He sat down magnificently, tapping his fingers on the table waiting for her to beg, to kneel, to say those words. But it's been awhile now, he haven't heard anything. He grew restless, but he had to keep it cool. He gazed intently at the golden watch that hung delicately on his wrist, every tick felt like a moment.
But he couldn't give in to her, he sent for the butler Mr. Salvador.
Where is she?, he asked.
Outside, sire.
With a nod, he sent him away not to free her but to watch her. She was stubborn -just too stubborn. All it took was a single plea and she would be let back in, surrounded by warmth. Have maids tend to her.
The night was silent, he stood up. He couldn't take it anymore. What if she dies? His mind has been in turmoil ever since the butler left. It had been 30 minutes.
He stood up from his chair walking towards the door. With each step he took his heart grew heavy. He couldn't help but utter a silent prayer in between his lips. What if she had died, skin pale, lips frozen and she had been calling but no one to answer her.
The butler was nowhere to be seen, the maids were gone too. He remembered telling him to watch her. The place was empty, as he grew near, he could hear a faint voice calling out hitting the door each growing faint than the other.
He opened the door there she was, such a pitiful sight. She was leaning against the pillar, her hair covering half her face but he could see the pain on her face. She was shivering, her teeth chattering. He gently lifted her up and carried her in.
Serene having yearned for warmth suddenly felt some twinge of comfort nestled in. Lucian looked at her, he smiled something he had never done even with her. His heart melted, even the smallest thing could break through hard walls.
He placed her on his bed, he wanted to watch her. Her clothes were soaked and clinged to her body. He gently took it off. His eyes narrowed, it's best he did it on his own.
He covered her up, despite all that she continued to shiver. It was late and raining heavily. He has to keep her stable till tomorrow morning, then he'll send in the doctor. Since there was no alternative, the only thing he could do was lie down with her. He was warm at least it'll warm her up till he figures out the next thing to do.
But a little while, her temperature shot up, he had to dip a towel in water and clean her up to cool her. It went on till 4am in the morning. Lucian was already losing it, he hadn't slept for a few days because of work but he patiently continued to look after her.
After all, he was the one that made her stay in the rain knowing she had nowhere to go and could fall sick since she was just recovering from her former illness. But if she had apologized, said what she ought to say. She wouldn't be in a lot of pain.
SERENE'S POV
I woke up to the sound of running water in the bathroom. I tried getting up, but there was this throbbing pain in my head. Not only there, all my body like I was hit by a truck.
Alive—i was still alive but not in my room. Perhaps did he bring me in, I couldn't think no more.
I looked towards the bathroom. It was open but from where I was I couldn't see anyone.
I closed my eyes again, not to sleep but to reduce the pain in my eyes. I could no longer hear the sound of running water. Seemed that the person was through.
It should be Heidi the house maid. Not wanting to think further i drifted off to sleep.
I had a dream, I was clothed in a white floral dress in a field of dandelions. I layed there on the grass. I was free, there was no one. I was bound to nobody. No part of their ruthless world.
I woke up to the feeling of someone on my bed, there was someone on my bed, I could feel a pair of hands, really cold ones placed on my forehead.
But no matter how I tried to lift up my eyelids, i couldn't this time i saw myself i was no longer in the field. I was surrounded with darkness with only a flicker of light far ahead. But no matter how I tried to reach it, it seemed to be getting farther and farther, like something was pulling me away from it.
I woke up to someone calling my name. Slowly, I opened up my eyes.
My body drenched with sweat, Lucian's figure came into view, what was he doing here?
Right, I was in his room. Rubbing my aching forehead as if to bring relief from the throbbing pain I felt. I got up from the bed but my legs were too weak they I fell on the floor, he rushed towards me trying to support me but I shoved him away. I didn't want his help.
"You're being very stubborn", his impatient voice came through.
I didn't care, I could see he was getting irritated but I couldn't care less about that. All i wanted was to get away from him. He scooped me up and carried me into the bathroom, I couldn't resist no more. I just let him do whatever he want. I wanted to get well, I couldn't lie in my bed for eternity.
He gently placed me in the bathtub.
"Undress", his voice came through.