The Scarlet Lillie

Giving

Chapter 23
I dismounted in front of their porch, then Alex and Isaac led the horses around back to a barn. While Isaac checked the house to make sure it was safe, I removed my hood. He returned and nodded for me to come in.
"I apologize for the state of the house; I wasn't expecting company." Pemma said, picking up random things here and there.
This was the first common house I'd been into, so I was surprised to find very little furniture inside, and holes in the walls. Spider webs occupied the ceiling's corners. The windows were filthy, and you could barely see out of them. Even so, I could tell that Pemma took pride in her home, as there was no dust anywhere in sight.
"Don't worry, ma'am." Max insisted.
"Please," Nathan said, gesturing to a single chair, "make yourself comfortable."
I seated myself on one of the thinnest cushion I'd ever seen, while the couple took the couch across from me. Max and Logan stood protectively on either side of me.
"How is my son doing?" Pemma asked. "Why did you bring him home?"
I settled my hands in my lap. "Sir, ma'am, your son is a wonderful stable-hand. His instructors have nothing negative to say about him. This morning, he explained to me his reasoning for coming to the city, and why he has a job." I left out the part about my worries with the villagers. "I don't like that he has to be so far from his family, and especially at such a young age." Logan reached into his bag and produced two smaller ones. Without a word, he handed them to me. "I want him to stay home, but I know that you had good reason to send him to the capital. I hope you will accept these gifts."
I set the bags on the table, and waited for them to inspect them.
They each grabbed one, undid the tie, and peered inside.
Nathan almost fainted. "Your highness! We cannot accept such a gracious gift!" He said, his eyes darting back and forth between the bags' contents and myself.
I gave him a shy smile. "I insist. Consider it Alex's advanced payment for the next three months. If, by that time, he still must come to work for my father and I, then so be it."
"Your highness, what is this?" Pemma asked, holding up a small vile.
"That is medicine. I had the Royal doctor make a small dosage for your ill daughter."
The woman began tearing up as she looked at my gifts. "You mean... My daughter may still have a chance?"
"Yes."
My answer set her tears free, and she fell into her husband's arms.
I glanced at Logan, who nodded stubbornly. "May I see her?" I asked tenderly.
"Your Highness, our daughter is still ill. I'm not sure if it is such a good idea to go in." Nathan cautioned.
"I fear no illness. Please, I wish to see her." I pleaded.
He rubbed his wife's back, exchanged glances with Logan and Max, then nodded to one of the doors on the wall. "The room on the left. She might be asleep, Your Highness."
I nodded, standing. "I understand. Thank you."
I walked over to the door, and slipped inside.