Page 10 of Restored

“He seemed nice and was rather attractive.”

“Sounds like you should track him down and tell him all the ways he can repay you then.” I grin as Sky swats my shoulder.

Sky leaves and comes back with some pastries we gobble down. I work for a few more hours, healing patient after patient until my power begins to fizzle. The skin I keep tryingto knit together rips back open, leaving behind jagged, horrible scars. My hands start to shake, and my concentration is shot.

After the third try at knitting together a knife wound, Sky places her hand gently on my shoulder. “I can take it from here Layla, you’ve healed all the serious injuries for the day, all the rest of the wounds can be taken care of with a simple needle and thread; go, rest.”

I return her smile the best I can and cautiously stand. I only have enough energy to agree with her, offering a small nod and a thank you before I sluggishly make my way out of the infirmary.

I standin front of my mother’s room trying to talk myself into knocking. I pace, spinning the ring on my finger. It had already been three days since our last visit, and I couldn’t keep putting it off. I was just so tired, utterly drained.

As if making the decision for me, the door swings open. My mother’s chestnut eyes scan me. She looks beautiful, her blonde hair pulled back into a thick braid.

I hold my breath, stilling, as she looks at me. My heart trips over itself as I look for any sign of recognition on her aging face.

“May I help you, dear?” she questions, a crease appearing between her eyebrows. I swallow around the lump of disappointment in my throat, letting out a small whoosh of air.

“Sorry, I believe I have the wrong door.” My ribs are tight as I say the words, scanning her face again.

“Oh, that’s quite alright. Since you are here, have you seen my husband? I was just going out to look for him.” She squints as she studies me. “You have his eyes.”

My breath hitches as I fight to form a response. “No, I’m sorry, I uh- haven’t seen him.” I stumble over my words.

“That’s too bad; I do hope he comes home soon. I miss him,” she says, and my heart clenches.

“I do too,” I whisper.

“What was that, dear?”

“Have a good night.” I force a smile.

“You too.” She steps out the door and shuts it. Brushing past me, her floral scent invades my senses, dragging up old memories. As she walks down the hallway, my shoulders drop. She always ends up in the gardens around sunset. Being outside soothes her in ways I deeply understand.

I stare after her until she disappears around a corner before accepting my defeat and slumping to my room.

Opening the door, I am greeted by Maddox sitting at my table, a glass of wine in hand.

“Welcome home, honey, I hope you’re hungry. May I offer you a glass of wine?” He holds out his hands emphasizing the feast in front of him.

“I don’t know what I am more desperate for, food or a bath.” I groan as I kick off my boots. “And the glass won’t benecessary.” I grab the bottle off the table and take a few gulps of the fruity liquid.

“You need a bath.” He grimaces as he sees the dried blood on my clothing. “Lucky for you, I already have one drawn. I even used your favorite bath salts.”

“Thank the Gods.” I set the bottle down before walking over to the bathroom and discarding my crusty shirt. “Maybe you really are God’s gift to women,” I call over my shoulder to him through the cracked door.

“I knew you’d see the light one day.” I hear the smile in his voice.

I stumble over to the countertop and uncork a tonic Sky had made for when I’d depleted myself. It relieved the more daunting effects. I throw it back and cringe at the vile liquid. It tastes like shit but helps.

I peel off my pants and undergarments and then lower my body into the wet heat. The water instantly eases my aching body and thundering head.

“I’m assuming my father failed to retrieve any damning memories of yours from last night?”

“I gave him as little as I could. Nothing of me leaving the castle walls. How did it go with the people from Westray?” I touch some of the bubbles floating on the surface of the water.

“Fine. The prince of Westray seemed a little too interested in you for my liking, but luckily, they were just passing through. As usual, my father had to flaunt who hecommands with the most treasured and valued abilities. Sorry, I know how much you hate when he does that.”

He did this often. He liked to flaunt his power; his every so infinite army of soldiers blessed with abilities. He had the biggest legion on the continent. He knew how to scare loyalty into someone and if that didn’t work, he had a way of reading people, seeing their inner most desires and using it to his advantage. He thought of himself as untouchable.

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