Heart of the Beholder

30

brIDGETTE GROANED. HER WHOLE BODY felt like it had been flattened by a giant boulder. She forced her eyelids open and blinked several times before her vision became clear. She was in a large bed, with soft pink and deep mauve curtains tied back to the four posters around her. Bridgette didn’t have to look around to know she was in one of the upstairs guest bedrooms in the Thornwood manor. The smell of the place was familiar and comforting.

Bridgette tried to sit up, but immediately regretted the decision. She gasped as a deep stabbing pain grew in her middle. She moved her hand under the covers and rested it on her stomach. She felt thick bandages under the thin night shift she was wearing. There was movement next to her.

“Bridgeet? Bridgeet!” Birdie screeched as she jumped out of her chair. The woman grabbed Bridgette’s free hand and kissed it, then pressed it to her cheek as tears leaked from her eyes.

“Oh, Birdie,” Bridgette said. “It's okay.”

“You sleep t-t-too long,” Birdie said with a pout.

“I am here now, Birdie. It's okay,” Bridgette said and caressed her friend's cheek. “Where is my mother?”

Birdie snapped out of her weeping and said, “Birdie tell Doc.” Before Bridgette could ask anything else, she was out of the room, calling for Doc.

Bridgette had no other choice but to lie there and wait. After several moments, measured footsteps entered the room, and the door clicked shut.

“So the troublemaker has awakened,” Doc’s calm voice said with a hint of humor. His kind face came into view as he stood above her. “How are you feeling, Bridgette?”

“Terrible,” she said dryly.

Doc laughed and pulled the blanket down. He softly pressed on her stomach, but quickly replaced the covers. “I would be shocked if you didn’t. You were stabbed in the stomach and decided it was a good time to take a horse ride and jump down a well. I take great pride in my skills for the fact that you are still alive. You lost a lot of blood and ended up suffering a terrible infection, which took your body days to overcome.” He put his fingers on her wrist to feel her pulse.

“Days? How long have I been unconscious?” Bridgette asked, surprised.

“Just over a week,” he said, then put his lung listening device in his ears and placed the other part on her chest so he could listen to her lungs. “The battle at the well happened eight days ago.”

“Oh,” she said, letting it sink in. “Edgar?”

Doc put away his listening device and smiled at her sadly. “He is miraculously still alive,” he said, looking dazed. “I thought for sure we were going to lose him last night. One of his lungs is full of blood, but he is a stubborn fighter.” Bridgette sighed in relief, and then flinched at the pain it caused. “Don’t hold your breath, though; he isn’t out of the woods yet,” Doc said. “I don’t want you to get your hopes up, just for them to be crushed.”

“Thank you for your honesty, Doc,” Bridgette said. “Is he here at the manor?”

“Yes, he is in a bedroom just down the hall,” he said as he sat down in the chair.

“I would like to see him,” she insisted and tried to sit up again.

“Not so fast, young lady,” Doc gently scolded. “You have not been a very obedient patient lately. I need to know you are doing well before I let you get out of bed and cause more trouble.”

“I will not cause any trouble,” Bridgette promised. Doc raised an eyebrow. Bridgette bit her lip. “I guess you do have reason to doubt, since I did leave the manor when you told me not to move.”

“Not only that, but I think I remember telling you not to even come to the manor.” He shook his head, looking exhausted, but slightly amused. “I should have expected Birdie to return without you.”

“I am surprised you didn’t come after me right then,” Bridgette said.

“I would have, had Ava not gone into labor,” he said and blew out a long breath.

“What?” Bridgette snapped, managing to prop herself on her elbows.

Doc chuckled at her reaction and encouraged her to lay back down. “All is well. Birdie turned out to be quite a useful midwife.”

“Of course she was,” Bridgette said with a grin. “Boy or girl?”

Doc tilted his head and said, “Both.”

“Both?” Bridgette asked, confused. Then her eyes widened. “Twins?”

