Greta fidgeted in her seat and sighed. "They've been gone an awfully long time."
Konrad smiled and wrapped his one arm around her comfortingly. "I know, Greta. But they're just having fun. You wouldn't want them to be bored would you?"
She shuddered. "Nope! That's a scary thought, Konrad!"
"That it is," he grinned and she scrambled to her feet to help him up. "Thank you, young one. You are most kind."
Greta blushed, but didn't stray away from his side. She remembered how kind he had been to her before when she'd tried to kill Yuuri and how forgiving he'd been when Yuuri and Wolfram had wanted to adopt her. "I'm glad you're here, Konrad. We've all missed you so much."
"And I you," Konrad gave her hug and let her lead the way into the palace. She was growing up so fast; he could hardly recognize the little girl that he'd known when he'd left. She'd blossomed into such a sweet young lady almost overnight it seemed.
He let her lead him inside to the nearby fireplace and sat down. He patted his knee and Greta sat down on his lap, holding a book that Wolfram read to her all the time. Konrad shifted comfortably and started to read, both of them absorbed in their own little world.
Annisina watched them from the doorway and smiled softly. This was as much healing for Konrad as any bed rest could ever do. He'd been through a great deal in the time that he'd been gone. His wounds were healed, but the wounds inside were not. But this time with a needy little girl seeking comfort, perhaps his own heart would be healed in the process where no one else could reach.