Recovery
I spent the whole day in bed the day after the assassination attempt as the doctor had ordered. Jess came back that morning and was helping Dana with bringing me things that I required. Vanessa had promised to stop by, but she was making a magical tool that required urgency. I had yet to see her, and it was lunch time, and I was impatient to see her as I was bored out of my mind. I tried to read a book that I had Jess fetch for me from the library. It was Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility. I must have read that first line about the Dashwood family having long been settled in Sussex like a hundred times. I finally gave up and tossed the book aside, “Ugh, I’m sooo bored.” Just as I said that I heard someone clear their throat at my door. I looked up to find Blake dressed in an emerald button-down dress shirt, black slacks, and black wing tips. I smiled at him, “A visitor! I’m saved.” He smirked as he walked towards my bed and took a seat, “Forgive me, dearest. I wanted to come sooner, but I was trying to start the investigation. I don’t think I need to tell you about what.” I closed my eyes and shook my head, “Nope. I’m good. I really don’t want to think about it. I had been trying to read to keep my mind off it.” He reached over and picked up the book, “I don’t know if I know this one. Who is Jane Austen?” My eyes widened at this question but then I remembered where we were, “She’s a human author from the Regency Era on Terre. I love her books. My favorite is actually Pride and Prejudice, I’ve read it so many times I could probably quote it to you.”
He opened the front and read the first line, “What is this one about?” I proceeded to explain the plot line of the book I was attempting to read. He listened intently and nodded along as I gave him a short summary. I put the book down on the bed and looked up at me, “I should like to read your favorite book. I wonder if there is a way to get a hold of a copy.” I smiled at him and called for Dana. It was Jess that entered the room shortly after, “Sorry Xan, Dana is fixing lunch and asked that I come for her. Did you need something?” I nodded at her, “I want to lend His Highness my copy of Pride & Prejudice. Do you think you can go get it for me?” She shot a glance at Blake and then nodded before leaving the room. He took my hand, “Are you sure you want to lend it to me?” I nodded, “It’s the least I could do for helping to save my life. You were a very important part of that.” He kissed my knuckles, “Surely you know that I would do anything for you.” I didn’t know what to say to that, so I left his words to settle in the silence. He stared at me before he spoke again, “I have to go back to Mesha for a long period of time to head up the investigation and take care of matters there. I do hope you will write to me. Also…” He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small green envelope, “I was hoping you will join me for tea in Mesha.” I took the envelope and pulled out the invitation, it was the day after his mother’s tea. I put it back in the envelope and nodded at him, “I will join you.” He sighed in relief, “I was invited to my mother’s tea but I’m afraid I will not make it now given recent events. I would love for you to see Mesha and my home especially my garden.”
I had been slightly weary of Blake since I figured out that he was actually Burnett who I had had a huge crush on after my ceremony. Sure, he was attractive but after all that big talk about not keeping secrets and he kept from me who he actually was I wasn’t about to trust him completely. He had gained some of it back by springing to action to save me. I still was slightly guarded around him, and I wasn’t sure if I want to voice this knowing that he is in love with me to point of obsession. No, I thought it was wise to act towards him as I always had when I thought he was Burnett. I smiled at him, “Oh you have a garden? I would love to see it. I didn’t peg you as the type to have one.” He chuckled, “To be honest, they aren’t really my thing, but I was inspired by the rose of Batiste. It is such a beautiful flower much like the young lady whom it will wholly represent some day.” I blushed at the compliment, he was still charming and handsome. I looked down at my hands, “Thank you for the compliment Your Highness.” He squeezed my hand, “You can call me Blake when we’re alone. I hate formalities between us Alexandra.”