“Twins,” Doc confirmed with a proud nod. “A handsome son and a beautiful daughter, both healthy. Ava is also doing well.”

Bridgette’s brow furrowed. “You did show up at the manor eventually, so I'm guessing you left Ava right after the babies were born. I am so sorry.”

Doc brushed away her concerns with a wave of his hand. “When Alice showed up with a bag of money and said that you needed me, I knew I had to leave. Alice was more than willing to stay with Ava and the babies, and of course, Birdie was there too. It has all worked out so far. Although, I didn’t expect to get dragged onto a battlefield and have to save countless people from bleeding out.”

Bridgette cringed. “Sorry about that.”

“No hard feelings, Bridgette. I care about you, and I am glad you are still here.”

Bridgette reached out her hand, and he took it. “Thanks, Doc. How was my mother during all of this?”

He perked up and squeezed her hand. “She is doing well and is actually in the room right next to this one,” he said. Bridgette gasped in surprise. “The specialist I sent for showed up the day after the fight and has been here ever since. It has been helpful to have another medical mind and an extra pair of hands available, especially with Edgar’s condition. The specialist has prepared a treatment plan for your mother and is hopeful she will reach full recovery.”

Bridgette’s lip quivered, and tears fell down the sides of her face into her hair. She covered her face and sobbed in relief. “Thank you, Doc. I can never repay you for all you have done,” she mumbled into her hands.

“There is someone else who deserves more gratitude than I do, and I am honestly shocked you haven’t asked about him yet,” he said with a teasing tone.

Bridgette peeked at Doc between her fingers and felt her cheeks heat. “I was getting around to it. I wasn’t sure if your opinion of him had changed.”

“We have had a lot of time to talk over the last week,” Doc said and smiled. “I suppose I was a little quick to judge him the first time.”

Bridgette lowered her hands and beamed. “He is okay then?”

“Yes. Other than a few stitches, and a failed attempt of reattaching his ear, he is doing fine,” Doc said thoughtfully. “Well, he is on the outside. You’ll have to ask him about the rest,” he said and winked.

Bridgette’s blush deepened. Somewhere in the manor, a baby cried. Bridgette sucked in a breath. “The babies and Ava are here too?”

“Yes, they are. Lord Thornwood insisted they stay here so it was easier for me to care for everyone. It seems the manor has become a makeshift hospital of sorts. He is a good man,” he said approvingly. The crying got louder, and Doc stood from his chair. “Well, that is my cue to go. I will send him in.”

“Wait,” Bridgette panicked. “Can you help me sit up?” Doc helped her sit up and put pillows behind her for support. Though he was very gentle, she still winced several times from the pain. Once she was resettled, she touched the top of her head. “How is my hair? Does it look like a rat’s nest?”

Doc gave her a quizzical look. “The man has slept every night in that chair,” he said, and motioned to the chair he had just been sitting in. “He wouldn’t leave your side when you were feverish and soaked with sweat. He has seen you at your worst. The only reason he isn't here now is because I forced him to get some fresh air. You look very pretty; your hair is fine.” He chuckled, then kissed her on the top of the head. “I will be back later to check on you and tell you how the others are doing.” He picked up his doctor’s bag and walked to the door. He turned back before he opened it. “Now that you are awake, I will allow him in here, but if he disturbs your rest, I may have to set boundaries.”

Bridgette smiled and smoothed out the quilt. “I understand,” she said. He dipped his head, and then left, leaving the door open.

Bridgette quickly combed her fingers through her hair and wiped the sleepiness and dried tears from her eyes. She barely had time to take a full breath before he was in the doorway, knocking lightly on the open door. Their eyes met, and Bridgette felt like she would float away.

“Can I come in?” he asked.

“Yes,” she managed to whisper.

