Sir Hans watches me with a look I cannot decipher as we sit in this room chatting like some happy family. “You healed from a brain injury and who knows what else in a matter of a few weeks. Are you a mage? Speaking of, has the bald man given you any more trouble?”

I sputter a laugh that turns into a slight sob as I recall sightless eyes staring at the ceiling. I close my eyes against the swelling behind my eyes. That moment is one I've tried to forget in the hustle and bustle of life, but his question brings it back full force.

“Did he hurt you?” Sir Hans uses the compassionate yet stern tone of a father who will be answered. It had been so long since my own father spoke to me in that way I almost break down.

I take a deep breath, giving myself time to shove the emotions where they belong. My eyes open to glance at them, and seeing only concern as the feast lays forgotten in front of us. I shake my head. “Not in the way you’re thinking. He won’t bother anyone ever again. He’s dead.” The coldness infusing my voice scares me, but anything else would have me breaking down.

A sharp intake of breath comes from Jenny. A glance shows she’s white as a sheet. Perhaps now she’ll realize the killer she let into her house and kick me out like any noble lady should. “Oh, my dear. What that must have done to you.” She reaches over to drag me to her chest.

So much for every noble being a jerk.

A tear traces my face, but I bite my tongue to hold back the tide threatening to escape. She rocks me and holds me tight, something Momma hasn’t been able to do for a long time now. I’ve had to be the strong one, had to hold everything together when Momma had to quit everything to stay home and care for Jill. The pressures that placed on me was something I was happy to contribute... but it's still a burden.

I allow her embrace to soothe the jagged edges of my emotions. Something I’ve needed far longer than I’ve realized.

Aria. Do you need me? Ran asks. She sounds concerned, her voice faster and deeper than usual.

My heart fills with warmth as a slight smile curves my lips. No matter her sarcastic remarks or her jabs, I know everything she does is from a loving heart. She’s just been hurt by those she trusted. I run the events of the evening through my head for her to pick up, feeling she's slightly confused why such scattered emotions are coming from me.

No, beauty. I’ll be alright. Will you let Momma know I’m fine?

You know I will. Glad you’ve found those you can trust. I tried to tell you. Love you, rider. She sends a bundle of warm emotion that helps ease my turmoiled heart.

Love you more than the worlds combined, beaut.

If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

Eventually, Jenny pulls back, wiping tears from her own face.

"How about we get you to bed, hmm?" Jenny asks, wiping my dirty and sticky hair from my forehead.

My cheeks burn at her attention, but the motherly love is something that helps my body unclench. I just wish Momma could be here... Jack and Jill, too.

"Would it be possible... ?" I trail off, knowing what I am going to ask may be out of their hands, and I'm not sure I should hope they have enough clout for this. But, I should try.

Hans and Jenny wait, watching as I take off my cloak and set it beside the bed.

"Would it be possible to hire a healer from the castle? I've tried everyone from the city... but no one in the castle would come."

"Stuck up poppycocks." I gape at her. The anger flashing in her eyes and the refined, soft voice spitting such uncultured words are almost worse than if she'd flat out cursed. "I will send someone to the castle for a healer tonight. Hans... I hope you do not resent my husband for it, but he informed me of your sister's condition. Would you mind if we sent the healer directly to your home? There is no reason to make her come here if she is still yet too weak for the trip."

A tear races down my cheek, then another. My lip trembles. Such has been my plea to The King for so long now... but no one would ever help and I never had enough coin to bribe such a healer away from the nobles and royals. And now, through these two people placed in my path much by accident. If I'm honest, I would have avoided them entirely because of the previous nobles I've met at the castle.

"Do you know where I live?" I ask softly, somehow already knowing the answer before Hans nods, his face devoid of any emotion. "Good, then please send them there. But... I'd like to be there."

"We will all go tomorrow. I have a few things I wish to take the family who formed you."

I blush. "Thank you both." The emotions bubble, but my exhaustion pulls at me. I don't even remember the last time I slept.

Jenny takes my arm, leading me to the bed and then wrapping her arm around my shoulders, squeezing me tight as if that will take away some of my pain. And somehow... there is a magic to hugs, and I've always loved them. Jenny may be my soul sister.

Hans shifts uncomfortably, clearing his throat as if uncomfortable with all the mushiness going around.

"Would you like to join us, husband of mine?" Jenny says, a sparkle of humor flaring in her eyes as she gestures to our little hug.

"No—" He coughs, cutting off his emphatic answer. "I have a few errands to run, if you two would excuse me. A pleasure, as always, Guardian."

He bows, then books it out the door without looking back.

Jenny laughs, the bell-like sound contagious. "That man. He has always been averse to public affection."

"But not with you," I say, remembering him hugging her earlier when she told me the story of her mother. A yawn about cracks my face in half.

She actually blushes. "Hush, dear. It's time to get you in bed before you pass out."

"But I should go home."

She levels me with a stern glare. "No, you will not."

"Yes'm, my lady."

The glare switches to a small smile, and she digs a soft nightdress from a wardrobe, placing it in my hands. "I will leave you to your rest now, dear. Just do not go slipping out the door or window. I will find you, and you will not like how."

I gulp at the threat said in a perfectly kind voice. "Of course, m'lady." She glares again. "Jenny," I quickly amend.

She nods, wrapping me in one last hug as if knowing how parched I am for such things, then wishes me a good night before slipping out the door.

I cuddle on the soft, springy, and highly comfy bed. My thoughts turn to my family.

Sleep, rider. Morning will look brighter.

I hope so. Jill will finally get a healer from the castle. Maybe, just maybe, we'll finally have an answer for her sickness.