The Treasure of Gwenlais, page 29
part #1 of The Rienfield Chronicles Series
He loves her, Aiden thought. No wonder he had no desire to visit the tavern. His heart was here, waiting for him. Did he not mention she had asked him to stay with her? She could have asked anyone, Phineas, his mother, but she asked Caleb, Aiden smiled to himself with that thought. It was obvious Laurel also knew how he felt, whether it was spoken or not, their hearts knew it to be true. For now that was enough.
Aiden abruptly stepped away from his thoughts as he heard Caleb mention his name.
“Aiden has decided to grace us with his presence tonight, after returning home from Welstone,” Caleb said, smiling over at his brother.
“Well I could not allow Caleb to take all of your attention. So I came in to check on you, and here he is, doing just that,” Aiden said to Laurel giving her his most charming smile. “How are you feeling love?” he asked her.
His voice becoming more concerned, placing his hand gently on the top of her head.
“I have felt better. But Caleb is taking good care of me,” Laurel answered in a weak voice.
“Of course he is. I told you, he is taking all your attention away from everyone else. He has never been good at sharing,” Aiden said well naturedly.
Laurel laughed lightly, trying to be brave through her discomfort. Caleb smiled at her attempt to hide her obvious pain.
“I think my dear you will have to suffer through another dose of the medicine the Physician left for you,” Caleb said regrettably.
“Yes I know, I just wish it was more bearable. It is truly hideous Aiden,” Laurel said, looking at him with sad eyes.
“What medicine would that be?” Aiden asked curiously.
“Master Elphin left us with a very potent medicine for the pain, but the taste apparently is less than pleasant,” Caleb answered smirking at Laurel.
“It is completely disgusting,” Laurel said with an obvious pout.
“What can we do to make it easier for her? There must be something we can mix it in. How much is she given?” Aiden asked, trying to think of a solution.
“Two drops in water. I have put it in tea, but it really did not make it easier,” Caleb answered.
“Let me see what I can find in the kitchen. This time of night no one will be there in the way, or giving me these looks of contempt for searching about. I will be back in a moment,” Aiden said cheerfully as he left.
As Aiden made his way down to the kitchen he began to regret his decision to go to Welstone. He had not enjoyed himself this evening, his mind always going back to the Lodge. He had been concerned for his brother and for Laurel, and Owain. Now seeing how much Laurel had been suffering while Caleb patiently stayed by her side, made him feel a pang of conscience.
He stepped into the dark kitchen and cursed quietly as he stumbled about when first entering. He lit an overhead lantern and waited for his eyes to adjust to the dim light. Unable to find any other beverage but tea, he poured a mug for Laurel, and continued to look around. His eyes were suddenly drawn to something on a side cupboard, and he smiled at the thought of bringing it back upstairs, picturing Laurel’s reaction to it. That was enough to help him make up his mind. When Aiden walked back into Laurel’s room, Caleb’s back was to him as he applied another compress to Laurels ankle. Laurel was biting her lower lip and holding in her breath. Laurel suddenly noticed Aiden’s arrival, her eyes widening in surprise, she then began to laugh. Caleb turned around to see what was causing her reaction. Aiden continued to walk towards them smiling broadly, as he was happy to see he was correct about Laurel’s reaction. Caleb also began to laugh, as he saw Aiden walking over to the small table in front of the bed with a very large round cake.
“The cook is going to be demanding someone’s head when she discovers it is missing,” Caleb said to Aiden, with wry smile.
“The fussy old pain in the arse can just make another,” Aiden said dryly, as he placed in on the table.
“What kind of cake is it?” Laurel asked, her voice showing she was clearly delighted by Aiden’s surprise from the kitchen.
“Excellent! If you have to ask me, that means you have never had it. It is called a honey lavender cake. With your fondness for lavender, I am sure you will enjoy it,” Aiden smiled at her excitement.
“Did you really need to bring up the whole cake?” Caleb asked him smirking.
“Absolutely. I was unable to find anything else for Laurel to mix her medicine in besides tea, so I thought this would make up for it. I did intend for all of us to have some,” Aiden said, smiling back at Caleb.
Caleb walked over to the dressing table with the mug of tea, and pouring some of it into a glass, added the two dreaded drops of medicine.
As Caleb walked over to Laurel’s bedside, her smile she wore earlier, instantly vanished when she saw what Caleb was holding. Her eyes becoming stormy and sad once more, with the thought of having to endure the dreadful liquid again.
“Do not look at me like that love. You know that you still need this,” Caleb said to her soberly.
“The pain is not as bad as earlier,” Laurel said in a small voice, knowing she was not very convincing.
“No, not at all. Which is why you practically dig holes into the blankets with your nails whenever I have to apply a compress,” Caleb said sternly, as he handed her the glass.
Aiden, amused by this interaction between them, walked over to the bedside smiling at Laurel sympathetically.
“Does it really taste that hideous Laurel? You looked terrified when Caleb handed you the glass,” he asked.
Caleb took the glass back from Laurel and handed it to Aiden.
“Take a small sip, and tell us what you think,” Caleb instructed him.
