Chapter Fifty-two: My Ever Expanding World
Slamming around the kitchen, my jaw hurt from clenching it so tight. Putting dishes away, I slammed the cupboard only to have it pop open. Slamming it a few more times, I gripped the edge of the counter, bending over as I attempted to calm myself. Taking slow deep breathes, Judith started to cry upstairs. I knew that I needed to go get her, but going up those stairs right now was the last thing I wanted to do.
"Mom!" Carl called down to me. "Judith is crying!"
"Then get her." I said softly, knowing that he couldn't hear me. "Do one goddamn thing on your own."
"MOM!" He called louder.
Pushing away from the counter, I moved up the stairs. "Why don't you help out and grab her?" I shot at him as he stood in the doorway of his room.
"I can't lift her." He shot back at me.
"Oh my god, Carl!" I yelled, a screaming Judith now in my arms. "You aren't an invalid! You can help."
"No, I can't." He shot back at me.
"Carl!" I yelled. I put Judith down even though she was still crying. "I can't do this anymore."
"What are you talking about?" He said, rolling his eye, and walked back into his room.
I followed him, "You aren't dying, Carl."
"I know that." He frowned at me.
"You're different. You're never going to be the same. But that doesn't mean that your life just ends. You're going to be okay. So I need you to stop feeling sorry for yourself and help out around here." I told him with crossed arms as he lay on his bed. He didn't say anything. "Carl." Nothing. "Carl!"
"What?" He shot back at me. "What do you want me to say? I'm not ready." Then he started to bounce a ball against the wall. Denise had given it to him to work on his hand eye coordination. The sound of it was grating on my ears.
"You would be if you'd just try a little." I told him sadly.
"You'd like that, wouldn't you?" He replied coldly.
Turning away from him, I went to Judith, taking her downstairs with me. Putting her in the pack 'n play, I sat in the chair next to her, dropping my head into my hands as I started to cry. Judith eventually calmed herself, sitting and listened to me as I cried. I didn't know what else to do. It had been weeks since Carl was shot. He'd been home for most of that, just moping around and acting like his life was over. It's wasn't over. Being a little depressed seemed normal but…I couldn't take it anymore. The way he talked to me. The way he treated me. It wasn't the Carl I knew and loved. It was someone else and I didn't know how to get my Carl back.
Hearing the door, I attempted to wipe the tears from my face but I wasn't quick enough. I looked up at Michonne, forcing a smile as she sighed at me. She pulled a chair up next to me, taking my hand in hers.
"He's gonna be okay." She told me.
"Yeah?" I smiled. "You're just saying that because you're not the one he's belittling and blaming and hating. That would be me."
"He doesn't hate you, Caroline. He's just – he's just healing."
"Healing?" I frowned. "He's doing better than anyone else I've ever seen. He's a fucking miracle and he's acting like he's dying. He's beautiful no matter what he looks like. He might look different now, but he's still him. I want the Carl I know back. This angry version does nothing but hurt me and I can't take it anymore."
"Just give him time." She told me.
Scoffing, I nodded, "Yeah. Time." Thinking a moment, I stood and looked down at her. "You got anything else going on today?"
"No. Why?" She asked and stood.
"Can you watch them?" I asked. "I'm going to get out for a little while. Clear my head."
She smiled sadly and nodded, "Of course."
"Where's Rick?" I asked her.
"Helping with the walls."
"Right." I nodded and grabbed my jacket as I moved out the door. "Thank you." I called before I shut it behind me.
Quickly walking to the armory, I checked out weapons. Rick's voice in my head telling me to always prepared for anything. As soon as I was set, I moved toward the wall, seeing my boyfriend hard at work. His hair was slick with sweat, his beard dripping, and yet he looked just about as sexy as he ever had. I adored him in every way. He'd been amazing during this time of rebuild and had let me stay home more often than not to help Carl. Our son was about as ungrateful as one can get, but I still wanted to be there for him. He would come around and I never wanted him to feel like I wasn't there for him. I would always be there for him. Even when he didn't want me to be. But right now I needed a few minutes to myself. I needed to take a step back and regain some perspective. Rick would understand. Everyone would. I just needed to get out and feel like I could really breathe again. Within these walls I felt a little suffocated. Mainly because one of the most important people in my life was treating me like shit.
