"Erick!" Came Balder's booming voice as he embraced his brother in a rather too-tight hug. It was more of a squeezing death grip than a hug. Despite being a few inches shorter than Erick, Balder was much wider and bulkier, giving him the appearance of the larger brother. It also helped whenever he crushed family members in his endearing hugs.
Erick had to practically pull himself out of Balder's arms before he could even breathe, let alone respond. "Yes, I'm very glad to see you too," Erick said flatly as he adjusted his clothes back into place. Balder gave him a smirk.
"Why wouldn't you be?" Balder clasped Erick on the back with a heavy hand. "I was invited after all." He finished with a wide grin. Erick didn't remember doing that, and the look on his face must have told Balder that same information.
"Well, no matter, I'm here now." Erick's brother said with nonchalance as he shouldered his way into Erick's room. The guards at the door shared a questioning look but Erick shook his head and followed his brother inside.
Balder stood in the center of the drawing room, his horns glowing red in the soft light of the fire. He hadn't changed much, still a big oaf but a loving sibling. He was dressed in his usual attire, a long dark tunic with a leather chest piece strapped over it, a baggy pair of briefs not unlike Erick's own knickers, tall leather boots, and a bear skin cape. Erick grimaced at the sight of its glossy fur, knowing exactly who it used to be.
"Is it too early to tell you to move to the bigger room?" Balder asked over his shoulder. Erick wanted to reply that if he called it 'the big room' and not 'our dead parent's old room' then yes, it was too soon. Before he could though, Balder found his stack of papers. "Are you really doing paperwork at an hour like this?" He asked incredulously.
"I'd like to remind you that my kingdom is a lot more bureaucratic than yours." Erick pointed out, especially as he eyed the bear skin that Balder wore. His brother simply waved a hand as if to brush his worries away.
"Leave it to Erick to find an excuse to do paperwork when the whole family is having dinner." Balder said in a wistful tone, as if this were something that Erick did regularly. "The whole group of us come home for you and of course you;re up here signing documents." Balder put on an exceptionally pouty face for a grown man of twenty-four, and Erick was about to give him a retort when he realized that Balder mentioned the whole family.
"You don't mean all of the family, right?" Erick asked tentatively, considering his options of wordplay and made up illnesses to stay in his room for the unforeseen future. Balder returned a wicked smile that was more answer than anything.
"Oh yes, all of mother's closest relatives have come to see yet another failed attempt on our big brother's life." Balder dramatically placed a hand over his heart, and the action was all too close to how Dante would behave. Perhaps the wolf really has rubbed off on the two of us. Erick thought with mild humour.
"Well unfortunately for them I will be missing out on dinner." Erick started. Balder was clearly about to spout some more nonsense about just how wonderful it would be to have him at dinner but Erick gave him no room to speak. "I really can't tonight. Or for a while." The seriousness in his tone and voice caused Balder to go quiet. His younger brother had learned early on when Erick was not to be pushed.
Before continuing or explaining, Erick looked over towards his bedroom. The door was still open, and the room was still unchanged. Reaching out, he knew that Flora was still asleep. With a quiet breath he turned back to his brother.
"I can't leave her again. She's my Selfrund." Erick's voice was quiet and shaky, and he knew he could feel the pricking of tears. He had not admitted it to anyone, hardly admitted it to himself. Flora clearly had no idea herself, not having access to magic like he did. By now the feeling was undeniable, and warred with himself over it and the consequences of it.
"Shit." Balder breathed, his eyebrows reaching so high they might have touched his hairline. "You lucky bastard." He switched moods almost immediately with a wide, smug, grin. Erick scowled back at him.
"Don't give me that look! Most of us spend years looking for our Selfrund!" Balder exclaimed. "And yours just happens to fall right into your lap!" He shook his head and placed his hands on his hips. His face was a mix of emotions until it fell into a grim look. "And she very nearly died." Balder said quietly, realization sinking in. Erick nodded in return, taking another glance towards the bedroom.
"Do they know?" Balder asked quietly.
