Adamus VI

59 - Offerings

"How have you been feeling as of late, sister?"
My king brother was seated in the throne before me, relaxed in his chair. He was having the bandages on his face changed, and Lady Sheera was seated next to him. This was the first time she's taking the seat next to him in the throne room. Normally, this would go to the Queen. But I wasn't mad about it, she's done good for him- for us.
"Honestly, not well." I responded truthfully, and realized that there was a good chance lady Sheera knew about the attack on me a week ago. Ever since then I've been sleeping next to my brother, in an effort to feel safe again. But when night comes I feel a certain doom wash over me, an anxiety I've never once felt before.
"Adamus has been inquiring about you, about your state of health." He continued. I watched the doctor wrap his neck, and dab clean the wound on his cheek. Im happy that he's become more comfortable with his face around others, and I honestly can't believe he's contagious after all this time of living with him and not becoming infected.
"He has not come to me about it," I said bitterly.
The Kings eyes darted down towards his lap and he sighed.
"I cannot speak for the man, Eva. Perhaps he feels it's not his place."
I looked to the floor, feeling my anger and annoyance begin to bubble up in me. Perhaps he does feel it's not his place, but if that's the case then why would he feel he could hug me out in the forest? Or call me beautiful at the dinner? Would that not be further out of line for him?
"Seek him out," he continued. "You've not been fighting for a week now, he'll be glad to see you again."
I nodded, and sadly bowed my head towards him. He nodded back and watched me walk off towards the exit. I suppose I could seek him out, but I know what I'll find if I do. And I don't want to see it.
I turned to look over my shoulder one last time before leaving, and saw my brother looking to the Lady at his side with such desire and affection, it warmed my heart to see him look at another like that. If only her brother were as considerate as her, then perhaps my life would be just a bit easier.

~~~

Adamus

I sit alone, staring at the floor and resting my face in my hands. Ever since the King told me what happened to the princess I've been unable to get the thought out of my head. Sure she's returned to the castle, safely. But it makes you think, how easily that man came in and defiled her, even the guards outside her room did not know it was happening. She mustn't have been able to scream or shout, otherwise how could this have happened?
It was a delicate subject, I needed more information from her but I felt I shouldn't ask. I also need to ask people if they've seen the man without revealing to them his crime. She would be mortified if the whole Kingdom found out. Poor Eva, sure she's done her fair share of evil in this world, but God has returned her home and given her a second chance, which she seemed to actually be taking. She did not deserve this, no woman does.
I also found that I could not stop thinking of my mother, and the same fate she suffered. I cannot lose sight of my mother and her whereabouts, but with all this commotion and all these relationships surrounding me it's feels hard, impossible even.

"Lord give me the strength to conquer this day." I muttered to myself.
Our Holy King has already ordered the rebuilding of the Churches and Abbeys in this city, once that's complete I can spend my days in conversation with the priests and monks in hopes that they can shed some light on my mothers whereabouts. In the meantime I'll serve the Lord by helping those around me, and bringing Eva's aggressor to justice.

I stood up and headed down the stairs to grab something to eat, I had to fuel myself for the day ahead of me. I did not have a shift at the castle, but Lady Beth did want to go out. I told her I'd meet her at the castle this morning, and hopefully I'll see Eva while I'm there. She hasn't been to the field for training in about a week, and understandably so, but my days without her have been uncomfortably easy.