"Rick." I called out to him.
He looked up, immediately moving toward me, "You okay?"
"No." I replied. "I'm going to head out for a little while."
"Why?" He frowned. "What's the matter?" He added as he put his hand against my face.
"I can't take him any more, Rick." I told him as I tried not to cry. "He's been horrible to me and I just need to get out for a little while. I need to clear my head and just try and relax."
He sighed and nodded, "Okay, baby."
"I won't be gone long." I told him, wrapping my arms around his neck. "I love you."
He hugged me tightly, "I love you, Linny. Be safe."
"Always." I said and kissed him deeply. "Mm. I love you." Kissing him again, I waved at the others before I got into a car and was let out of the gate.
Waiting till I was out of sight of the wall, I slammed the pedal to the floor, making the car jerk forward as it started to speed off. It was reckless and I should be more careful. But I just couldn't care less right now. I just needed to get away and release all my pent up emotions where my son couldn't hear me.
Night after night I'd cried myself to sleep. I'd get up and stand over him to make sure that he was still breathing. Day after day I treated the hole that was in his head. I changed his bandages. I rubbed antibiotic ointment into it. I stopped any small bleeds that started to form. I helped lower the swelling. Gave him pills for the pain. I did everything – everything – that he could possibly need. I was there every time he called out for me. I held him when he cried. I held him when he slept. I did everything I could to make this situation better for him. And all I got in return was anger and hurtful words and a lack of appreciation. Even though I knew deep down he did appreciate me, I just wanted to feel it every once in a while. I didn't think that was too much to ask.
The more I thought about it the more I started to feel myself breaking down. Slamming on the breaks, I put it into park, starting to sob over the steering wheel. I'd been crying. Rick had become an expert at holding me when I cried. He comforted me and made me feel like everything was going to be okay. In this moment I didn't have Rick and all I wanted to do was scream. So I did. I screamed and banged against the steering wheel, shaking it until my energy was gone.
Slouching in the seat, I sighed heavily. Putting my elbow against the ledge of the window, I rested my head against it. Not knowing what else to do, I just sat there. I didn't know where I was going and I couldn't go back. Not yet. I didn't want to face my son or hear my daughter crying anymore or see Rick working as hard as he could to avoid the same things. There were times I felt like he abandoned me to play the bad guy, coming home and talking to his son, making him laugh since I had failed at that lately. Michonne was the good guy too. I alone was lucky enough to incur his wrath.
Having sat for quite some time, the world had been quiet, only now a scream tore through the air. Looking out the window, I couldn't see anything. Hearing it again, I threw the door open, rushing into the woods. I should have been smarter about it, but there was something different about the screaming. It didn't sound like the screams when someone was being bitten or eaten. This sounded like someone was being tortured.
The closer I got, I started to hear laughter as well. My blood ran cold and I slowed, sneaking through the trees until I could see what was happening. Crouching behind a stump, I looked over it to see two men in the center of five others. The men in the middle had odd armor on. Spears versus guns. The men surrounding them looked like thugs. They did have guns. Big guns. One of the men in the middle was bleeding pretty bad, squinting his eye as blood ran into it.
Pulling out my gun, even if I stayed down, they would see me. Knowing I could aim better if I just stood, I thought for a few long minutes about whether that was a good call to make or not. Then I watched as three of the five started to beat him while the other just shut his eyes, shaking as he listened to his comrade's pain.
"No." I said softly and stood, shooting three before they even knew what was happening.
Dropping, gunfire swiftly followed, though they didn't know where I was. Dropping to my back, I took out the knees of another before they pinpointed my location. They fired and I felt pain but it wasn't enough to bother me as I pushed myself back behind the trunk. Putting my gun away, I wrung my hands, waiting for them to come for me. When the first one did, I gripped the barrel of their rifle as they let off a shot, punching them in the balls as I yanked the weapon from their hands, swiftly turning it on the one behind me. I was able to shoot them, though if I had been a second slower it would have been me.