"No." Erick shook his head. "Even she doesn't know. The healers said her magic is dormant, and will likely fade away." Erick informed Balder of the note the healer's had left for him that morning, waving the document over to his brother to see just what a wretched state Flora was in. Balder gave a low whistle as his eyebrows rose yet again to the heights of his forehead.
"Her old man too." Balder said in a low voice as he read the paper. "She'll be fine though, right?" Balder gave a questioning side eye to his older brother, and for a moment Erick wasn't entirely sure how to answer. Probably? Most likely? I hope so? None of the answers sounded very comforting.
"The healers said she should be okay." Erick finally answered, and Balder placed the document back on one of the many piles that had been stacked on the low coffee table of the drawing room. Balder returned his hands to his hips, bear cape being flung out behind him as he stared at the fire for a moment.
"Well!" He finally said with a clap, startling Erick out of his worried thoughts. "I suppose I'll just tell them you were asleep." Balder finished with a wink. Erick gave his brother a tired but appreciative smile.
"Thank you." He said as his brother got ready to leave. The two embraced - not in Balder's typical bear hug style this time - and the younger brother left with a final wave over his shoulder. Erick watched him go before returning to his work.
"Oh, and Erick?" Balder said just as he was about to open the door. Erick turned to him with a questioning glance. "I'll be sure to send some food for you, but only some." Balder smiled and Erick couldn't help but laugh as his brother left the room.
Erick sat back down and returned to his pile of papers. He briefly considered the simplicity of just having simple but brutal laws like his brother's kingdom. It was efficient, but savage. Balder had never bothered to change most of them when he finally took his seat because they worked, but Erick couldn't help but consider the pros and cons of such a lifestyle. He quickly dismissed it, too tired to really consider such things in depth.
That was when Erick heard a shuffling from his bedroom. bedroom. He jumped up, listening for a moment to confirm that he actually heard something and wasn't imagining it. Reaching out with his mind once more, he found that Flora had actually woken up. Using his long stride to quickly get over to the bed, he found Flora as she was attempting to sit up, fully awake.
Flora's body ached all over, but thank all the gods, she was in the most comfortable bed she had ever felt. Her mouth was dry, and her muscles ached as she tried to pull herself up to sit. There's usually water on my nightstand. She thought, recalling that she was likely in her room in the castle.
Flora's senses were very much not all with her, as she did not hear anyone come into the room with her, let alone come up beside her. It wasn't until they put a gentle hand on her did she even realize someone else was there. She startled, looking to her left to find her King standing before her, worry etched across the planes of his face.
She wasn't quite sure what to say, but a number of things ran through her mind until she settled on one word. "Water?" Her voice cracked, her throat dry from resting. It dawned on her that she must have been resting for quite some time, but couldn't remember why.
King Erick gave her a pained smile, clearly glad she was well but also very clearly upset. She wasn't really sure why, but without a word he took the picture of water from the nightstand beside her - she really should have seen that earlier - and swiftly poured a glass of water for her. He held it up for her, and she realized belatedly that her own hands shook too much to actually hold the glass herself.
Flora was grateful for his help, really, but did not understand why he was helping her. Surely there's someone else? A servant perhaps? Flora thought as she finished the water. She couldn't help but be a little frustrated with her inability to care for herself, let alone require the care of the king himself.
As Erick quietly poured more water, Flora's memories rolled back in. It nearly hit her like a bull, and she wasn't sure if it was pain from the injury or the memory that caused her to gasp. Whatever it was, it hurt. And then Erick was there, a strong yet comforting hand on her shoulder.
"Are you alright? Do you need a healer?" Erick's voice was quiet but tight with worry. Looking into his stormy blue eyes Flora could see the depths of his worry was well beyond what she would have expected. He was also much closer than she would have expected, his face level with hers. It felt incredibly intimate for something so simple.
She shook her head before replying. "Just sore." She croaked, her voice still tight. The King lingered for a moment before pulling away, looking torn between two choices. Flora wasn't sure what to say to placate him, but felt a little pain of guilt nevertheless.
A pain that was quickly replaced with the very real pain of her injury. The wound had been a dull ache at best, but had grown sharper until she couldn't ignore it anymore. She fell back onto the pillows with a moan, and again Erick was there to check on her.
