Street Mouse [Yandere Archduke x Female Reader]

13. A Regrettable Illness.

Once Frosino returned to the castle, he dismounted inside the shelter of the stables and quickly removed the tack from his horse before scooping the girl, wrapped tightly in his cloak, back into his arms. He raced across the courtyard as fast as he could, doing his best to shield Y/N from the rain.

He hurried down the steps and kicked open the kitchen door. The warmth of the kitchen enveloped the pair as Frosino did his best to let his eyes adjust to the light.

Tola sat in the rocking chair by the fireplace, staring worriedly out the high windows. She stood up the moment she saw Frosino, and as soon as she noticed the face of Y/N peeking out from the great bundle of fabric, her eyes filled with tears.

"Oh my prayers 'ave been answered, ya brought her home safe," Tola cried as she took the girl from Frosino's arms.

"She's so cold," Tola remarked with worry. "And look at her pretty face, all covered in scratches." She began to exit the kitchen into the servant's quarters when Frosino made to follow her.

"What are ya doin'?" She asked sharply, turning to face him.

"I am coming with you," Frosino said. "Y/N is my ward, I need to make sure she will be alright."

"Oi, ya ain't comin' like that," Tola stated crossly, pointing to the Archduke's clothing.

Glancing down at himself, Frosino realized what she meant. His fine clothing was soaked through, and covered in mud splatters. His shoes were just as dirty, and had left messy prints all over the kitchen.

"But she is my responsibility," He protested. "I am the lord of this home, you cannot tell me where I can and cannot go."

"Well ya ain't comin' into the littlen's room," Tola said defiantly. "Go put on some clean clothes will ya." With that Tola walked away, leaving a disgruntled Frosino is the kitchen. After a minute, he decided that it would be for the best if he changed his attire.

. . .

The Archduke sat on the side of Y/N's bed, staring down at the young girl's sleeping form. Tola had changed the girl into a dry nightdress, and tucked her snugly under the warm blankets.

Even though she was now safely inside the castle, Frosino was still worried about her. She was shivering from head to toe, and although Tola had cleaned the cuts on the girl's face, the scratches were still visible.

"Ay've done all ay can do for now," Tola said, as she too watched the sleeping girl with worry. "Ay'm afraid that she might get ill from being out in that storm."

"Poor thing," Frosino muttered. He reached out to stroke the Y/N's forehead, and felt that it was already burning up. He took the washbasin from the nightstand, and began to dab her forehead with a wet towel. "Tola, as soon as Alfonse returns I want you to inform him that he is to saddle a fresh horse, and ride down to the village, from there he is to send a messenger to Vascini requesting the finest doctor come to Castle de Crivell at once."

"Yes Yar Grace," Tola responded, reaching to take the wet cloth from him. "Ay'll watch Y/N tonight, so ya don't need to worry."

Frosino held firmly to the towel, refusing to let it go. "There is no need." He stated. "I shall watch over her until the doctor arrives."

"Very well Yar Grace," Tola bowed, then she left the bedroom.

Frosino looked down at the little girl. It would take at least a day for the doctor to arrive, he only hoped that they had enough time. He knew all too well how deadly a simple fever could be to a small child.

. . .

Tola awoke late the next day, the stress of the previous day taking a toll on her strength. She first went to check on Y/N, before going to the kitchen to begin making breakfast.