"You okay?" I asked the two men. One nodded, though the other looked past me with fear. I frowned, sighing, "Shit."
In the next second pain seared through my back, making me arch and fall forward. Slamming to the ground on my stomach, I rolled, pulling my knife free, slicing the arm of the man who was attempting to stab me through my chest. Deflecting his arm, two more appeared and a foot dug into my side, making me flip. Scrambling away from them, I got to my feet, facing them. The man who was beaten attempted to help me, being knocked down.
Enduring one of my worst beatings to date, air was hard to get into my lungs as I stared at the feet of those who attacked me. They were talking and laughing, but it was all muffled in my ears. Lifting my head, I pushed myself onto my hands and knees, staggering to my feet. Looking at them, they all looked back with amusement.
"Look at this one." One smiled. "She is all fight. Negan would love to add her to his collection."
"You want me?" I frowned, holding up my hands. "Come and get me."
He laughed at me. "You can hardly stand. What makes you think that you can take me on?"
"Afraid?" I smirked at him.
He looked at his fellow men. "Don't help me."
They just laughed. Then he was rushing toward me. Hitting his wrist away, I kept ducking and leaning, swiveling out of his reach. He was getting frustrated, using far more energy than I was. He stumbled and I gave him the hardest uppercut I could, hearing a crack before he fell motionless onto his back. For a moment I felt like I was winning, only then I was punched so hard my vision speckled and the ground came up to meet me.
Lying there, starting to lose consciousness, there was a flurry of sound, a growl like I'd never heard, and then a voice. Out of everything it was that voice that I heard the clearest.
"Thou shall not fall today, for your salvation has come."
Then everything went black.
When I woke up, I was on my stomach, a storm was passing overhead. The room was lit with candles and there was the scent of blood in the air. Lightning flashed and then I attempted to get up, screaming as my back burned from one shoulder to the opposite side. Then hands were on my shoulders.
"Don't move." A man told me.
"Get off of me!" I screamed.
"Lay still or you will undo what we have done." He added with a kind voice.
"Let me go!" I carried on as I still attempted to get up.
"Can I get some help in here?!" He yelled. Screaming and thrashing against him, he pushed me down, feeling a knee dig into the base of my spine. "I'm sorry." He told me. "But I can't let you move." Then he was yelling again, "Someone get in here!"
Still screaming, attempting to get out from underneath him, other hands were against me and then I felt the prick of a needle. Something cool entered my veins and I found myself immediately calming. A fog falling over me as I drifted off into nothingness.
When I woke again, I felt like I couldn't move my body. Everything was hazy and I didn't know where I was or what happened or if I was even safe or not. Tears filled my eyes, someone coming into focus. He was young and looked worried. I attempted to say something but only a soft moan came out. His eyes were immediately on me, smiling as he moved closer.
"Don't try and talk." He told me. "You're heavily sedated." I moaned again. "You tore the stitching a little making you start to bleed again." Tears flowed as I looked at him. "You're going to be all right. You just – you need to stay still." I soft cry escaped me. I wanted to talk but my tongue was so thick and heavy that I couldn't stand it, making more tears fall. "I know." He nodded, gently taking my hand. "I'm Benjamin." I furrowed my brows, thinking about Rick. "I know you're scared." He went on sadly. "I would be, too. But nothing is going to happen to you here. You're safe." I started to sob, wanting nothing more than to be home. "You should rest."
He stayed with me, watching me sadly as I sobbed myself back to sleep. My head was throbbing and everything was foggy and not being able to move was making me feel panicky. I didn't know what to do. I was stuck here. I was stuck here and I didn't know what to do or what to expect or where I was…I needed to get out of here.
The next time I woke there was the sound of birds. The sun was shining through the windows, making me frown at it. It was early. There was an earthy scent in the air, as well as a medical one. Shifting, my back lit with pain, making me cry out. It wasn't loud, but someone must have been waiting outside the door, since it opened almost immediately.