"I'll call for someone." He said with a frown, and before Flora could reject his offer he was gone. I'll be fine. She told herself as the pain came and went like the ebb and flow of a tide. Everything will be okay. She tried to reassure herself as a new wave of panic and fear replaced the receding pain.
Focusing on her breathing, Flora finally realized that she was not in her room. The smell of the bed was nothing like hers, and lacked the distinct scent of dog. Instead, the bed had a more masculine smell, something like a mixture of aged spices, ginger, and smoked wood. It was strong, but not unpleasant, but very much not her bed.
He took me to his room? By the Sun why would he do that? Flora's heart raced as she recalled her father's accusation. The thought only troubled her further when Erick returned with an elderly woman. That was fast. Flora noted.
"Pfah! I was already on my way." Flora heard the woman say. "It was no trouble at all." The woman told Erick as she came into the bedroom, hobbling over to Flora's side. "Now, let's see how you're feeling tonight" The woman said as she arrived at Flora's side.
"Tonight?" Flora echoed. She knew the room was dark, but had assumed it was that way because she had been sleeping.
The old healer chuckled. "Yes, it's been an entire night and a day since you've come back." The woman informed Flora. "And now it's about…" She squinted at the clock on the nightstand beside the bed. "Ah, well past dinner that's for sure." She gave up with a wave of her hand.
Flora expected to be hungry at the mention of dinner, but admittedly could not feel much beyond the ache of her once gaping wound. The thought of it made her sick, and fresh anxiety filled her at the thought of her near death experience.
"Now, now," The healer patted Flora on the arm with her old and wizened hands. "I know it's been a lot for you, so we'll take it one step at a time." She said in a soothing voice. Flora looked over to where Erick was standing by the door. He was clearly uncomfortable, but made no move to sit down or come closer, so he merely hovered by the door frame. She wasn't sure if she should be comforted or worried by his presence.
The older healer - who introduced herself as the Elder Healer Ethel - slowly took Flora through her many tasks and administrations for a recently recovering patient. Flora appreciated being called a 'recovering' patient and not a 'nearly dead corpse.' It lightened her anxiety, if only a little bit.
Satisfied with Flora's answers, Healer Ethel had a tea brewed and medicine handed out. Flora was nearly taken aback at how the Healer ordered her King to do something as basic as making tea, but he said nothing of it and it seemed as if he needed the distraction. With that done, Flora was told to continue resting.
"But I just-" Flora began to protest.
"Not at this hour young lady." The woman shook a finger in Flora's direction that caused her to be quiet. She really didn't want to rest anymore, but as the tea and medicine started to set in she couldn't help but feel her eyes grow heavy. Whatever it was, it took the pain away and made her very sleepy. Before she even realized it, Flora had fallen asleep.
Flora's dreams were empty, and it felt as if she floated through existence from one moment to the next. According to the healers, she woke up several times throughout the night and even through the coming days.
She remembered little of it, save for the fact that King Erick was almost always there. The few times he wasn't were the times she remembered most, if only because it was odd that he wasn't in his rooms. I suppose he has to be a king and all. Flora thought as she drifted into sleep once more.
Then the day came that she was very much not tired and really did not want to sit in bed anymore. So before anyone could stop her, Flora practically ripped the blankets off and flung herself out of bed. She quickly learned that that was a very bad decision.
Her knees buckled as her feet hit the floor, and Flora tried desperately to grab onto anything to stop her fall. It only succeeded in making her fall harder as she tried to grip both the nightstand and the curtains and slipped from both.
Hitting her side rather hard, Flora lied on the floor with a heavy moan before trying to sit herself back up. It occurred to her that no one had come, and that perhaps this was really her one chance at being alone and she already screwed it up.
Pushing herself up with one elbow, she slowly sat up and leaned her back against the bed. Taking a deep and steadying breath, she looked down at her frail body. Nearly her entire torso was covered in bandages, and her legs sported a very oversized pair of loose pants.
Leaning her head against the bed and focusing on her breath, she chose to ignore what was under the bandages. All she needed to do was breath. That was when she heard footsteps in the room adjacent to hers.
