Picking Petals:

Chapter 13: Cross my Heart

   My eyes blinked rapidly as they adjusted to the candle lit room. I felt tired and confused as I searched my unknown surroundings.

  "You've been out for a week," A human woman told me as I scanned the room. I noticed it was just me and a bunch of empty beds. This was part of the palace I have never been in, the old ball room that was made into a recovery center.

    "Is my mother and brothers here?" I asked burying myself into the bed, never wanting to leave this very moment.

   "Your parents have came every day but they are working now, your friend Gregory hasnt really left he's right out in the hall if you'd like to see him. He saved your life. That man that was in your room is being considered as a serious threat."

    "Any leads?"

    "Thats something to ask the council. I will bring in your friend now," she said before I could catch her name.

    "Wait, uh has the prince been by at all?" I asked nervously.

    The human nurse smiled knowingly, "He's been here every down time he has had but right now he's in a meeting with his father. He told me to tell you if you woke up that he'd like to see you right away. I'll be going to retrieve him."

    I smiled thanking her as she left and Gregory strolled in, Gregory didn't look as sharp and presentable as his usual self. He looked tired and beat up, "Did the man hurt you too?" I gasped looking at his iron burns on his arm.

     "Not as bad as he got you," Gregory said sitting on the chair beside my bed, even though the circumstance he managed a slight grin. "You almost died."

    "It would take a lot more then iron to bring me down," which was ironic for me to say, when for a Fae that is all it takes, "Do you know anything Gregory? He wasn't human but he wasn't Fae and he was so so strong-"

    "The King Vern and the Queen think it's a witch," Gregory said, "There's so many possibilities they dont even know where to start, we thought we were alone."

    "We are, I mean he wants us all dead that's what he told me. He is a threat and might be tied to the demons," I pondered on the thought. This could be a lead if I was right.

    "All I know is the king has a lot of work ahead of him, they're doubling security around the palace and wall,"Gregory explained. "How are you feeling though?"

     "Really sore and weak," I admitted. "Thank you Gregory if you weren't there he would have killed me," I said reaching for his hand in thanks as he looked up at me and smiled.

    "I'm glad I came back."

    "Why did you?"

    "I was going to apologize-" before he could continue Berella came bursting in.

    Berella laid beside me in my tiny bed and hugged me so tight I winced, "I know you hate hugs but I'm so glad you're okay, I thought you were never going to wake up," Berella sat up taking me in, "You look rough."

    I snorted, "Thanks."

    "Is the cut permanent?" Berella asked starring at my cheek.

    "Iron wounds are always permanent," I said not wanting to see the nasty gash he imprinted onto my face, "Does it look bad?" I groaned.

    "No," Berella said softly, "You look bad ass. I have to go back for my shift on the wall but I heard from James you were up."

    "How did James know?" I asked curiously.