"You're awake." A kind faced woman smiled down at me.
I furrowed my brows, momentarily shutting my eyes as my head started to spin. "What –" I had to stop and wet my mouth. "What happened?"
"What do you remember?" She asked.
"I need to go." I told.
"Just rest for a little while." She offered kindly.
"No." I said.
"Please." She said, leaning to the side to better meet my eyes. "Tell me what you remember."
"I was trying to help two men in the woods. I thought we'd taken care of them all but more came. My back…" I started. "Oh my god. I'm not paralyzed am I?" I asked panicked.
She laughed, "You're moving your legs."
I stopped moving. "Right. Sorry." I attempted to get up.
"Don't move." She told me.
"I've been here long enough." I replied.
"Your back had to be stitched and it needs time to heal a little before you move."
I nodded, "Yeah. I vaguely remember something about that. I woke up before and…"
She nodded, "Benjamin explained a little about what happened." Feeling tears again, I attempted to get up, gently being pushed back down by her worn hands. "Lie still." She told me. "You need to heal. But you're lucky." I scoffed at her. "You are. It won't scar very bad." She told me. "As long as you take care of yourself. We have a very good doctor here."
"That's good." I replied, shutting my eyes again. Then they flew open. "How long have I been here?"
"We brought you here the day before yesterday."
"Oh no." I said with furrowed brows. "I need to go." I said starting to get up again.
"No." She said pushing against the back of my shoulders again.
"My people are going to be worried." I replied. "Where am I?" I asked. "This whole nice bed thing is throwing me off."
She smiled, "Where are your people?"
"Where am I?" I frowned.
"The Kingdom." A voice told me. It was the same voice from the woods.
Turning my head, I took in a man like I'd never seen before. His white long dreadlocks. His very royal attire was from the history books. He had a staff in hand and had a smile that made me want to smile. Though I couldn't bring myself to, still a little surprised by the very sight of him.
"Hello." I told him.
"It pleases me to see you awake, my lady." He said with a smile, bowing just slightly.
"Thank you?" I frowned.
He chuckled and stepped forward, letting me see him better. "I feared you not long for this world."
"I'm tougher than I look." I told him.
He laughed loudly, "I can attest to that. I have seen few stronger than you. My men gave voice to such words. I grant you my thanks for the services you gave them."
"Are they okay?" I asked.
"Colton was shaken. Alvaro will be right as rain." He replied.
"Good." I told him. "When can I go?" I asked next.
"You must give yourself time to heal." He told me sadly. "You took the brunt of it. Your wounds need time."
I frowned at him, "I need to go."
He smiled, "I must refuse at this time."
Sighing, I frowned harder, "I could just jump up off this bed and make a run for it."
He laughed again, "And if you tear your stitches and ruin all the fine work my healer has done?"
"Fine." I replied. "How long are we talking about here?"
"Another day."
Shutting my eyes, I tried not to get too emotional. "Okay."
"Okay." He smiled.
Opening my eyes, I met his, "I wasn't supposed to be gone this long. My people will be worried."
His smile never faltered, "I dare say they must endure without you for now. I would be so bold as to think they would wish for your wellbeing above all else."
"You don't know me." I frowned.
He laughed again. He seemed to like to laugh. "I take that as a sign that I am right."
"You're right."
"I'm pleased." He grinned. "Now than, I shall leave you to rest. If you feel you are in need of anything, do not hesitate to ask. All shall be provided for you."
"Thank you." I told him kindly. Mocking the way he spoke, I raised a brow at him, "It would please me if I could be given a drink of water."
"Of course." The woman said and disappeared.
"Much thanks, Marie." He told her.
"Will you grant me the pleasure of your name?" I asked him.
"I am King Ezekiel." He said with another bow.
I narrowed my eyes at him, "Should I be impressed?"
He burst with laughter, going as far as tipping backward as he raised his head to the skies. Then he was looking at me with such amusement. "You are a unique individual, my lady."
