Ryon quickly handed her over to the healers, looking at Yamae with a sigh. "Stay with them. I'm going to get Isao." He lifted off and disappeared.
Yamae watched the healers scurry around the two injured vampires, bowing his head in prayer.
Mia eventually woke, her breathing still a bit painful. She opened her eyes and slightly panicked when she didn't recognize where she was.
"Shh. You're safe at the healers." Yamae said softly from beside her.
She nodded slowly, "Ryu?"
"Hanging in there like the stubborn idiot he is." Yamae gave her a small smile.
She sighed and blinked sleepily. "Is Isao okay?"
Yamae nodded. "You need to rest more."
She wanted to argue but her eyes slipped shut anyway.
The dark haired vampire gritted his teeth as he watched her sleep.
After a while, she began muttering and crying in her sleep.
One of the healers came and injected her with a sedative, then withdrew.
Yamae clenched his fists, then left the room. He slowly made his way to his brother's side and they stood guard in silence.
Mia woke feeling groggy. She pushed herself up, wincing slightly before looking around.
Shiro was seated beside Ryusei's bed, reading in a low voice. He looked up and smiled, then put the book down and moved to her side. "How are you feeling?"
"Still sore but better. How is he?"
"The healers say another day. But he is alive, thanks to you. You were in very serious condition. We were more worried about you honestly."
"I was more worried about him," she said softly.
"You are a good sister." Shiro gave a small smile.
She smiled slightly, "I've not known him very long but I kind of feel like I've known him forever."
"Family knows no such thing as time. You share blood and a courageous heart."
She was quiet for a moment then asked, "So, you're his aide? What do you do other than lecture him?"
"Try to keep him out of trouble. Settle as many problems as I can before bothering him." The vampire shrugged. "I am often unsuccessful."
"How long have you known him?"
"Two hundred and fifty years." He sent a fond look toward the sleeping king.
She looked thoughtful, "As only half vampire, will I ever live that long?"
"Halflings often live as long if not longer than full natural borns." Shiro raised an eyebrow. "Why do you ask?"
She shrugged, "Just curious. I am only twenty-five. Hundreds of years sounds a bit crazy sometimes."
He laughed softly. "You remind me of your mother. Constantly asking questions."
"Did you know her well?"
"I was her aide for a short time."
"I wish I could have known her longer," Mia sighed quietly.
"I can tell you this. She would be quite proud of the person you are. Brave and selfless were words we used for her and they are even more prominent in you."
She blushed slightly, "Thanks."
He gave her a bright smile. "Now I have a question. Do you believe it's possible to reign your brother in before I decide to jump off a cliff from frustration?"
She chuckled, "Probably not."
He gave her a rueful laugh. "I thought not."
"But if you've known him this long and not jumped off a cliff, I think you're doing really well."
He chuckled. "You're probably right. Though I had hoped he'd calm down after he found you."
She laughed, "I'm probably not helping him calm at all."
Shiro gave him another look. "I fear this is not a good place for him."
She nodded, "He deserves to be happy with the others."
Yamae entered, his eyes widening in surprise. "Mia! Feeling better?"
"A bit."
"Good. What do you say we relax when we get back? Watch movies and let your brother teach you to gamble?" His voice was soft.
She smiled, "Sounds good."
"Okay. Just have to wait for king idiot here and then we'll let Quinn spoil us with junk food." Yamae clapped his hands together as he bounced on his heels.
She frowned for a moment, "Where is Isao?"
Yamae froze, then shrugged. "Around here somewhere, I'm sure." He avoided her gaze, his eyes staring out the room's window.
She watched him, "What aren't you telling me?"
"You should go back to sleep."
She shook her head, "Why won't you tell me?"
"I told him not to." Ryusei answered quietly.
"Why?"
"Because we were not sure you would even survive for the first two days you were here."
She sighed, "Well, I'm alive. So tell me."
"Isao took out the last assassin, but the building was rigged to explode.."
She stared at him as tears filled her eyes.
"We recovered his body and the twins have been guarding it. I intend to give him a royal burial befitting his bravery and status." Ryusei rubbed his eyes wearily. "I am so sorry."
The tears finally spilled down her cheeks but she stayed silent, unsure what to even say.
"Do you want to see him?"
She nodded slowly.
Yamae gently picked her up and left the room. A few moments later, he entered another.
Ryon looked up, his eyes red and puffy. He was seated beside a bier and he slowly stood as he saw Mia. "Hi" was all he managed before beginning to sob again.
Yamae gently sat her down in one of the chairs nearby. He went to his brother and wrapped his arms around him.
She looked over at Isao, trying to keep her emotions calm but slowly losing control of them. The tears streamed down her face again.