Domain of Power-The Dreamer (Book 3)

Chapter 8: Perfect Strangers

I pushed myself off the bed to stand long enough to gaze out the window. Red, white, and violet dots speckled the green pastures. I should be out there basking in the warm spring air. Feeling the grass beneath my feet. Smelling the fresh dew from the recent rain that clung to the grass and blooming flowers. Just like I did dozens of times in the dreams. While my family and peers were enjoying the taste of the warm spring air, feeling the grass beneath their feet, and smelling the fresh dew from the recent rain that clung to the grass and blooming flowers, my handicap kept me trapped in my room.

My mind wandered back to Romeus and the revelation I made. He was there the day I fell off the horse. Was he the one who frightened my horse, causing it to panic? After all, he admitted to playing practical jokes on his twin Julius, and me. But he would never do something so foolish and dangerous! But how did I know for certain? How well did I really know him?

The possibility that Romeus was connected to the accident that almost killed me troubled me. If he came back, I had a thousand questions waiting for him. The week was coming to a close, and he could be arriving any day now. I was anxious as to how I would react if I saw him again. So, when I heard the knock on the doorway, I nearly dropped my walking stick.

"Troy." The voice was soft, warm, and familiar. It was the slave girl. I turned around, fumbling for my stick. I saw her wide, bright eyes fixed on me.

"You are getting better at using your walking stick."

"Thanks." I looked up at her. "You think I am ready to go without it?"

She hesitated before answering with a sheepish grin, "I suppose we have to find out."

I hobbled with my stick around the bed to stand next to her. I tossed the stick on the bed behind me, only for it to bounce off the edge and hit the floor.

"Ready."

The slave girl flinched at the loud clang before scooping up the stick and placing it back on the bed.

Without a word, she slipped her hands into mine. She took one step forward. I took one wobbly step forward to complete her movement. Then another step as I squeezed her hand with each step.

My bare feet shuffled across the floor as she clung to my side. She would take a step and then I would repeat her action.

This is happening! After months of pain, I was finally walking! I tried to pick up the pace to match her strides, where her feet lifted before landing in front of the other. I could feel my cheeks swelling into the biggest smile as I neared the doorway. I reached out to touch the doorpost when I tripped over my feet.

"Troy!" I could feel myself yanking on her arm, almost bringing her down with me.

She crouched down beside me. "I am so sorry. Are you well?" Her light brown eyes were even bigger than usual this time. For a moment, I held her intense gaze. It was my fault for losing my footing because I was rushing.

I gave her a nod before assuring her that I was unharmed. The only thing bruised was my pride.

I seized her hand as she tried to pull me up from the floor. I took a tumble on my rear end. After taking a deep breath, I reached for her hands. But this time, I did not let go as I sprang to my feet. The movement was so fast that I did not realize the placement of my hands.

She looked down at my hands that clutched below her breastbone, while the other gripped her waist as if I was trying to climb her.

"Sorry," I gushed, feeling my cheeks flushing.

Now she was blushing. I cleared my throat to relieve the awkward tension.

"Did you still want to give it another try? I completely understand if—"