"I know." I smiled.
"I graced you with the pleasure of my name." He told me. "Now, will you grace me with the pleasure of yours?"
"Caroline." I told him, holding out my hand.
"It's a pleasure to meet you." He smiled and gripped my fingers, kissing the top of my hand. "Rest."
He left and then Marie was back with a glass of water and three pills in hand. "What are they?" I asked her.
"Two are for your pain. One is to help you sleep." She smiled. I raised a brow at her. "The King thought you might need the help."
"I don't know the first thing about him and yet that doesn't surprise me in the slightest." I replied.
She laughed, "He's a good man."
"Mm-hm." I said and took the pills from her, downing them with water.
"Rest." She said running her hand down my hair before she left.
There were so many things I should be asking. So many things I needed to know. And yet, the only thing I could think about was the cut on my back, being away from my family, and if I wasn't going to be allowed to leave then I welcomed the help from the medication. And it did help. It worked quicker than I thought it would. No pain followed by dreamless sleep.
Waking again, it was dark out, the moons light shining through the window. Getting up, not caring about my back, it was time to go. I'd be careful. Though the second I stood, the room spun and every muscle screamed in protest. My vision speckled and before I knew it, the ground came up to meet me and I slammed against the floor.
I didn't know how long I was unconscious but I was still on the floor when I woke up. Raising myself onto my hands and knees, I took a slow deep breath. It didn't hurt any more than anything else I'd experienced and yet I felt sick to my stomach. Pushing myself up, I sat on my heels, attempting to gain control of myself.
"You're okay." I whispered to myself. "You're okay. You're okay, you're okay, you're okay."
Groaning, I got to my feet, taking a few tentative steps toward the door. Leaning against the doorframe, I had to pause, shutting my eyes as I waited for my world to stop spinning. Fumbling for the doorknob, I let myself out, staggering down the hallway. Finding the door, I let myself out, nearly falling down the stairs, making it only a few more steps before I was on my knees.
"Come on." I told myself. "It wasn't that bad of a beating. Your back is fine."
Shutting my eyes, I tipped my head back, opening them to take in the clear night sky. Then there was a soft growl and I lowered my head, coming face to face with a tiger. I didn't jump. I simply frowned at the animal. It made a chuffing sound, stretching its head out and smelling my face, its whiskers tickling me.
"That's enough." I told it as I gently pushed its head away as I rubbed my nose. Feeling light headed, I instinctively reached out, putting my hand against its shoulder. "I think I have to admit something to you." I told it. "I think I might be overdoing it."
"You lost a lot of blood." The King's voice spoke.
Looking past the tiger, I saw him standing there, a chain in hand, "Oh, hello."
He smiled as he stepped forward, "She likes you."
I smiled and stroked the tiger's neck, "What's her name?"
"Shiva." He replied.
"Well, Shiva," I smiled at her, "I am very pleased to meet you." She made a noise again, briefly taking my nose in her mouth. "Wow." I said and rubbed the saliva from it. "Your breath is rancid."
"You're majesty!" A booming voice called, a figure running into view.
He was a very large man. Not just in height but in width as well. He had long black hair that was pulled back into a pony. His brown eyes were slanted and he looked extremely concerned for his leader. Though I was anything but a threat to him.
"At ease, Jerry." Ezekiel told him. "Shiva and I were simply gathering our thoughts in the garden when we heard a noise. As it should happen, Miss Caroline has found herself from her bed before she is ready."
"I see." Jerry nodded.
"Please, help her to her feet and back to her bed." The King commanded.
"I can do it." I stated as I pushed myself onto my feet, supporting myself with Shiva.
The big cat just looked over her shoulder at me. I looked into her eyes and felt completely safe. She took a tentative step forward and I followed, nodding at her as I leaned against her side, holding my hand out only to find it taken by Jerry. He smiled down at me, gentle despite his size, his other hand wrapping around me, holding me steady by my ribcage. Looking up, it was a nice house that I was being led back into. I was once again moving down the hall and into the bedroom. Despite how comfortable the bed was, I didn't belong here. Rick would be worried. Michonne. Maggie. Glenn. Daryl. My family would be worried and I needed to get back there.