She panicked. If someone saw her on the floor, they might think the worst and confine her to the bed even longer. On the other hand, if they saw her attempt to get up, perhaps they would assist her and she would actually be able to stand again, even if it would be with some assistance.
She didn't get the chance to consider her options very long as the door to the bedroom opened and someone walked in. Two someones by the sounds of it. Flora was soon greeted by the faces of King Erick and who she assumed to be his half-brother King Balder. The former looked extremely worried to have found her on the floor, while the latter looked ecstatic just to see her.
"I um, would like to get out of bed." Flora stumbled, looking between the two imposing men. She very much did not feel exposed, at all, not even a little bit. Or so she told herself.
King Erick quickly gave his brother a cutting glare and the younger man backed off. Erick quickly removed his own jacket and helped place it over Flora as he stood her up. The gesture was enough to make her blush a deep red, and she tried to hide behind the collar of the jacket.
"I'll send for one of the healers. Is there something I can get you?" There it was again, that excessive amount of worry that Flora really didn't feel like she deserved in the least bit. It was suffocating and heart filling all at once.
"No, I'm fine, really. I just needed to get up." She told her King. He didn't seem to agree with her, but didn't say anything against it. He shot a mean look over to where his brother was standing, and Flora could only wonder what the two were saying. Can it work both ways? Does his brother share in his ability to listen and speak to others' thoughts? Flora pondered this as the King gently led her out of the bedroom.
"I'll help you sit and we'll see about getting something for you to eat." Erick said softly in her ear. A part of her very much liked the way his breath warmed her cheek, the way he held her, and just how gentle he was being with her. Another part of her was very annoyed with it. She did not want to be smothered, even though she knew it was only for the best.
Flora could practically feel King Balder watching them, and it made her skin itch. It didn't help that she hadn't taken a bath in gods-know-how-long. "I think I would appreciate a bath." Flora said quietly before she could be made to sit down.
"Ah-Oh. Right." Erick seemed flustered at the thought. Either it was because he didn't think she would ask for such a thing and felt bad, or because he thought a bit too much about what that request would entail. "I'll call for a nurse while you sit." Erick finished as he helped Flora to the cushioned chair by the fire.
As she reluctantly sat down, Flora noted the excess of pillows and a couple of blankets on the larger sofa in front of the coffee table. The table was also in a state of disarray with several piles of papers going in every which way.
Erick noticed her attention and gave her an apologetic smile before quietly organizing his mess. He must have been sleeping here, and does he really have to do so much paper work? It's practically triple what I was doing. Flora reflected on her own piles of papers, which were sure to return now that she was well enough to sit up.
"You know," Balder started as he made his way across the room to the two of them. His voice was not the same kind of deep tone that Erick's was, but had a lighter inclination to it where Erick's had a darker overtone.
"I don't think a nurse or healer would be necessary." Balder told them, his eyes fixed on Erick with a mischievous glean. "In fact," Balder turned to face Flora. "I think Erick would be very willing to help out instead." Balder gave his older brother a toothy grin.
Flora could feel her entire face light up with heat at the implication, and she pulled her borrowed jacket higher up in an attempt to hide it. Are all men this lewd? She thought in exasperation as Erick stood straight up and glared at his brother.
"I'm offended you would suggest such a thing." Erick gritted out between his teeth, baring them at his brother like an animal. His matching scowl darkened his eye and sharpened the lines of his face. All that with both a literal crown and his crown of antler-horns, Erick looked every bit the dark king Flora had been warned of. She recoiled deeper into his jacket, catching the same scent that had been in his bed.
"I'm offended you haven't even tried yet." Balder retorted, his face more smug than a cat with milk. "I mean, two weeks and nothing to show for it?" The younger brother tsk'ed, and the look of outrage on Erick's face made Flora want to disappear entirely.
"Unlike you," Erick started, walking closer to his younger brother. Balder's smile only deepened, and Flora had a feeling this was not unusual for the two. "I have more priorities than sex on most days." He glowered at Balder as the two dragons faced off.