Jess walked in carrying the book and handed it to Blake and turned to me, “Xan, you have another visitor. It is an old man; he says you know him.” I looked at her like I didn’t know what she was talking about. I didn’t know any old men in Vellum beside Josiah, and he wouldn’t willing visit me. Jess would know it was Josiah and tell me, so I ruled him out. Then it dawned on me that the gate keeper might be here. I nodded, “Please show him to the study and offer him a drink then send up after Prince Blake leaves.” Jess nodded and left the room and I think she understood that I did not want the “old man” and Blake to meet each other. Blake nodded, “That won’t be for long. As much as it pains me to leave you, I must take my leave shortly to go oversee the investigation. I want to catch who did this and bring them to justice.” I squeezed Blake’s hand, “I appreciate your efforts. Please enjoy the book and I look forward to seeing your garden.” He smiled and kissed my knuckles before rising from his seat, “Until we meet again Alexandra. Please write to me when you can. I want to know you are okay.” I nodded, “Safe travels Blake.” He walked across the room and left.
It was a good while before Lucien in his old man disguise peered in the doorway, “Is it okay for me to come in Alexandra?” I smiled at him, “Of course.” Jess followed him in with a tray of food and lemonade. I smiled at her, “Thank you Jess. Can you make sure my guest and I aren’t disturbed?” She nodded then looked at old man Lucien before leaving the room. I had wondered if she somewhat recognized him, the only way to really tell it was him was to look deeply into his eyes. Likely the look was out of curiosity. I turned to him, “You can make yourself comfortable if you would like.” He nodded and sighed then pulled the lily pin off his cloak. He had been dressed in grey robes much like a Terrenian monk would and a red cloak. It took a little while before his real face formed, I was always so impressed with Vanessa’s work. He looked at me with the same worried look he had in his eyes last night, “How are you feeling?” I smiled at him, “No need to worry Lucien, I’m fine. I’m more stir crazy than anything.” He chuckled, “I’m sorry the hear that but I am glad to know you are okay. And the scratch?” I pulled my hand up to the small bandage that I had on my cheek, “I honestly don’t feel it much anymore and I am thankful it wasn’t any worse.” He sighed again and pulled a small book out of his robe, “I brought you my favorite book to read if you want something to do.” I took the book from him, and it was called, “In the Mist of the Ocean.” I looked up at him, “What’s it about?” He said, “Oh it is about a sailor that gets lost out in the ocean alone. He tries desperately to get to his home in Mesha but no matter how much he tries he can’t. He eventually finds out why it was he is lost at sea, but I don’t want to spoil it all for you. I think if you’ll read it that you may enjoy it. It is better than sitting here reading something you’ve likely already read.” He glanced over at my book resting on the bed where Blake had left it. I picked it up and handed it to him, “Well then I insist you read about the Dashwood sisters. It’s a book for girls but you might enjoy it. You remind me a bit of Colonel Brandon from this story.”
He took the book and tucked it into his robes, “I shall read it since you recommended it.” He opened his mouth again and then closed it as if he was hesitating to say something. I put my hand in his and he looked at me wide eyed, “Lucien, if you need to say something, you know you can always tell me. Right?” He nodded, closed his eyes, and spoke, “I was wondering if you read my letter.” He opened his eyes and searched my face, I smiled at him. I reached under the pillow next to me where I had stashed my reply that I had written him the night before, “I did, and I even wrote you back if you would like to see.” I handed him the letter and he took it with a smile, “I shall read it when I get home. I just came to see how you were mostly. I had been worried, and my mother encouraged me to come and visit you to ease my mind.” I smiled at him, “Well I’m sure I’ll be better tomorrow when classes start.” He nodded, “You should expect to receive The Chalshin tonight. He will be staying here during the school year rather than stay in the dorms as the headmaster had originally planned. Will that be an inconvenience?” I shook my head, “Not at all. After yesterday, I believe I could use all the help I can get.” He rose from the chair, “Good, I chose him because he’s strong and has a great sense of hearing. He should be able to sense danger long before it becomes a threat to you. If you’ll excuse me Alexandra, I need to get back to the castle before anyone knows I’m missing.” He smiled and kissed my knuckles before leaving the room. I hoped that the letter that I wrote him eased his fears and worry. I found myself wanting to reach over and hug him to soothe him. I didn’t know if that was normal but then again, my life hasn’t been since learning of Vellum.
