Willow

The knock was quick and nervous at her door, and Jonathon was swift to answer it. Once more Edward entered, hand digging into Felix’s elbow as he dragged him into the room.

Willow greeted them politely and offered all in the room a seat and a teacup. Felix fidgeted as they crammed him on the settee between Edward and Jonathon. Agnes took the armchair and Willow began passing teacups around and offered them all pleasant smiles.

Hostess duties complete, Willow sat back and waited.

Edward sighed, shooting Felix an angry glare. “I apologise for my son’s behaviour today. I expect better of him, as should he. We both,” at this he shot Felix a warning look as he looked away from the conversation, “understand that you have experienced horrific things and can respect your hesitance in all of this.”

Willow nodded. “I thank you, sir. But it is not you who should be apologising.” Willow turned to Felix. “If you wrong someone, you should apologise. But if you are not here to apologise for yourself, then what is your reason for being here?”

Felix looked up. Edward made to speak, but Willow held a hand up, asking for his silence.

Felix looked like a caged animal, eyes darting about the room. Willow waited, eyes pinned on him.

Finally, he collapsed in on himself and admitted, “I was told I had to be...” The Leader shot him another furious look.

Willow nodded. “It had nothing to do with wanting to see me a crying mess over your harsh words?” She raised her eyebrows and Felix squirmed, caught out.

“From now on I expect you to respect my right to my own opinion, as I respect yours. I will still train you; nothing about that situation has changed. But your training will also remain unchanged.”

Felix opened his mouth to protest, but Edward set a heavy hand on his shoulder, and he slowly closed it.

“I want to make it home after all of this,” Willow stated. “Your abilities as they stand right now coupled with your ego will get us both killed before we make the trials. Without proper training you will die, do you understand? This is no game, Felix. You can and will die out there if you mess up. It won’t be like today where I allowed you to recover. If you made such mistakes out on the road, it would mean your death.”

Felix nodded for the first time, appearing to be taking in what she had to say.

“Good. I’m glad we understand each other. More tea?” As Willow worked to set the atmosphere to a more pleasant one, she felt the Leader’s eyes return to her repeatedly.

If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.

Felix seemed unnerved by the turn of events, unsure how the resolution had been met. Willow had noted the frown creasing his brow from time to time and coughed to hide a laugh. He had no idea what she had planned for him the next day.

An hour later, when the tea had been drunk and the small cakes eaten, Edward and Felix rose to depart.

On his way out the Leader had lent forward to whisper, “Thank you.” Willow had merely smiled as she concluded the pleasantries and closed the door behind them. Returning to her seat, she slouched a little and felt relieved.

Willow ate her dinner on autopilot. Agnes and Jonathon had attempted to speak about the things Felix had shouted, about the painful wounds to her heart that must have been ripped open, but Willow honestly didn’t have the heart to. Soon after, she excused herself from company, tucking herself into bed. Willow tried to sleep, but her thoughts wouldn’t quiet.

All night, dancing before her eyes were the many, many faces of the people she had lost.

#

After this spat, things seemed to change. Whether it was Willow's threats or his father's Felix began to genuinely improve and a few weeks later Willow found herself thinking perhaps things were looking good for Felix, as she watched him train. She’d only just started to teach him some of the more intermediary techniques, much to his excitement. Willow had realised quickly that the foundation was there, he’d received some rudimentary training from his father, just forgotten with disuse.

Once Felix had made progress, it was easy enough to keep him progressing, hiccups aside. A familiar nauseating feeling in the pit of her stomach however distracted Willow on this day.

There had been rumours circulating that the King’s guard were on the move and Willow wondered if this was the cause of the nausea. That could be dangerous, but when she had considered telling Edward, she shrugged it off. She had no proof but an upset stomach; her experience meant nothing here. Even she wasn’t sure it wasn’t a coincidence.

Most people in the compound seemed unconcerned by the rumours, so Willow had tried to get on with it. The nausea had only grown. That morning it had grown so bad she’d barely kept her breakfast down. If her suspicions were correct, it didn’t bode well for their safety.

Felix kept shooting Willow furtive looks. She knew her sickness and anxieties were making her a harsher teacher than usual. As a reward, she dismissed Felix early. Willow didn’t think she could handle any more, anyway.

Felix had scurried away, although he looked concerned. Willow bypassed her usual mess hall routine and began to gingerly move her body towards her rooms. At certain points she had to rely on walls, but she did eventually make it. Agnes had rushed to her aid upon entering, the clatter of the Spock against the fireplace ringing in Willow’s ears. Willow explained she felt ill and returned to bed until the following morning. Hopefully rest would help dull whatever was wrong with her.

Agnes had to help her undress and into bed, her body unwilling to perform even those small actions. Willow’s muscles ached, and she found movement was more uncomfortable with every passing moment. Agnes pulled the drapes closed, dulling the light and Willow thanked her sincerely, asking her to check back in during the evening meal but not to disturb her if she was sleeping. Agnes had nodded and wished her well before departing. She tried to close the door softly, but to Willow’s sensitive ears, even that hurt.

Moving hurt and made her feel worse, so she delicately situated herself comfortably before pulling the bed cloths close and settling down to wait it out, eyes closed.

Perhaps a nap would help.