The Eternal Shadow

Chapter 22

XXII

"Did you forget something love?"

Betty was not used to seeing Francesca so early - it went against their usual routine: Betty looked after Guy throughout the day and Francesca took over at night. Jenkins came and went for although Guy was his most serious patient, he was not his only patient.

"No Betty, my father and Natalia have an audience with Prince John and I thought I would come check on Sir Guy whilst the coast was clear."

Betty was about to say something along the lines of how she should be careful not to risk her father's wrath by visiting during the daytime but the shocked look upon Francesca's face stopped her from doing so.

The reason for her shock swiftly became apparent; Guy was awake.

The older woman was just as surprised as Francesca was, but this quickly gave way to unease because the knight was staring at the girl and she was staring right back. Betty was unsure what to do, thinking once more of Francesca's growing attachment to Guy despite having no formal arrangement with him but figured she had done her fair share this day - had said all she wanted to say on the subject and now it was time to let her be and hope that she would heed her words. At any rate, she left them both to it shortly afterwards to go see if Jenkins required her assistance with another patient.

Francesca slowly moved towards the bed and Guy followed her with his eyes all the way. She had to admit he wasn't looking great: his hair was sweaty and plastered to his head, the swelling on his face had receded slightly but the bruises and cuts bloomed dark and ugly, his skin was a better colour than it had been but still retained a sickly hue, indeed, he looked for all the world as if he'd gone twelve rounds with the devil in the depths of hell but none of this mattered to her because for the first time since this had happened she had a feeling he was going to come through this.

"Good Morning." She said softly as she sat down upon the bed, checking the urge to take his hand for it was difficult to tell how with it he was so-to-speak nor how he would react to her touch. They had been through the full spectrum of emotions throughout his illness and Francesca had learned to expect everything from him.

"How long...?" His voice was deep and rough from disuse, his hand came up to his throat, it was obviously painful for him to speak.

"Two nights now." She paused to let him digest this and he looked shocked.

Yes, they were the longest two nights of my life as well.

"How are you feeling?"

"Terrible."

Francesca smiled but felt tears welling in her eyes, he could have no idea how overjoyed she was to be able to speak with him like this. It was so wonderfully normal she could hardly bear it.

She didn't want him to see her in tears so she turned away to get him something to drink, "how about some water?" She asked taking care to keep the goblet out of reach. He surprised her by nodding his assent. "You're sure? You're not going to throw this at me are you?" She gave him a stern look but one eyebrow was raised playfully.

He frowned in confusion. "Did I...?"

"You don't remember?"

He shook his head and looked at her apologetically.

"It's alright." She shuffled forward to help him sit up and then held the goblet to his lips. "You weren't yourself." She said softly as he sipped the water. He winced as he swallowed and she wasn't surprised for his throat must still be red raw from being sick.

"I've brought some honey, it will help soothe your throat." She moved from the bed to fetch it but was stopped in her tracks by the sound of his voice.