"Most days?" Balder tipped his head with feigned curiosity. Erick snarled in response. "I know exactly what you wanted to say." Balder said as he leaned his face closer to his brother's. At this point, Flora was both deeply intrigued and terribly horrified. As such, she pulled the jacket tight while watching the two men around the back of her chair.
"And I know exactly how you want to f-" Balder did not get a chance to finish his statement as his older brother tackled him to the floor. Balder practically roared with laughter as the two wrestled on the floor, horns locking and arms wrapping around each other as they tumbled about. It was at this point that someone opened the door.
Flora turned in her seat to see who it was, pulling at her side and causing a fresh wave of pain to course through her. The brothers did not seem to notice as Balder flipped over and pinned Erick to the floor. He then proceeded to dangle a trail of spit over his elder brother's face, who cringed and attempted to push Balder off.
"A-hem." Came the emphasized clearing of a throat from the doorway. The two kings stopped in their quarrel to see that it was their sister at the door. Esther cast a scrutinizing gaze over the two of them before turning to Flora.
"Hopefully I'm not too late." Esther began, making her way into the room. "I apologize for my brothers' poor behaviour." Esther pinned them with another glare. The two had the decency to look incredibly guilty. Unfortunately it didn't last long as Balder let his spit land on Erick's face, who replied with a very loud exclamation of disgust. Esther rolled her eyes.
"I'll bring you back to your room." Esther sighed, holding out a hand to help Flora up. Gripping tight on her borrowed coat, Flora took Esther's hand and hoisted herself up. Pain gripped her midsection as she stood, but it wasn't so bad that she couldn't stand. That has to be good, right? She thought hopefully.
"We'll be leaving now." Esther shot in the boys' direction with a somewhat haughty air. The two managed to pull themselves apart, preceded by several apologies and questions about Flora's leaving. Esther only shook her head and turned to leave.
"You really don't need to bother yourselves over me, you've already done so much." Flora said, hoping to sound as polite as she could. She was in a room full of royalty, dragon royalty. However, Esther paused in a very rigid stance, and Flora's anxiety spiked so high and so quick she thought she could faint right there.
"Did you not tell her?" Esther said over her shoulder, eyes squinting in Erick's direction. For a brief moment he looked incredibly guilty. Flora's anxiety mixed into a fearful curiosity. What could he possibly have to tell me that has them all worked up like this? She wondered.
"When exactly did you want me to tell her?" Erick went from guilty to frustrated in less than a moment. "When she was bleeding out on my bed or passed out?" Erick stated sourly, quirking a sarcastic eyebrow at his sister. Esther sighed.
Esther sighed before responding. "It's fine, I'll take care of it." She turned out of the room before either of the brothers could respond, guiding Flora with her. Several worried thoughts took her over at that moment, with the biggest one being about her family. Is my father dead? What about Benjamin? Is that what they're so worried about? They did look guilty… Flora could not help the spiral of emotions as Esther led her to her room.
"Those boys." Esther said with a shake of her head. Flora gave a small noncommittal laugh, unsure of how to respond appropriately. Esther gave her a look that looked very much like she pitied Flora, which only caused Flora to shrink even more.
Flora couldn't help but notice that while the many people in the halls gave respectful bows to Lady Esther, more than a few gave an odd glance in Flora's direction. And who wouldn't? She thought bitterly as she clutched her borrowed jacket. She couldn't have been more relieved when the two finally arrived at the door to her room.
"Ah, here we are." Esther said as she opened the door to Flora's room. They were immediately greeted by the barking of a dog.
Spot came hounding through the room, hackles raised as if the little guy was actually going to do something. I suppose he could, but he wouldn't have the heart for it. Flora thought with a smile. When Spot recognized Flora, he shifted to an endearing excitement that could only be found in the love of a dog.
"Ah ah! Hold on!" Esther scolded the dog before he could jump on Flora. She put herself between Spot and Flora as the two went into Flora's drawing room, which now felt much smaller having seen King Erick's own room.
Flora gingerly made her way to the small couch in front of the fireplace in her room. Esther was kind but firm with her hold on Spot, who was practically ecstatic to see Flora again. As Flora sat herself down, Spot rushed over to her.