Being helped back into bed, I once again lay on my stomach, looking up at the King. "Please." I said softly. The bed shifted as Shiva jumped on top of it, resting against my side. "Please." I said to the King again.
He nodded, pulling a chair next to the bed, "I guess we will stay for a time."
"That's not what I'm asking." I told him.
He nodded again, "I know. But this is all I can give you right now. You need to rest. Your body has been through more than a body should. More rest is needed."
I started to cry, "I want to go home."
"And when you are well enough you shall." He smiled as he leaned closer to me. "I will not keep you against your will. However you are in no position to move. Not right now."
"I want to go home." I repeated.
He simply smiled at me, "And you shall. Just not tonight."
Once again crying myself to sleep, his hand covered mine while the warmth of a tiger was against my side. This was unbelievable. No one would believe me if I told them. This place…was extraordinary and I had hardly seen any of it. But I had to believe that I was safe and that they would give me what I needed.
Waking yet again, the King was sleeping, slouched in the chair next to the bed. I had a ginormous paw under my head and an even larger head resting on top of mine, covering much more than that. He head finally ended between my shoulder blades. I felt immobilized and yet was completely okay with it. I felt safe and warm. Shiva shifted her head and I felt a large sandpaper tongue against my neck.
"Shiva." I said quickly, turtling my neck as I put my hand against her head.
She started to rub against me, jostling me. For a moment I thought I was going to be met with the same pain that I had been before, but I wasn't. There was a dull pain but it was bearable. Propping myself up on my elbows, I turned my head and looked at the tiger. She simply looked back at me. Smiling, I scratched under her chin, getting her to shut her eyes, a smile on her giant maw.
"I've never seen her take to someone like she has with you." The King stated.
Looking at him, I smiled wider, "Maybe she knows an animal lover when she sees one. I was a vet tech before this new world started. I helped animals. Maybe she senses that."
He chuckled, "That she may."
"How did you come by her?" I asked him.
"I was her caregiver in the old world." He replied. "She protected me in the new and has been at my side ever since."
"You're lucky." I stated as I looked back at her. "She's amazing."
"That she is." He smiled. "How are we feeling this morning?"
"Better." I told him. "I think."
He chuckled lightly. "Shall we attempt to rise again?"
"I do have to pee." I smiled back at him.
He laughed loudly, gently gripping my arm as I pushed myself up onto my hands and knees before swiveling so I was sitting on the edge of the bed. Taking slow deep breaths, I pushed myself up onto my feet, feeling surprisingly steady considering the last time I was on my feet.
"Are you well?" He asked.
"Surprisingly, yes." I replied.
"Then shall we walk?" He asked next.
Nodding, he put his arm low around my waist, making sure that he wasn't putting pressure against my cut. I gripped his other hand tightly as I took a tentative step forward. He helped me from the room and down the hall, waiting in the hall with Shiva as I used the bathroom. Washing my hands in the basin, I looked in the mirror, cringing at my reflection. I really had taken a beating. I was sick and tired of beatings. I was sick of blood loss. I was sick of pain and suffering. I was sick of anger and untrustworthiness. I was sick of everything. Why couldn't we just have peace and prosperity? Why couldn't there just be love and happiness?
"Because we live in hell now." I answered myself out loud.
"Are you faring well?" Ezekiel asked through the door.
"Yeah." I replied. "I'll just be a minute."
Taking longer than a minute, I pulled my shirt up – rather the T-shirt they had put me in – turning to take a look at my back. For a second I couldn't breathe as I took in the long slash. But it wasn't as bad as it could've been, and at least those assholes got what they deserved. I wasn't as fond of death as I used to be, but I understood its importance and knew that it couldn't always be avoided. Some people just had to die. It was a horrible reality but reality nonetheless.
"Do I need Jerry to break down the door?" Ezekiel asked next.