As she watched him walk across the room, it was evident in his posture and movement that he was born and raised as royalty. It was obvious now, but before, she’d had no idea. He moved the chair closer to the bed and sat down. Despite sleeping in the chair every night, he looked good. He was dressed in the finest clothes she had ever seen him in, although they were still probably toned down from what a prince or king usually wore. His wavy, dark hair was combed back into a similar style as the day he threw her the ball. There were stitches lining where his ear would have been and a bright red burn on the right side of his face that spread from his forehead to his jaw. The best part was seeing his smile without a mask or a hood to hide it.

“Hi,” he said with a hint of bashfulness.

“Hello,” she said and pinched her lips together, trying not to grin like an idiot.

A moment passed in silence as they took each other in. Thane reached out and tucked a lock of hair behind her ear. Bridgette closed her eyes and savored the touch, which ended far too quickly. “It is good to see you awake. How are you feeling?”

She rested her head back on the headboard and groaned. “Alive.”

He chuckled softly. “I am grateful for that, but it is hard to see you in pain.”

She opened her eyes and studied him. “It’s just a consequence of my choices.” She meant it to be humorous, but his expression grew solemn.

“I am sorry, Bridgette,” he said, desperation in his voice.

“It is not your fault, Thane,” she assured, lifting her head back up.

He looked at the floor and shook his head. “But it is all my fault. It started the moment I decided to flee onto your land to avoid those hunting me. I am the reason for the explosion. I am the reason for your mother’s bad health. I am the reason you had to leave your home and live with practically nothing.” His voice cracked, and he ran a hand through his hair. “I am the reason your cottage burned down and that you have been in this bed for a week, fighting for your life.” His hands clenched into fists, and she could hear the anger at himself in his words. “I lied to you.”

Bridgette wanted to touch his face, but he was too far away, so she just smoothed the blankets out. “When I looked at that little piece of paper and realized who you really were and that you hadn’t been honest with me, I wanted to be mad. I wanted to hate you. I wanted to see you as the enemy, but the truth is… I couldn’t.” He didn’t look up, so she continued. “I turned back toward the manor with a war between my mind and my heart. It wasn’t until I saw your painting again that I realized why I was risking my life for someone who had lied to me. The truth is, if you would have told me who you were in the beginning, I would have left and never returned. I would have thought a prince was set in his ways and could not change. I would have lost my chance to learn chess and to listen to you play piano. I wouldn’t have gotten to know the man you hid behind your shame and anger.” She paused and took a shaky breath. “I would have gone on trying to live and wondering why it felt like something was missing.”

Thane looked up at her, and she smiled. “So, in the end, I am glad. I am glad that you happened to be chased onto my land, and that it was my house that was ruined, because if it hadn’t been blown up, I would have never had the courage to leave. Yes, my mother has been unwell and we have had to live by simple means, but it forced me to come to this manor to find work.” Bridgette finally reached a hand out to him, and he gently took it in his. “I am glad you lied to me, so that I would be willing to take a chance on a broken, mysterious man and get to discover the most beautiful soul.”

Thane pressed his lips to the back of her hand and stayed like that for several moments. He lowered her hand and said, “A part of me died with my mother. I thought my life ended when I was cursed. I couldn’t see anything good in the world. I was ready to give up. I was mad, and I hated everything. Everyone was my enemy. But looking back now, I see how wrong I was. If I had never been cursed, I would still be in that suffocating castle trying to convince myself misery was happiness. If I had never become a physical beast, I would have never recognized the beast that lived on the inside of me. If I had never wallowed in self pity, I would have never lost my temper at a certain maid, who decided to put me in my place and tame the beast… with love.” Thane looked up at her with tears in his eyes. Bridgette blinked back her own tears and tugged on his hand.

“You are too far away,” she complained.

“Allow me to remedy that,” he said, and moved from his chair to the bed. He took care not to jostle her as he placed himself close enough that she could lean into his warm body. He wrapped an arm around her, and she nestled her head into the crook of his neck and breathed him in. When she exhaled, he kissed the top of her head and entwined her fingers with his. “Is this better?”

Bridgette smiled. “Yes,” she said, and let herself melt into him. She had never felt so safe and at home in her whole life. She sighed happily. “This is nice.”

