Page 40 of A Winter Awakening
Finished buttoning Gael’s shirt, Orteo lifted his shirt and came around behind Gael, assisting him into it.
“It might also be good for Gael to do activities that he is able to do,” Sinoe said softly.
Orteo didn’t seem to hear him as he buttoned up Gael’s shirt.
Gael frowned. Did Sinoe not approve of Orteo helping him dress? Did he think Gael should do it himself? Gael no doubt could do this himself. Although, truthfully he had a valet in Castle Evermore. So he’d never had to.
And probably he could do other things for himself too. But it was just easier for Orteo to do it. Orteo knew what he was doing. And Gael had a habit of messing up. Furthermore, he liked the feel of Orteo’s hands on him as he dressed him. He liked to feel coddled and cared for.
“My ankle is much better,” Gael said. Now dressed, he sat back down on the chair and held out his ankle for Sinoe to assess.
Sinoe knelt.
Twice a day, Orteo slathered Gael’s ankle in the salve. Gael could probably have done that himself too. But he liked the feel of Orteo’s slick, rough hands on his swollen ankle. And what was so wrong with Gael enjoying that?
Sinoe examined the ankle. The bruising had turned a yellow-brown. “You’re continuing to drink the herbal tea mixtures?”
“He is,” Orteo said. “I prepare them for him several times a day.”
“They don’t taste pleasant, but I drink them.” Gael laughed.
“That is good. They will continue to help with the remaining swelling and any pain.” Sinoe reached into his bag and pulled out the salve. He murmured words in the nymph tongue as he slathered it on. His hands lingered on the ankle after he finished applying it.
“Is it improving?” Orteo asked.
“Yes. He will make a full recovery,” Sinoe said. “Until then keep putting the salve on the ankle, drinking the teas, resting, and walking with the crutch.” He placed Gael’s foot on the floor and rose. “I’ll check on it again in a few days.”
Gael and Orteo thanked him, and he left.
Orteo helped Gael into his coat. Then he grabbed Gael’s crutch and moved it next to the door, ready for Gael, before moving around the room, grabbing anything else Gael needed.
Gael sat there watching him. Did Gael depend too much on Orteo? Should Gael do more for himself?
But as Orteo approached him and helped him stand, Gael let that question drift away. He liked being cared for by Orteo. It made him feel cherished.
They exited the cabin. “Can we go to the village store today? You’re always going there, and I’m curious about Mila, Sero, Aryn, and the others you keep mentioning.”
“Of course.” Orteo smiled. “It isn’t too far.”
They made their way through the village. Orteo stood protectively beside him, a hand on Gael’s lower back. They greeted those they passed and introduced themselves to those they didn’t know.
Everyone seemed so friendly and welcoming. Gael gazed over Ores.
“I’m very happy here,” Gael said. “I could imagine staying here.”
Orteo smiled at him. “I’d like it if you did.”
His heart danced. Orteo wanted him to stay.
And if Gael stayed here, he’d never have to return to Castle Evermore. He’d never have to face Alisa, Gracie, or any of his family. His stomach twisted at the thought. He didn’t like the idea of never seeing them again. And they deserved an apology.
No doubt he should face them. But not now. Not yet. He was injured. But one day he would. Soon. But not too soon. Sometime in the future.
Or maybe he should just write them a letter. He could apologise and be very sorry and tell them he had decided to stay in Ores with Orteo. Or maybe he wouldn’t tell them where he was. If he told them, they might seek him out.
But he really didn’t need to think of all this now. That was for his future self to worry about.
Until then he’d focus on the here and now.
