The Countdown

Chapter Six

I've written two chapters in one day. I'd definitely say I'm getting my motivation back. Let's hope it stays *crosses fingers*

    I forced myself to not jolt up as I felt the air in the room change. Someone was in here with me. I tried to be logical, telling myself it was likely Dr. Sean or perhaps the other healer he had mentioned. The larger part of me told me to prepare for an attack. It could be the King or one of the royal guard here to kill me.

    My muscles relaxed instantly as spice hit my nose. I was always good at deciphering smells, telling who was near me by their odor alone. It was a trait I picked up a long time ago so that I could tell who was about to hurt me.

    "Sang, Sweetie, wake up," He touched my arm lightly. It was such a warm touch, both literally and not. I had not been touched nicely many times in my life.

    I slowly opened my eyes, seeing the tall boy light the overhead lantern. A warmth cast over the room, causing his otherwise pale skin to glow. The green embers in is eyes came to life as I smiled at him.

    "Morning, Kota," I rasped. He grabbed a water off of the tray he had apparently brought in and handed it to me immediately. I took it from him, gulping down the room temperature water. It made my throat feel immensely better. "Thank you."

    He took the glass back from me and set it on the bedside table. "Come on Sweetie, you need to sit up."

    I nodded at him and tried to pull myself up the bed the best I could with a still healing arm. He wrapped an arm around my waist and tugged me upward. I was in a sitting position in no time.

    My cheeks warmed from the closeness, "Thank you."

    He backed away a few steps, rubbing his collarbone, "It's no problem. I brought you some breakfast."

    Kota picked up the silver tray and placed it in my lap. It was the most balanced meal I had ever seen. Colorful fruits on one-third of the plate, dark green vegetables on another, and a fluffy omelette about an inch thick on the last.

    The omelette was calling my name so I took a bite of it first. My eyes widened as I picked at it with my fork, white cream falling from the center.

    "What is this?"

    He smiled, "Cream cheese."

    Cream cheese. I'd certainly have to remember that. "It's delicious."

    "Luke made it for you. He and North argued for a whole ten minutes over whether or not to give it to you. Luke won, obviously."

    The corner of my mouth dipped inward. Why was I always causing problems?

    "Hey, don't look like that. North doesn't mean anything by it. He's just a health freak. He acts like that to all of us."

    I gave him a small shrug, "I just don't like people fighting. Plus, I know how expensive all of this must be. There's no reason for me to eat it."

    His brows furrowed and his lips pursed like he was confused. "We have more food here than we should have, Sweetie. It's not a big deal." He nudged, "Hey, don't tell Luke I said this, but he's actually right. We do need healthy foods but there's nothing wrong with a little sweetness, too."

    I smiled a little. He was so sweet. No one had ever tried to make me comfortable or smile before.

    We stayed in silence for the next few minutes. While I ate, Kota organized the room. Not that any organizing was needed, though. The room was practically spotless, every paper in it's place and not a speck of dust in sight. Perhaps he was just trying to occupy himself.