“It really is,” Thane agreed, as he traced the lines of her palm with his finger. “I have something for you.”

“Oh?”

Thane took his arm away and leaned towards the bedside table. He opened the drawer and took something out before closing it again. He slid his arm back around her and placed a box in her lap. It was just a little bit bigger than her hand.

“What is this?” she asked.

“Open it,” he said insistently.

“You and your gifts,” she laughed and lifted the lid. Her brow furrowed at the curious contents. It was the broken king piece from his chess set. She caressed the game piece with a gentle finger.

“I grew up around the glass rose and Senara, but I had never heard the story you told me at the piano. I was deeply moved by it and thought about it constantly as I waited for you to wake. The story inspired me to give you this gift,” he said.

Bridgette’s breath caught, and she twisted to look into Thane’s green eyes, despite the pain it caused. “This gift symbolizes your heart?”

He nodded and said, “Broken, but better for it.”

“It is very fitting, considering that it is from your precious chess set and is the king piece,” she said, her mind whirling.

“I did think long and hard about it,” he said.

“Then you must have been thinking about what the gift was for in the story, unless this is just a gift of kindness and nothing more,” she said, looking away. She wasn’t sure if she had just gotten her hopes up and made an enormous fool of herself.

Thane gently tilted her chin up, forcing her to look at him. “Bridgette, I remember what the gift was for in the story,” he said assuringly. “And it is my full intent with this gift.” He took a breath and caressed her cheek with his thumb. “Bridgette,” he paused, “do you accept my heart and my hand?”

“Nothing would make me happier,” she whispered.

Their lips met for a delicate and tender touch, which quickly turned into a kiss of deep affection and devotion. Hands were already tangled in hair when she flinched in pain. Thane pulled back in horror. “I’m sorry.”

“It's okay,” she said with a weak laugh. “I suppose we should stop, though, or Doc will revoke your visiting privileges.”

“We can’t have that,” he said and gave her a peck on the forehead.

Bridgette nestled into him again, and they sat in comfortable silence for several minutes. A giggle escaped her lips.

“What are you laughing at?”

“I was just thinking of the rumors about us and how they might change if everyone knew I was staying in your manor. Or that you are actually in my bed. Such a scandal,” she said.

Thane huffed. “I am the king. I can do whatever I want.”

Bridgette gasped.

“What is it?” Thane asked, sounding worried.

“I think I just comprehended the fact that I am in love with the king and agreed to marry him,” she said in shock.

Thane’s chuckle vibrated through his chest and into her. “Don’t let it overwhelm you. I have actually been talking to Doctor Thistle, and he has some interesting ideas. I have been considering implementing them to create a better government system for the kingdom.”

“So you won’t be king?” she asked.

“I will be for a little while, but hopefully things will change, and instead of one ruler, there will be many who will work together, like a council. Doctor Thistle has agreed to advise me on the changes,” Thane said.

“I like that idea. I think it will be good for the kingdom,” Bridgette said, taking the broken chess piece out of the box and cradling it in her hands.

“It will not be easy. Some people do not like change, even if it is for the better,” Thane sighed.

“You will do great,” she said.

“Thank you,” he said, tracing lazy circles on her arm. “I think I will be able to face any challenge as long as you are with me.”

“I will be here, for all of it,” she promised. “I will stand next to you while you face your trials, whether that be ruling a kingdom or possibly losing a good friend,” she said, thinking of Edgar.

“And I will forever be here to hold you, whether you are waiting for your mother’s recovery or tripping down the stairs.”

Bridgette laughed loudly, then grunted. “Don’t make me laugh,” she whined.

“Sleep, Bridgette,” he said softly. “I will be here when you wake up.”

Bridgette closed her eyes and relaxed. Sleep sounded very nice.

“Thank you for bringing me home,” she said.

“Thank you for making it one.” It was the last thing she heard before she drifted off to sleep.