When You Return (The Lost Princess)

Chapter 9: Awake

Akali
The sound of a horse riding in the distance, easing my worry. I look up, hoping to see Eric, but when I only see Asher, my blood turns to ice. No!
I rush towards Asher, stopping the horse. "Where's Eric?" He lets loose a sob and I climb up on the horse, wrapping my arm around him. There was no chance of letting Asher out of my sight.
Without another word, I steer my horse towards the direction Ash came through, only to be stopped by the captain of the guards.
"Let go of the reins, Captain."I say, keeping my voice even.
"Princess, my men can search-"
"I'm going after Eric. If any of your men wish to join, then do so."
"But Your Highness, Prince Eric wouldn't approve-"
I interrupt again. "It matters not what he approves of if he is in danger. I will not waste my time arguing. As I've mentioned before. You may accompany me, but I am going after my husband." With that said, I grab the reins and gallop through the snow. The cold wind whips my cheeks, but it is not as cold as my heart.
Luckily, it has not snowed since, allowing me to follow the tracks.
After a good five minutes, I see a figure in the snow. Lying on the ground.
"Eric!" I slow the horse, my insides cold to the bone with fear. I remember the time, just a few weeks ago, blood pouring from his belly.
With that thought, I rush to him, turning his body towards me.
The gash on his forehead gains my attention. I quickly rip a piece of my cloak, wiping away the blood.
I place my ear to his chest, hearing a faint thump of his heart. He's alive!
I lift my head, taking off my cloak and place it around his cold form. The wind nips at my bare arms, but I ignore it, rubbing his temple, trying to wake him.
"Your Highness, we have a litter for him."
I turn, finding three men behind me. I notice one without a cloak, and realize he has given me his. I thank him, then stand, watching them lift Eric onto the litter, then tying it between two horses. I take Asher's hand, taking him back to the horse, then following the men back to the carriage.
Once there, I get in after Eric, calling for extra blankets. I take off the guards cloak, sending it with another to give it back, then wrap the blankets around him, hoping to warm him up.
Then I remember his words from a time before, when he first came to Albis. It is dangerous to sleep in a storm. You may never wake.
Again, the fear sends icicles to my bone. I start shaking him, "Eric, wake up."
Quickly, I pull him on his arm, lifting his heavy form to lean against the wall into a sitting position. "Eric!" I shake him again, harder than before. When he doesn't budge, my worry deepens. He may never wake.
No. He must wake! This cannot be how he ends his life. I need him. "Eric, wake up! Please wake up." I sob, resting my head on his chest for a heartbeat. "Don't leave me,"I whisper.
I sit up, shaking him, slapping his cheeks, anything to wake him, but to no advale. He still lies asleep.
I think of his soaked wet clothes, then push aside the thick blankets. He starts to shiver.
I cry out in triumph. Just a little movement. I reach to remove his shirt when he growls, stopping me with his hand. "Do not touch me."
I bubble with excitement. He's awake! I continue to remove his blouse, but he pushes me away. "I said do not touch me!"
Hurt, I pull away. But seeing his pained expression, I push aside my hurt. "What is wrong, Eric?"
At the sound of my voice, he slowly opens his eyes. "Kal?"
I grin, nodding.
He sighs, pulling me close. "Forgive me, I did not recognize you."
I relax against him, kissing his chin. "I am relieved it is not me that you are upset with."
He chuckles slowly. "Never."
"Are you cold?"I ask.
He doesn't answer for a while. I jerk up, causing him to jump a little. But his eyes are closed.
"Eric! You cannot sleep,"I shake him again. He opens his eyes. "Please do not sleep." He nods slowly, sitting up.
"Talk to me,"I ask softly. He nods again, but his eyes start to drift close.
I lift my hand and slap his cheek, and his eyes open wide.
"You will die if you cannot stay awake,"I say. "And I do not wish to strike you, so please just stay awake."
He sighs, "Yes, forgive me. I am tired." He closes his eyes, then opens them, grinning. "Did you know you sleep talk?"
Baffled, I pull back. "What?"
He chuckles. "Last night, you fell asleep while we were talking, and even with your eyes closed, you would answer my questions, or give your opinion."
I flush.
He laughs. "And when I asked you if you loved me, you said you would tell me in the morning."
I chuckle. "Well, to answer your question, I do love you. More than anything."
He takes my hand. "And I love you to."
I look into his eyes. "Eric, what happened?"
He cocks his brows. "What do you mean?"
"With Asher? Did you see the person who took him?"
He jumps up. "Asher's missing?!"
"No, Eric, you just-"
I tremble.
"You brought him back. Do you not remember?"
He slowly relaxes, but still his hands clench into a fist. I shake my head. "Forgive me, you're not in a position to speak of such things."
"Kal, what happened?"
I sigh. "I don't know."