How I Wish

CHAPTER III

Chapter III (Edited)

"Ma'am?" Lifting my weary head, I looked at my now open cell door and found a second stranger standing in the entrance way. I had obviously missed his arrival, which was a bad sign in regard to my health.

I was obviously sicker than I had originally thought.

Swallowing the thought, I focused on a pair of wide soothing eyes - the cool sage tone darkened with exhaustion only emphasised by the deep bags beneath. His fatigue betrayed the lying smile that pulled at the corners of his pouty lips - overshadowing the cheerfulness he forced into his posture.

His golden hair that glowed in the moonlight, curled around his ears and brought a ghost of a smile to my lips. Drooping tapered shoulders narrowed into a trim waist wrapped in a deep plum long sleeved tunic, tucked into beige pants. His long legs seemed to stretch forever, ending at a pair of brown wrapped feet.

"I apologise for startling you; would it be okay if I came inside?" His voice, I realised was as soothing as his brilliant green eyes - and my brows furrowed at his polite question.

What type of Captor asked for permission to enter his prisoners cells?

Unless - he wasn't a captor and instead....

"I'll have the healer come to check your injuries..."

My eyes widened and I shot upright when I realised who this stranger was, and a sudden pressing fear tightened around my heart like a vice, making the organ stutter in its rhythm before speeding up.

Gasping for breath, I stumbled to my feet and backed away - the full realisation of the redhead's words penetrating the fog muddling my thoughts.

A Healer, in my cell.

Pressing my back against the wall, my eyes shot around the room - looking for something - anything to protect myself - and I came up short when I found my earlier tray sitting close to the man filling the doorway of my cell.

Kicking myself internally for making such a stupid move, I realised that apart from a pillow and blanket - there was nothing I could use to defend myself.

"Ma'am, I'm not here to hurt you - I promise. My name is Healer Green, and I came to check in on you and make sure you were alright." Cautiously meeting the eyes of the Healer, I swallowed harshly at the concern that shone from within his tired eyes.

Acknowledging that he also hadn't moved into my cell, I kept my back pressed against the furthest wall and remained silent.

Sometimes it is better to say nothing at all, than chance giving him a reason to hurt me.

"I can come back later if this would make you feel better, but I must implore the importance of checking you over for any signs of ill health." Flinching at his words, I pressed my hands against the wall to hide their trembling and closed my eyes.

I didn't want him to check me over, not when I knew the price of such a service.

I was so tired of all the pain, but I'd rather deal with my stepmother any day then let another Healer near me.

"Ma'am" His voice shocked my from the fear that threatened to overwhelm me, and I fought to regain control over myself, - refusing to pass out and leave myself victim to a healer – not again.

"Your friend was mistaken; I do not need treatment. I am simply tired and in need of a good sleep and tomorrow I will be well." I denied, the lie slipping easily from my lips. In truth, I felt like one giant bruise with aches and pains everywhere, and a tiredness to my body that concerned me.