"No, no, I'm coming." I replied and gently lowered my shirt. Opening the door, I smiled at the King. "Just…taking myself in."
"It is not all bad." He smiled at me, gently shaking his head. "You will heal nicely. And much worse could have befallen you. You could have been too far gone for my healer to assist. As luck should have it, you were well within my healers capabilities. You will live and live well, for yourself and for your people."
Unable to help but smile at him, I nodded, "Than I shall count myself as lucky as you claim me to be."
He chuckled, holding out his arm, "Come, let us put some food in your belly."
Following him from the house, I could now take in the community that lay before me. The Kingdom. It was like a different century within the walls. There was the smell and sight of horses. There was other livestock as well. Gardens of vegetables and flowers. There was a market with clothes and other necessities. I saw all this and more as we walked to another building, being let into a large dining area where the people of the Kingdom were already enjoying breakfast. Though all stopped when they noticed us enter.
"Greetings, my people!" He called out to them happily. "I am pleased to announce that Colton and Alvaro's rescuer is faring well. Her name is Caroline. Please, everyone welcome her."
They all stood and bowed their heads at me in thanks, some saying so and others simply saying my name. Waving at them, I moved to the emptiest table and sat down. The King sat next to me as Shiva laid behind us. Jerry disappeared momentarily before bringing back two plates full of food. There was oatmeal, toast, eggs, and bacon. I was a bit blown away by it all and after getting a nod from the King, I started to eat.
"Slowly now." He told me. "We do not want it to come up just as quickly."
"Sorry." I replied and attempted to slow down.
He chuckled, "You haven't eaten in days. I would hope you are hungry."
"Miss Caroline." Jerry said as he set a glass of milk in front of me.
"Thank you." I said looking up at him with admiration. "Thank you, so much."
"It is our pleasure." He smiled at me.
Then I nearly flew out of my chair as Benjamin swiftly sat in front of me. "Sorry." He smiled.
"Benjamin." I said with slight annoyance.
"Didn't mean to scare you." He smiled.
"I hope not." I replied with a raised brow. "You seem chipper today."
"I'm chipper every day." He beamed at me.
Nodding, I didn't find that hard to believe. A young boy sat next to him. "And who is this?" I smiled.
"This is my brother. Henry." He replied.
I smiled wider and leaned toward the boy, "It's a pleasure to meet you, Henry."
"It is true that you got sliced across your back?" He asked.
"Henry." Benjamin shot at him while the King simply laughed. "That's not polite."
"Sorry." Henry said as he bowed his head.
I just grinned at him, "Wanna have a look?"
He lit up and nodded. I motioned him around and he practically ran, pulling the collar away as he looked down at the cut. "Awesome." He whispered.
"You don't have to –" Benjamin started.
"I don't mind." I interrupted. Though I was suddenly very self-conscious as I remembered that I wasn't wearing a bra. The asshole had cut right through it. "I think that's enough, Henry." I told him.
"Sorry!" He said and rushed around to his brother. "But awesome." He smiled and looked up at Benjamin who was giving him a disapproving look.
Finished eating, I went back outside, taking a look around. There was only one place I wanted to go. Moving toward the barn, the King and Shiva waited outside as I let myself in. There were people mucking the stalls and combing down the horses. One poked its head out and I swiftly moved to it, holding out my hand so it could smell me while I rubbed its forehead with my other. It nickered and allowed me to do all the touching I wanted, happy to have my hands on a horse again. I had loved having them when we were at the prison. It had been a long time since then and I hadn't realized how much I missed it until now.
"You are the most beautiful animal in the world." I smiled and I pressed a kiss against its nose. It nicked and gently nibbled it, making me laugh. "I want to take you home with me."
"Can I help you?" A man asked as he stepped toward me. He was in armor and had a rather bulbous nose. Not horribly unattractive.
"I was just looking." I replied, still stroking the horse.
"You must be the woman who saved our men." He stated.
I nodded, "I am."
"You appear to be doing well."
"Yes." I frowned at him.
"Then I guess it's time you left." He said with a slightly angry tone.