Spot was all paws and puppy kisses as he jumped up on the couch beside her. Flora was torn between laughing and hugging him while also trying to push him away. His weight in her hurt a lot more than she had thought it would, like a lot more. Esther was there just a moment later, holding the dog at bay. Spot turned his affection around on her until she too was covered in puppy kisses.
"Alright, alright!" Esther was torn between sounding very serious and very giddy at the same time. She had to practically push the dog off the couch before sitting next to Flora. Spot then jumped right back up between them, and the two couldn't help but laugh.
"I hope you don't mind," Esther said between giggles. "I've had some hot chocolate made. I figured it was better than stuffy old tea." She motioned to the small coffee table where a platter of cups and a steaming silver carafe which Flora assumed held the hot chocolate.
"Isn't that a little out of place for Spring?" Flora questioned, looking in Esther's direction.
"I mean, if you don't want any-" Esther began to reach for the tray as if to take it away.
"Well, I wasn't saying no, exactly, I was just asking." Flora quickly stammered. She had to admit that yes, she very much would like something hot and sweet right now. Esther gave her a knowing smile.
"As for being out of place, if it's something that makes you happy then be as out of place as you want. With moderation of course." Esther flashed Flora a knowing grin as she poured them each a cup, handing one to Flora.
Despite being close in age, Flora couldn't help but feel much younger compared to the princess. Esther had a much more refined way of behaviour, dressed in a formal gown and looking both older and younger than her actual age. Flora tried to hide in this feeling, not willing to go back to the thoughts of her father.
"So has Erick really told you nothing?" Esther asked casually as she took a small sip from her cup. Flora did not drink from hers yet, waiting for it to cool down. She looked at it now, staring into the swirls of milk and chocolate.
"No, he hasn't," Flora said very quietly. "But I assume that means my father is dead then." She did her best not to let her voice crack as she felt tears building behind her eyes.
"What? No. No, your father is alive." Esther said with a shake of her head. Flora's eyes shot up and she looked at Esther with incredulity.
"You mean he's okay? He hasn't been executed?" Flora's gut wrenched as hope and fear mixed into an ugly blend. It did not help that her wound - however healed it was now - still hurt.
"Well, no." Esther looked away with a bit of trepidation and guilt. "Not yet anyway." The princess said quietly. Flora's heart sunk to the deepest pits of her being. He may not have been the best father, but he was her father, and one of her few remaining family members. Flora looked back at her cup, held tightly in both hands, as a tear broke and silently fell.
Esther awkwardly cleared her throat before speaking again. "I can't really guarantee anything, I really am sorry." She said to Flora. Flora had trouble holding back her tears as they continued to fall. She didn't want to speak, or hear, or do anything anymore. Least of all she didn't want to accept this.
"But there's still a possibility that he won't be." Esther tried to sound a little cheerful, and Flora tried to take it to heart. "It could easily be something simple like being exiled, or made to work here." She gave a wry smile, one full of worry. Flora returned a small one back, drying the tears off her face. Maybe she's right, it was really just something that got out of hand. Flora tried to comfort herself with these thoughts.
"Um, anyway." Esther shifted awkwardly and cleared her throat again. It was odd seeing her like this after being so put together just moments before. "There was something else Erick was supposed to tell you. It's kind of a lot though, so do you want it all at once or…?" Esther gave Flora a questioning look, and there was a lot in it that Flora couldn't quite understand.
"A lot like… how?" Flora hesitated. After being told that there is a very real possibility that her father could be exiled, or even executed, she wasn't sure she wanted to be swamped with any other life changing statements.
"Well, I'll start with the easy part then." Esther took another sip from her cup, and Flora did the same even though her stomach wasn't too sure about it. "And besides, I'm sure you're tired." She added. Flora did not like to admit it but she was in fact, very tired. She did not want to go back to sleep after having slept for what she was sure was days, but her body just couldn't keep up with her demands.
"Erick cares a lot about you." Esther started, giving Flora a look as if she was waiting for a reaction. Flora wasn't really sure how to react, and so she stared back at the princess. There were only two ways a statement like this could go, and Flora wasn't looking forward to either of them.
"Flora, Erick loves you."