Chapter Three
“So you’re saying that I fainted?” I asked, frantically searching myself for any cuts or bruises.
“Yes, but there’s something else we need to discuss with you. Before we do, promise that you won’t freak out, okay?” Callistus questioned. I nodded my head in agreement, and braced myself for whatever bad news I was to be burdened with.
“You were asleep for three days.” he said calmly, trying to keep my mood as tranquil as possible.
“THREE DAYS!” I screeched, and Tobie’s burly hands flew to his ears.
“Aurora! What did I say?” Callistus demanded in a harsh tone.
“I’m sorry, but three days?” I whispered. Tobie’s hands relaxed and Callistus let out a soft, silent, sigh of relief
“Yes, three days. Of course your mother and father were incredibly worried when no one had seen of you for a whole day. I, too, was starting to have a miniscule inkling of concern as to your whereabouts. I figured you were probably off on another adventure, but when Tobie here, came back to our house, I knew something was amiss. He told me you had fainted, and you had woken only for the occasional flask of water. He also said you could barely sit upright, poor thing.” he cooed. I shot him a warning glance.
“I’m perfectly fine on my own.” I remarked triumphantly. I abruptly tried to get back up, but Tobie shoved me back onto bed in haste, indeed.
“Oh no you don’t. Didn’t think you could slip that past me again, did you?” he taunted with a teasing smirk smattered across his lips.
“ Tobie!” Callistus roared, shoving him.
“What?” Tobie asked innocently, and Callistus rolled his eyes. He was obviously annoyed with his brother.
“As I was saying, your parents were so concerned; they were going to send a search party into the village to find you. Thank the heavens; I stopped them before they could do anything rash.” Callistus explained.
“How did you possibly do that?” I inquired curiously. My parents could smell a lie from a mile away. Callistus wrung his wrists, and looked at Tobie pleadingly.
“About that…” he replied, leaving the room in an uncomfortable silence. He cleared his throat anxiously. “I might have told them you were with my brother.” he mumbled quickly, trying to avoid my glare.
“YOU WHAT?” I demanded. If only he could lie. I swear he hadn’t one bad bone in his body.
“Aurora, it’s not that bad.” Tobie intercepted.
“Tobie you have no idea.” I replied through gritted teeth. “They’re probably going to forbid me to see any of my friends. Not to mention the man they’re going to force me to marry soon. They’ll speed the process along so that they can finally be rid of their troublesome daughter.” I rambled on. Tobie gripped both of my arms, and shook me back and forth violently. When the torture ceased I was completely disoriented.
“What was that for?” I shouted angrily.
“You needed to calm down. “he replied casually with a shrug.
