Chapter 213 TEIGEN XXXVII
ELARA
"I-i do not know. Most of my memory is a blur, my head aches trying to remember"
"That is okay. You only just woke up, I'm sure it will all come back to you in time" she offers me a comforting smile.
"Where is Ryker? Since you say he saved me, did he get injured?"
"Yes, he had bleeding from his head and several cuts" my breath caught.
"But the physician was able to stop the bleeding after some hours, and he regained his consciousness late that night. Afterwards he helped move you to one of Lord's Sawyer's close by estates. We are truly grateful"
"Grateful is not the word I would use" I spat.
"It should be. He has come every day to check on you, but he had to return to the March for urgent work so he will be gone till tomorrow" Augustine informed, probably expecting some kind of sullen expression.
"I would rather he not return, we should leave before he does"
"Why?"
I avert my gaze and recount the incident that happened, and how he seemingly planned everything just to touch me and take advantage.
Augustine's face falls, a knowing look crossing her face. She remains silent, making me frown.
"I knew it was a bad idea to go to the tournament. I should like to stay as far away from Lord Sawyer as possible, I cannot win over that situation no matter who I tell. The dukedoms will point the finger at me, and taint my name to forever be linked with his" I explain sourly.
How unfair.
"That might be a problem" Augustine winces.
"Why-"
Before I could ask Winnie, Camilla and Philippa all burst into the room. Once their eyes land on me they all let out a sob and rush towards me. Augustine stops them midway, "Behave ladies. She is still weak, do not bombard our lady"
"Oh my lady, we were all so worried sick" Winnie cried
"We began to think the worst" Camilla echoed, her face equally a mix of anguish and relief.
I sighed, a small smile wearing my lips.
"I knew you would wake. I never doubted, you are much stronger than that"
"Augustine, let them through please. I am okay, I promise you"
She eyes me, glaring at my ladies to behave around me. Such a worrier. They flood to be, staying at my side, careful not to get too close.
Winnie takes hold of my hand, bringing it to her lips she presses a kiss to it, "we were so terrified. I prayed everyday to the goddess for your good health and recovery"
"You still look really drained, are you sure you are alright?" Camilla questions
Smiling weakly I assure them, "I am ladies. My head still hurts, and my memory is bit blurry. It aches when I try to remember that day in detail"
"Do not stress yourself out, my lady. Give your body time to recover, I will call for the physician to check on you" with that Augustine walks out of the room.
"So how do you like it here? I hope you all are being treated well"
Camilla is the first to speak up with ignorant enthusiasm, "Yes we do! The rooms are so beautiful, and the estate is so gorgeous. Do get better soon, so we can show you around. I am certain you will love it"
"Yes my lady. Lord Sawyer is so generous, he must truly be wealthy, to have such a lavish holiday estate that he hardly stays in" Winnie squeals with admiration.
I ignore the churn in my stomach at her words.
"He allowed us all to get comfortable here, he is truly a gentleman. Do you not agree my lady? We must remember to thank him when he returns"
Glancing at Philippa she was already giving me a knowing look.
"Yes, he certainly is" she replies in my stead, sensing my quiet disapproval.
Just staying here would further cement the rumors of our engagement. I hoped I would not need to be here any longer than was required, but I was certain Augustine would not allow me leave until I was fully recovered so I had to focus on that. The thought of his coming back to see me now I had regained my senses brought bile to my mouth.
Augustine did not understand how serious the situation with Lord Sawyer was. I had not told her about our first encounter, when I was the veiled dancer. If I had informed her she would panic and raise even more suspicion.
All that was at the back of my mind, white noise.
Right now I needed to see Ryker, and know he was alright.
Stepping out under the warm sun, the sound of birds singing in the distance brought peace to my soul and I instantly felt better. I had finally managed to convince Winnie to take me outside to the back garden, it was not as extensive as the one back home.
This one was more controlled, restricted. Pavements limited the growing trees, the shrubs well cut and trimmed, the flower's beautiful hues were dull. Pathways parted the shrubs, creating a tidy, orderly harmony between civilisation and greenery. Something I appreciated not having at home. Nature was supposed to be allowed to run wild, trees should be permitted to grow as tall and as far as they wished. We dared not restrict those that came before us. They allowed us live and walk on their roots, breathe in the oxygen they gift us, use them for medicine and herbs.
I was thankful nonetheless, I would be able to feel some grass and have the golden rays of the sun touch my cheeks. Finally, in my own element.
Unfortunately my plan to leave as soon as possible would be delayed. After Augustine refused to let me leave my room, she made sure I stayed in bed for the rest of the day.
The physician came to check on me this morning. After conducting a thorough check up, much to my disappointment he said my pulse was very weak and I was lucky to be able to stay awake. Not very helpful. This news only made Augustine panic the more, she declared that I was to get bed rest every minute of the day.