I stroked the horse's neck a few more times before I moved back toward the King, "I think you're right."
"Do you enjoy horses?" Ezekiel asked.
I smiled at him, "Very much so. Now than, Your Majesty, we should discuss me going home."
He sighed and nodded, "Yes, I've already discussed it with Dianne. She will be accompanying you back to your vehicle."
I nodded, "Hopefully it'll still be there."
"I have a feeling it will." He smiled.
"When will that be?" I asked him next.
"Whenever you are able." A blonde said moving toward me. She looked kind as she walked up to us. She was clad in armor and a bow and arrows on her back. "We will go by horseback."
"Really?" I smiled and looked at the King.
He laughed loudly and shook his head, "So easily pleased."
"No." I replied. "I just really like horses."
It wasn't an hour later that we were prepared and on our way out of the kingdom. It was refreshing how they didn't ask for any information and only showed me what they needed to of their own. It was a courteous community and took all the precautions it should when dealing with an outsider. I had avoided talking about Alexandria despite the fact that they seemed trustworthy. But I felt like something was coming down the pike as Dianne led us this way and that, making it impossible to know where we are.
"You were all very kind to me." I told her.
"We aren't barbarians." She replied with a straight face.
"I never said you were." I stated. "But I can only assume that there wasn't complete trust since you're taking me on a wild goose chase through these woods."
She cracked a smile. "Would you lead me back to your community?"
"No." I said quickly. "I wouldn't."
"Despite the fact that you are probably no threat to us, we do not wish to bring unneeded attention to ourselves."
"I'm fine with that." I told her. "Can we run for a bit?" I asked her as I stroked the horse's neck. "I'd love to feel the wind against my face."
She smiled at me and then took off. Laughing lightly, I did the same, racing after her through the woods. She clearly knew where she was going. The woods gave way and we were in a field. There were a few dead roaming it but it didn't stop us. Pushing the horses, we raced across the field, dodging the dead as if they were barrels, trying to beat each other to the other side. She won, stopping at the tree line as she waited for me.
"Nicely done." I panted at her.
"You did well." She smiled. "Most aren't as good a rider."
"I've had a lot of practice." I nodded.
She gave me a slight bow of her head, "Clearly." I just smiled at her. "Shall we?" She said and motioned back into the woods.
Continuing on our way, it seemed to take ages before we reached anything that looked familiar. But something told me she had planned it out. The sun was starting to set when we moved down the road, finally seeing my car up ahead. We had been silent the entire time, taking in the splendor of the woods. I forgot how much I loved a ride in the woods. It was calming. Though now that it was coming to an end, I couldn't help but notice the pain that was spreading up my back. My tailbone and hips were equally complaining. It had been a while and I was a little rusty in the saddle.
"Thank you very much." I told her as I dismounted, handing her the reins.
"It was my pleasure." She replied.
Stroking the horse's nose, I pressed a kiss against it, "Maybe we'll meet again."
"If fate should see fit." Dianne smiled at me. "Until then, it would be appreciated if you didn't speak of us to anyone. We'd like to remain as secret as possible. For everyone's wellbeing."
I nodded at her, "I will in thanks for your kindness."
She smiled, "Then the King thanks you as well."
"It was nice meeting you. I wish the Kingdom well." I told her as I stepped backward.
"You and yours as well." She said before turning the horses back home.
Watching her go, I couldn't help but be in awe, laughing to myself as I turned to the car. I'd seen a new community, met a King, touched a tiger, rode a horse, and even saved lives. I'd call that a successful trip out and my mind was definitely taken off my hateful child and destroyed community. Many had been lost and I felt like I barely had enough time to grieve. I'd been so consumed with Carl that I had barely given thought to Deanna's death. Spencer was more than likely a wreck. His entire family was gone and I hadn't even gone to check on him. Reality was sinking in again and I couldn't help but want to go back to the Kingdom. It was a different world there. A different reality. One that I could have stayed in longer. It was a nice distraction from my own world. One that I couldn't help but long for.