King and Lionheart [Dreamnotfound AU]

Chapter 15: Cold and Warm

I will never, ever miss an opportunity for sleep-cuddling

George finally felt warm. He woke up slowly from a flood of dreams and nightmares and opened his eyes.

He was on his back; the ceiling was not his own deep blue, but a creamy dun colour he associated with physician's quarters. Several blankets were laid over his front, and one arm.

George followed it to his right and saw a dirty blonde head of hair tucked into the crook in his neck. Now he could identify the weight on his shoulder and slight pressure over his chest.

The sensation was so implausible, George took a few minutes to get through the shock.

A noise from the other room stirred him out of his thoughts.

Grian walked past the door, habitually glancing in. He backed up when he realised George was awake, and a wide smile lit up his face.

He bowed, and spoke in a hushed voice, "Your majesty, I'm overwhelmed with happiness to see you awake again."

"Grian-" the king bade him closer to talk quietly; who knew how deeply Dream slept- "what happened?"

"You were poisoned, my liege. The culprit is imprisoned in the dungeons."

"Ah." Flashes came back to him: the table, the wine, Dream.

"And...?" George glanced pointedly at Dream cuddled around him.

The physician failed to suppress a chuckle. "He has refused to leave your side during your recovery, rather like you when he suffered the arrow wound."

George glared at him for bringing that up. Was it his imagination, or did the thief move a fraction?

The king cleared his throat. "Would you.. detach.. him?"

Grian's smile twisted up and he shook his head. "He was clinging so tightly I was afraid of further injuring your majesty by forcing him away. Regardless, he always returns. I think you'll have to ask him."

George scoffed, wincing when it triggered a twinge of pain in his chest.

"How long has it been?"

Grian's smile fell into a grave expression. "Four days since I administered the antidote. Your majesty's magic battled the poison for eleven days until Dream brought us the cure."

"Dream brought the cure?" George repeated in confusion.

Grian nodded and explained about the Duresh flower. "I've never seen so much determination. He pushed himself and his horse to the very limit to race there and back in time. Once I'd calculated how your magic was fairing and the distance to the flower, I was sure he'd be too late, but somehow he managed it in the nick of time."

A breathy chuckle sounded from the head next to George.

The king lifted his head. "You're awake, aren't you?"

The chuckle got louder and George groaned, pushing at him. "Go to your own bed, bastard."

Dream whined in protest and mumbled incoherently as he nuzzled closer.

"What is wrong with him?" The king demanded.

Grian approached their other side. "Unfortunately, he arrived in quite a state, so I've been giving him large amounts of pain medicine. He's all the more stubborn."

"I know." George wiggled, but Dream kept trying to hug him, all the while humming contentedly like the cot was the cosiest place in the world.

With Grian's gentle encouragement they finally got Dream to let go long enough to put him in his own cot.