Aiden looked apprehensively at both of them before taking a sip. Laurel watched him intently, a mischievous smile her face, well knowing what his reaction would be. Aiden swallowed the tea and made a face of utter revulsion. Laurel began laughing at his reaction, while Caleb took the glass back from him, began to laugh as well.
“So what do you think? Be honest, what does it taste like?” Caleb asked mockingly.
Aiden described it offensively in their old language, so as not to speak understandably in front of Laurel. Caleb laughed at his brother’s offensive but honest description of the taste. Aiden then walked over and took a large bite of the cake, swallowing it quickly.
“So now you know why she hates it so much. The cake does help,” he said taking another bite.
“Well my dear, I have even more sympathy for you now, after Aiden’s graphic description. But I am afraid you will still have to take the medicine.
The way you suffered earlier is not worth going through again,” Caleb said to Laurel, smiling at her warmly.
Laurel sighed deeply, looking sad again as Caleb handed her back the glass, which Aiden noticed she took with her left hand. He thought it curious as he knew she was right handed.
“Why are you holding the glass in your left hand Laurel? Is your right hand that painful?” Aiden asked her.
Caleb and Laurel exchanged knowing glances.
“I think you should show Aiden my reasons for making you take that horrible concoction, but not until after you have forced it down,” Caleb said smiling at Laurel drolly, amused by her disgusted expression.
Taking a deep breathe Laurel drank it down in one gulp, again shaking her head several times in reaction to the taste. Aiden looked on in sympathy. He walked over with a piece of cake he had placed on a small plate for her.
“Here you are, you poor girl. Eat this, it will help rid the taste in your mouth,” Aiden said with empathy.
Laurel put a bite of cake in her mouth and was surprised how it did help make the taste of the medicine less noticeable.
Her eyes still watering in reaction to the taste of the medicine, she blinked a few times and took another bite of the cake.
“This is very good,” Laurel said, trying to talk with her mouth half filled with cake.
Caleb and Aiden laughed at her surprised expression.
“Wonderful! Finish it and I will get you another piece,” Aiden said, walking over to take the plate.
Laurel devoured the rest, feeling hungry from not eating all day. Aiden then quickly got her another piece, smiling the whole time as he watched her finish the cake in no time at all. Turning to Caleb, Aiden smiled and spoke to him in their tongue once again.
“I do not care how angry the cook is. It was worth it to see her look so happy for just a moment. Do you not agree?” Aiden asked.
“Yes I do. It was unbearable to see her suffer as she did earlier,” Caleb answered him back in their native tongue as well, in a low tone.
“How serious are her injuries?” Aiden asked continuing to speak as before.
“Wait until she asks me to fix her pillows and I will show you. She will be sleepy and not notice, then it will not upset her,” Caleb answered, in the same low tone.
“Why do you feel the need to talk about me in your language?” Laurel asked looking at them, with an irritated expression.
“What makes you think we are talking about you, your Highness?” Caleb asked her smiling sardonically.
“Your tone and the way you are looking at me, makes it quite obvious,” she replied in a tired voice, her eyes once again becoming heavy.
“I was actually telling Caleb some rather foul jokes and I did not want you to hear them,” Aiden said smirking at her.
“He is not laughing,” Laurel answered back, yawing.
“They were not that funny,” Caleb said smiling at her, as he took the plate from her hand.
“Now you are just teasing me again,” Laurel answered, barely able to keep her eyes open. “Caleb will you please fix my pillows once more? It seems to be the only way I can sleep,” Laurel asked sleepily, closing her eyes.
“Of course love,” Caleb said to her softly, as he looked over at Aiden and moved to her bedside.
He again moved the blankets and arranged the pillows as before, gently placing her injured arm and ankle draped over as before. Caleb stepped aside for a moment allowing Aiden to see the extent of Laurels injuries, without causing too much attention to them, not wanting to upset her.
Aiden looked over at Caleb his eyes registering shock at the deep purple marks on her otherwise ivory skin. Caleb smiled at him cheerlessly, as he slowly placed the blankets over Laurel.
“Thank you Caleb,” Laurel replied dreamily with half closed eyes. “Thank you for the lovely cake Aiden. I think it will become my favourite,” she said smiling, beginning to drift off.
“You are very welcome love. I will try to steal something else for you tomorrow,” Aiden replied bending down, and lightly kissed the top of her head.
Within a few moments she was sleeping peacefully, the medicine having taken effect. Aiden and Caleb walked over to the other side of the room and spoke in hushed tones so as not to disturb her.
“I had no idea she was so badly injured. How did she ever walk back over to where we were with Owain?” Aiden asked incredulously.
“I think she was in too much shock to realize herself how bad it was. Not to mention it was also just sheer will,” Caleb said, as he looked over at her.
“I should not have gone to Welstone. I should have stayed to help you care for her,” Aiden looked over at Laurel, his voice filled with regret.
“Do not feel badly Aiden. I did not know myself how serious it was until after Master Elphin arrived. I feel it simply worsened over the course of the evening as most injuries do,” Caleb tried reassuring his brother.
