The Things We Want

CHAPTER 6 "STAY"

Soon later, the King stormed into the Doctor's cottage, soldiers behind him.

"Your highness," Eugene stood, bowing low.

"Ava?" He asked Eugene, taking his hand. Eugene steps aside, "Oh, my girl," He rushed forward, his eyes a little teary even, "Who did this to you?"

"I-I don't know. He said to tell you something about a growing group? S-Something along those lines, I-I'm sorry I can't remember..."

"It's alright, your mother is worried sick... when will it be safe to move her?" the King turns to ask the Doctor.

"I only want a day more of her here, to recover more before she is moved back home. It would be too dangerous for her right now," He finished, bowing his head.

"Thank you, Doctor, and who is this woman beside you?"

"Iris, she found the princess," The doctor said as Iris stepped forward, bowing as well.

"Thank you, for helping my girl. For your protection and protection of the princess, I leave two of my brightest guards here. I must go see the queen, we will be back for you tomorrow Ava," He stood and smiled at his daughter before moving out, going back to the castle.

"How are you feeling?" The Doctor asked Ava, moving to her side with Eugene.

"I-It hurts, but it's bearable," She said shakily, looking up at them.

"I'll get something to help, one minute," The doctor slipped into another room quickly.

"I should be going, It's nearly midnight already," Iris commented, grabbing her bag off a chair, "I'll be back tomorrow Doc!" She yelled into the other room, "I hope you feel well soon Ava!" With that, she left, making sure Clarence was still tied to the post outside.

"Here, this will do the trick," Jared walked back into the room, holding a bottle. He poured about a quarter of a glass and handed it to Ava.

"How strong is this?" Eugene asked, holding out his hand for the bottle.

"She'll be out like a light, but it works. Just watch her tonight and make sure nothing happens. Nut jobs get past guards every day," Jared said a bit quietly, "Drink that whole thing, your highness. See you in the morning," he left the room, taking the bottle with him and blowing out the candles.

Ava drank the whole thing, almost spitting it out because of the horrible taste.

"That was miserable," she exclaimed, feeling uncomfortable. She wasn't feeling any different, but after a few moments, her pain dimmed, replaced with a fuzziness she couldn't seem to decipher.

"Ava?" Eugene perked up, her eyes drooping from the medication.

"C-can you stay h-here with me?" She muttered, weakly grabbing his arm, clearly loopy. He let her easily pull him close, and being careful of her wound he laid down beside her, an arm around her shoulders, her head resting comfortably on his chest.

"Always, Ava."