All Things New: Chapter Nine

A little bit of fluff and some answers 😅

CHAPTER EIGHT: WAITING UP

When Artham finally awoke, he saw Wendolyn’s face over him. 

“Good morning, dearie.”

Artham winced with the pain he felt. He held up his right hand and saw with some annoyance that his hand was bandaged.

“Wait, where’s Arundelle!?”

Artham shot up like an arrow but regretted it when he felt a pain in his head. Wendolyn placed her cool hand on his forehead, and he relaxed and laid back down. 

“Where’s Arundelle?” Artham asked, suddenly tensing up.

Wendolyn sighed. “You both were unconscious. The man that shot you got away. Ari was taken to the infirmary, since she was hit a bit harder than you were, but they left you to me, since your injuries weren’t that bad. Just a bloody hand.”

“A poisoned bloody hand.” 

“Just a knockout one, thank the Maker.” 

Artham sat up, ignoring the pain he felt. The poison had made his whole body a bit woozy, and his head was pounding. “I should go and check on her.”

“No, you shouldn’t! Your to remain in bed, or at least here. Not out fighting Dooners.”

Artham sighed. “How dumb could I be? I saw an arrow doused in poison when I was walking Prince this morning, and I didn’t mention it. If I would have, the dance would have been cancelled and at least Ari would be safe.”

“Now, Artham, don’t go blaming yourself.”

“Where’s Esben?!” Artham said, suddenly remembering Esben had been involved in this hazardous situation as well, and he shot up like an arrow off the couch.

“Upstairs, with your sister. I sent them up to bed as soon as you all got here.”

“Who brought me here?”

“The Keeper.”

“I’m waiting up for her at least.”

Artham stood, and Wendolyn watched him begin walking around the room, in a bit of a pacing motion. Wendolyn put on a pot of bean brew, watching Artham. Podo eventually wandered downstairs, having heard voices, and took a cup of the brew when it was done. Eventually, Artham stopped pacing but started tapping his foot on the floor. Then he sat down, but his knee was bobbing up and down so much that Wendolyn had to sit down beside him and place her hand on his knee. His nervous habits were making her nervous!

Finally, there was a knock at the door. Artham didn’t even get up and walk around the couch, he simply vaulted himself over the back of it and scrambled to the door. He opened it, and to his great relief, Arundelle stood there, the Keeper behind her.

“Ari!” Artham gasped, grabbing her hand and drawing her in. Her hand was icy cold to the touch, and he noticed the scar on her cheek, and the bandage wrapped around her ear. She looked like she had just woken up, which she probably had, considering the arrow had struck her hard. 

She was trembling still, and there were tears of fear in her eyes.

The Keeper came in after her and began speaking with Podo and Wendolyn. Artham didn’t think Ari needed to hear any more stress for the day, so he quietly escorted her upstairs, letting her lean upon him as they walked.

“Are you alright?” he whispered.

She shook her head. “Artham why would anyone do that?”

“I don’t know,” Artham said quietly. 

“Oh, I’ve never been more scared in my life.”

“You need sleep. After that, you’ll feel much better.”

“How can I sleep?”

“Trust me. As soon as you see your comfortable bed, with Nia in there as well, you’ll be fine. And asleep.”

“Okay.”

He walked her to her door, and, without even realizing what he was doing, pressed his lips against her cold forehead.

He heard her sniffle, and said, before going to his own room, “I’ll always be there to protect you. If you even hear so much as a twig break outside your window, don’t hesitate to get me.” 

She nodded, and then slipped in her room, where Nia was still awake. Artham slowly walked to his own room, where Esben was, also awake.

“Is she okay?” Esben asked.

“Mostly. Not completely.”

“What are we gonna do?”

“I don’t know,” Artham answered, climbing into bed, quite ready to melt from exhaustion.

“Tomorrow, I think we should talk to the Keeper.”

“A very kingly decision,” Artham said through a yawn.

“Thank you. You know, I’ve been thinking, I should really start trying to be king, like officially, since it is only two years till I get coronated, and—"

But any other words Esben spoke that night fell deaf on Artham’s ears. He was already snoring. 

Oh boy. We have more questions...duh duh DUHH