“I would not object to staying with her the rest of the night so that you can rest. You look well worn out yourself,” Aiden looked at Caleb with concern.
“I appreciate that, but I could not leave tonight if I wanted to. I would feel as if I were abandoning her,” Caleb smiled at him tiredly.
“You do realize that you will have to sleep at some point?” Aiden asked hitting Caleb’s arm.
“I intend to tomorrow. Everyone will be in here chasing me out anyway. I plan on staying with her in the evenings, until she is feeling well enough to no longer need me in here with her,” Caleb said looking over at her again, his eyes warm and loving.
Aiden noticed this and smiled at him.
“Well at least allow me to bring Owain to the Infirmary in your stead. I can deal with his mother better than you. All I need to do is say something crude, she will leave in a huff, and Owain will be thanking me profusely,” Aiden said, with a devious grin.
“You will have to give me the details of that encounter,” Caleb said laughing lightly.
“I will let you get some rest now. I will check on her while you are sleeping tomorrow, after I return from bringing Owain. Do try to get some rest Caleb. You will be no help to Laurel walking about in an exhausted stupor,” Aiden said as he left the room.
Caleb smiled at his brother’s concern. Walking back over to Laurel, he adjusted the pillows a bit more as she had moved in her sleep. He softly stroked her hair and gently kissed her temple. He sighed deeply as he sat back in the chair and quickly fell asleep.
7: TABLUT LESSONS
What seemed like only a moment, Caleb felt himself being shaken awake, by a hand on his shoulder.
“Caleb. Caleb dear wake up,” Queen Alana said gently.
Caleb opened his eyes and sat up, stretching his arms above his head. He looked over and found Laurel was not in her bed. He looked about confused.
“Where is Laurel?” he asked with concern as he stood up.
“She is in the bath dear, freshening up,” his mother said with quiet amusement at his concern.
“How did she get in there? She cannot walk without help. She should not be walking at all,” Caleb said with growing concern as he began to walk out of the room.
“Caleb!” Queen Alana said, abruptly to get his attention.
Caleb stopped and turned to look at her. Queen Alana walked over to him and placing her hand on the side of his face, smiled gently at him.
“Tulla and Mauve are helping her. She did not want to wake you. Besides that, there is only so much you can do for her dear. A lady does need her private moments from time to time,” Queen Alana said knowingly.
Caleb nodded his understanding at her meaning and smiled sheepishly.
“Now you have done enough, please go and get some rest, we will all be here to take care of her,” the Queen said reassuringly.
“Do not forget she has to have the cold compresses every three hours, and do not let her tell you she does not need the medicine. She is only saying that because she hates the taste. Do not let her get up and walk about either, Master Elphin said she must stay off her feet,” Caleb began to insist.
“Yes dear we have everything in hand," the Queen said calmly, as she began to usher Caleb out of the room.
“Maybe I should wait until she is ready to return to her room,” Caleb mentioned looking down the hall.
“You will do no such thing. Please Caleb, now go to your room and get some rest. Do not even think about knocking on the door to the bath. You will embarrass the poor girl,” the Queen said with authority.
“Fine I will go and sleep for a bit. Do not hesitate to wake me if you need me,” he said in a frustrated tone, as he left for his room.
“Yes dear, do not worry. We will see you this evening,” the Queen stated, in an amused voice.
“You will see me this afternoon,” Caleb said brusquely, as he walked across the hall.
Queen Alana smiled and shook her head at her son’s concern. She found it quite enchanting and also very interesting to see Caleb’s growing attachment to Laurel. It had grown far past that of a doting older brother or close friend. And what Aiden had also noticed was in harmony with what she had already thought. Caleb was falling in love with Laurel. Whether he had admitted it to himself or not was not important. She knew at King Garron’s wedding the idea she had always hoped would happen, must be brought up for discussion. The rest would, with a bit of help, fall into place. The Queen was taken from her thoughts by the sound of voices in the hall. Laurel was hobbling along slowly while Tulla and Mauve were on either side of her helping her to go back to her room. Laurel had insisted on not waking Caleb, as she knew he was exhausted. She had also told Tulla she wished to wear a casual tunic dress, as she no longer wanted to remain in her nightgown. She smiled at the Queen as she entered her room. She looked about and noticed that Caleb was nowhere to be seen.
“Were you able to convince Caleb to finally get some rest?” Laurel asked in an amused tone.
“Yes, but it was not easy. He would have rather waited to see you were safely tucked back into bed,” the Queen replied, smiling at Laurel knowingly.
“I will not be going back to bed at this time. I know Caleb means well, and he has been so sweet with caring for me. But I do feel he was unnecessarily alarmed by Master Elphin. He acts as though I will not walk again. Do you know he was awake every three hours, to put a compress on my ankle?” she stated as she struggled to sit in the overstuffed chair, next to the bed.
Laurel put her head back and sighed deeply as she sat down. Closing her eyes for a moment from the exertion the walk from the bath had caused.
“I have no doubt, he had quite a list of things that he insisted be, or not be done, in helping you,” the Queen said with a light laugh.
Laurel blushed at picturing him insisting how things be done concerning her.
