A Court of Wings and Fate

35. Apologetic Consideration

Estelle sat on her window seat, resting her forehead against her knees. The shadows were quiet, thankfully, and remained still on her arms. She was feeling worse by the minute, her head and back aching now, as well as her abdomen.

Estelle had thrown up three more times since she reached the cottage and she hadn't bothered trying to go back to the training rings. If she got into trouble, she guessed she could just throw up on Commander Ameer's boots and use that as an excuse.

Footsteps drummed on the staircase. Estelle didn't lift her head, even as someone knocked on the door. "Not now," she called.

"Are you feeling any better?" Mikael poked his head into her room.

"You're not supposed to be in here." She looked up, finally.

"Do you want me to leave?"

"No. Did you need something?"

He nodded. "I have something I want to show you."

Estelle sighed, lowering her head again. "Can it wait? I don't feel like doing very much right now."

"You don't have to do very much, Batsy." Mikael offered her his hand. "I promise you'll like it."

Estelle managed a small smile. "All right." She took Mikael's hand and let him pull her out the door.

Once they left the cottage, Mikael spread his wings. Estelle knit her brows, but flew after him. The training grounds receded behind them and they soared through the clouds. He was taking her to the Palace. Estelle suppressed a shiver as cold air swirled beneath her wings. Her stomach clenched with a stab of pain. Mikael glanced back at her. She simply waved him on.

At last, the opalescent Palace appeared before them. They landed on Mikael's balcony and entered his room. "What is it you wanted to show me?" Estelle asked.

Mikael guided her into the bathroom, his hand resting on the small of her back. Estelle's eyes widened in surprise. The room was permeated by sweet heady scents. The large raised tub was filled with steaming water, laced by a variety of herbs and flower petals. Candles burned on the rim. She spied a few bowls of cold fruits and chocolates lingering on tables nearby.

"What is this?" She whispered.

"Celeste and Sienna told me why you were feeling so poorly after you left. I kicked you in the gut. I had to make up for that," Mikael replied. "The food is spelled to stay cool, and the water is spelled to stay warm. There are herbs in it that should ease your nausea and cramping. There's tea that can help with that as well."

"And chocolates?" Estelle giggled.

"I asked Lysander what kind you liked."

"How did you know what types of things would help?"

"I did some quick studying before getting everything ready."

Estelle looked back at him, a bright smile crossing her lips. "I love it."

"I thought you might." Mikael pressed a kiss to her cheek, then her neck. "I'll be out here if you need anything." He backed away, closing the door behind himself.

Estelle stared at the tub for several minutes, then shrugged out of her leathers and jumpsuit. She stepped into the warm water with a sigh of relief. Estelle rested her head on the lip of the tub, folding her wings over herself. The shadows drifted past her ears, whispering softly.

No one has ever done anything like this for me, Estelle thought with a smile. Most males prefer not to acknowledge female problems. At least, in my experience anyway.