You don't have to apologize, honey. After all, none of us expected this to happen so soon. I'm just glad that you're okay." My mom said, running her fingers through my hair. This gesture comforted her just as much as it did me. Sighing, I closed my eyes as sleep overcame me once again.
The next day brought some progress, I could now lift my arms but I still needed the feeding tube since I was struggling to keep regular food down. The only positive thing about the NG tube is that Donny warms the feeding formula first. Jacob and Amber had already left to go back to school, and my parents contacted Hannah to let her know to come back to the castle Saturday. She agreed without asking questions, and everything was set. Since today is Friday, I spent the day working on my missed assignments. I had passages with questions for English, packets of equations to solve for Math, three chapters with questions for Biology, and an essay for History. After finishing the Math homework first, I went on to the English assignments next. I had just started reading the first passage when there was a knock on my door.
"Come in." I said, making sure my voice was loud enough to be heard from the other side. The door opened and two strangers walked in with Nixis. Even though Nixis was with them, my anxiety spiked. I wasn't in any condition to defend myself if something happened. "May I ask who our guests are and what I can do for them?" I asked apprehensively.
"I'm just guiding them around. They've come to see you." Nixis said, shrugging.
"My name is Lily Foxly, and I'm a Nine-Tailed Fox as well as the Ayakashi representative." The tall and tanned female said, bowing her head full of auburn hair.
"And my name is Jared Bane. I'm an Earth Dragon as well as the Dragon representative." The other person, a tall and well-built male, said. He bowed his bald head as well.
"To what do I owe this honor?" I asked, tilting my head to the side.
"We have come to introduce ourselves and to extend our allegiance to you. The current people on the Dragon and Ayakashi thrones have sent us. They are prepared to step down when you're ready. However, they do extend this warning. There are Clan Heads that do not appreciate your sudden appearance." Lily said, solemnly.
"I knew that it wasn't going to be easy. Power wasn't something I wanted but if I want peace, then it's something that's necessary." I said slowly, unsure if there was something else they needed to discuss.
"There is another message from the current Throne Holders. We were asked to stay by you and become part of your guard detail." Jared added, a bit hesitantly.
"Can I ask why? And does King Bartholomew know about this? After all, he's already set a guard detail in place." I said, confusion on my face.
"King Bartholomew already agreed to this. As to why, it's because the Holders want to ensure your safety. They want to help keep you safe until you retake the thrones." Lily explained calmly.
"If that's the agreement, then I won't object to it. I welcome the help and support." Jared and Lily released a sigh like a weight was lifted from them at my response. Nixis already told my parents and they had the housekeepers prepare two more guest rooms. I never wanted this power or responsibility, but it's unavoidable. However, if it means that I can protect those close to me, then I will embrace them with open arms.