“That’s what you were worried about telling me. So he lost an arm, it’s better than losing his life.” Eloen said letting herself relax into the pillows on her bed. “How is he taking it?”
“So far he seems to be taking it well. He has asked about you constantly and is not happy at all that the doctor has refused to let him leave his bed to check on you. On that note your daughter is also in an uproar that she has been barred from your room, but the doctor said you needed rest more than anything right now so we have left you to your own devises. If that was wrong I apologize but I can’t have my future queen dying.” The prince said his voice returning to its haughty tone and flashing her one of his fake smiles that she had grown to know so well.
Eloen returned his smile though just like his it was forced. “I won’t hold it against you, but I am more than up for taking in a few visitors as long as they know how to behave themselves.”
William gave her a smile leaned over and kissed her softly on the forehead. As he leaned back she gave him a genuine smile. For all his bluff he was a good guy though he was often infuriating. She still had no real feelings of love for the man but at least there was friendship. Most royal marriages didn’t even have that. In fact most of the time there was only mild indifference or open hatred between the two.
The prince left shortly and as she had wished the Darryl and Brenda soon visited her room. Darryl made a show of thinking Ballard was milking his little injury, while Brenda spent most of her time fawning over her. It was heartwarming to have such close people in her life.
It took two days before the doctor cleared her to leave her bed and as soon as he did she made her way straight to Ballard’s room. She found the large man stuck in his bed his face none too happy. His left arm was gone below the elbow. Thankfully she couldn’t see the wound itself as the area was wrapped in a thick layer of cloth.
“Still lying in bed. I figured you would be up and running by now.” Eloen said jokingly.
Ballard rolled his eyes and shook his head. “If only I could. Each time I try to get out of bed one of the maids runs to the doctor and they force to stay here. He said once my wound has completely healed and there is no more worry of infection I can get up until then it looks like I’m stuck in this comfortable prison.” Ballard replied in disgust.
Eloen laughed at her friend it was just like Ballard to get mad over having to take a few days idle. He was the kind of man who would demand to run in a foot race with a broken leg. “Take it easy and follow the doctor’s orders. That’s an order understand soldier?” Eloen said still laughing.
“Yes captain.” Ballard said a small amount of laughter tinging his own voice.
EPILOGUE
Eloen looked out of the balcony of the mansion. Tomorrow she and the prince would be leaving along with a contingent of the baron’s soldiers to make the rounds to the nearby nobles to relay the news of their marriage and if possible garner favor for the possible upcoming war.
Darryl and Brenda would be staying behind though neither was too happy over the face. Eloen didn’t want to take Brenda on another dangerous mission but neither did she want to leave the girl alone. The decision had not been easy but it was one she would not regret. She had also tried to get Ballard to stay behind but that had not gone as planned. The stubborn fool said he would either ride with them or behind them.
Ballard had taken the loss of his arm well, and had spent the bulk of his time practicing with his new sword. The weapon was still bigger than most people used but fit the large man well. The prince had started joining Ballard in his morning and evening practices the recent attack on them seemed to spur something inside of him.
It was not going to be an easy trip and it seemed most of the time she would be the one on display. She had spent the past fortnight being fitted for dresses. She didn’t understand how some women enjoyed the process. She had never been pushed around and stuck with needles so many times in her life before.
“Thinking again?” William said walking up behind her and planting a passionate kiss on her lips.
The kiss was unexpected and she caught herself pushing him away. No matter how many times they worked on it she still didn’t feel completely comfortable with the man but she was trying. “We talked about this. If we’re going to be believed we will have to show some affection for each other during our meetings.” William said giver her a sadistic smile.
“I know but it’s going to take me time to get used to it.” Eloen said leaning over and giving his a quick kiss on the cheek.
Ties of Blood Page 16