Winterfall

The rest of the week went by pretty normally. I had Théoden pretty much remain in bed, all but the few rounds I started to let him do after the fourth day. His guard duties was just strictly that of his rounds but was ordered to come back to bed after that.

I also resumed my training with Quinn. Eventually working up the courage to even do a bit of minor magic training with her. I only wanted this training as it helped decrease the amount of energy stored in my ring.

I also started redecorating and organizing my father's office. Making it truly my own.

When I wasn't doing that, I was approached by Fredrick who wanted to start formal celebration training. Which thankfully for me only came in hour increments and twice a day.

The rest of the time, I spent caring for Théoden. Bringing him food, or anything else he needed throughout the remainder of the week.

“You make a good nurse.” Théoden grinned as I handed him his last lunch of the week.

I rolled my eyes and groaned, “Please, we wouldn’t be in this mess if you were honest with me from the beginning.”

“And I told you, you would have not allowed me to.” We had this argument often throughout the week. However, the argument typically didn't last long.

“Damn right. How are you feeling today?”

I sat on the edge of his bed and looked him over. He seemed one hundred percent if not more. Then again, I could be reading him wrong.

“Better. It’s been a week, right?”

He asked with eagerness in his voice as I could tell he was ready for his life to get back to normal.

I nodded as I removed his empty tray and sat it on the end table. “I still feel like you need more rest.”

“If I have to stay within these four walls much longer, I swear I will lose my damn mind." He groaned.

“Fine, you are off of bed rest.” I said as I caved into his demand.

He sat straight up and pulled me into him eagerly he whispered, “So, does that mean sex is back on the table?” He kissed my ear softly.

“Shhh…there are still others in the castle, you know.” I said beneath my breath.

For the duration of his bed rest, I refused any physical contact with him until I knew his body was healed. That even included dream sex. Something he highly argued against, but it was something I held my grounds with, no matter how badly we both wanted it.

“I didn’t hear a no.” He teased, “How soon can we?”

“Maybe tonight. I have to meet with The Council today. It's the first meeting that I have to be a part of. Not officially, of course, as there are five days until their formal celebration.” I reminded him that I was not officially their Royal Head yet, at least not until that stupid formal celebration.

“The party won’t be that bad.”

“Please, I must recite their stupid pledge and be sworn in.”

“Have you practiced the pledge?”

“A few times with Frederick.”

I recalled how Fredrick would come to me late at night to bring me down to the chambers and have me recite the pledge five times each night—going over how the event was going to go. First introductions. Then, I have to recite the pledge. Then they toast. Then we celebrate with wine. Thora may have called it a party, but it almost sounded like a cult.

He laughed. “It’s not that bad. At least I get to be there and celebrate with you.”

That was true. As Captain, he got to be present during these types of events. He still had to be on high alert, but at least he got to celebrate with me.

“The worst is what Fredrick wants me to wear.”

I explained to him this long black robe, something I remembered my father once showing me, as it was the attire worn by the Royal Head as they were inducted into The Council. After the introduction into The Council, I could pretty much wear what I wanted, so underneath that, I had planned to wear a tight-fitting dress that was still considered formal.

“Please, as soon as you are inducted into The Council, you will take it off anyway.”

“Still though… it makes it seem more like a cult.”

He rolled his eyes, “It’ll be fine.”

“Whatever.” I got up and walked to his bedroom door. “Get up, Captain. It’s time for you to get back to work. My days as your nurse are done.” I said with a smile on my face as I gripped the brass knob with my hand.

“Wait…I don’t feel good. Come back.” He pleaded. I knew all he wanted from me was for me to be his "maid".

“Please. You’re a terrible liar. Get up and get to work.”

I heard him grumble as I shut the door behind me. You’re fine. If you want any action, you will get out of bed and do as I say.

Fine, fine. You win.