Serving House Beneviento

9

Droplets of water fell on forehead. Everything hurt. My eyes refused to open no matter how hard I tried. A few soft murmurs ran through my ears. Wherever I was, I was warm and something heavy laid on top of me. When I felt something cool on my forehead, I was finally able to convince my eyes to open. I woke up to the same ceiling I was used to waking up to. Rays of darker orange fell upon the room. I twitched as I felt something constrain against my body. I looked down. A mound of dolls laid on top of me and another sat beside me. My body screamed in protest as I tried to sit up. I propped on my elbows and hissed as I hit the bed again. My body pulsated in pain that I had not felt in years. I took in another deep breath and forced myself into a sitting position. The wet cloth fell from my forehead and I pressed it into the doll's lap as I moved the dolls off of me. My feet swung over the edge of the bed and a few dolls levitated from the bed and out of the room. I pushed some unruly hair from my face. I looked down and realized I was washed and changed into a night gown. Blush crept on my cheeks. She didn't have to do that. My attempt at standing was futile as blood rushed to my head. The door swung open moments later and Angie floated into the room.

"Oh, thank god. You're awake." Angie sighed. I smirked at her. "Donna is with everyone downstairs."

"Where is Nikolai and Elena?"

"Nikolai is still passed out in the guest room. Elena passed out the moment we got back to the manor." I nodded. "I'm not gonna lie, when you didn't wake up to Donna's furious shaking I thought...well...you know."

"I told her I'd come back." I said quietly. My hand went to my scratchy throat. "Can you get me some water, please?" She nodded her head with no ounce of protest and floated out of the room. I turned around and stared outside. I had to have been passed out for a couple of hours. Maybe a day at most? I shook my head. My body didn't need that much time. I didn't take enough damage. I turned back around as Angie came into the room with the water. I took the glass gratefully and drank greedily. After a few more breaths, I stood and set the glass aside.

"I don't think you should be moving," Angie admitted worriedly. I shook my head.

"The faster I get the blood moving, the better I get." I glanced down at the nightgown. "I'm going to change."

"I'll tell Donna you're awake." Angie said.

"You mean you didn't yet?"

"She is downstairs with the other lords. I didn't want to disturb this time. But I know she would be even more upset to know that you were awake, and I didn't say anything." I nodded and went toward the closet. I found a simple button down and skirt. I took off the nightgown and slipped into the skirt. I looked at the bruises, fresh scars, and knife wound from the fighting earlier. None of it stung as badly anymore but everything felt stiff where the bruises and cuts were. I pulled on the button down and tucked it in when I heard the rushed, clumsy footsteps up the stairs. The door banged open, and Donna ran in. The mask was adorned on her face, but her eye spoke for her. Relief.

"Caiden," Donna sighed as her arms slipped around my waist and pulled me in tight. Pain pulsated through my body like a hurricane. I whined against her tightened grip. She turned rigid as her arms fell to her side. My body screamed as I used my hands and steadied myself against the wall. My jaw tightened painfully as I tried not to scream. "I-I'm so s-sorry. I-I was just relieved," Donna stuttered out an apology. I shook my head as I took a few more breaths and stood up. I turned to her and ripped the mask off her face. Her shocked expression humored me. I pulled her into a tight embrace as I kissed her cheeks and hair. I took in the scent of roses and crushed her with my hug. Donna's arms slithered around me in a looser grip. I held onto her for a long moment. Her head nuzzled into the nape of my neck as her fingers clawed to the fabric of my top.