Chapter 19: Favor
I felt like it happened in slow motion. I gasped, as the doorknob was twisted and the door was pushed open. Before it could, Loki extinguished the light, bathing the room in darkness once again. I heard a light noise, before all was still.
The door was fully opened then, revealing a shadowy figure. I hastily shut my eyes feigning sleep, letting my head lean against the wall.
"Althaia?" A soft voice whispered. One I recognized immediately.
"Why are you sleeping on the floor?" Josephine asked, flicking on the light switch. I had to fight the urge to clench my eyes at the quick flood of light, and instead focused on steadying my breathing. I heard a light click, signifying she had shut the door, which relieved me.
I could hear her dainty footsteps walk over to me and kneel down next to me.
"You look so pale." She said to herself, believing I was unconscious. I pretended to awaken, and blinked my eyes slowly.
"Josephine?" I murmured groggily, as I waited for my eyes to adjust. I stretched my hands over my head and sighed in relief when I heard a pop.
"Althaia, what happened to you? You look horrible." Josephine said bluntly.
"Thanks." I replied, scowling.
"Don't you give me that look. I should be the one scowling at you." She said, lightly hitting my arm. I winced, when she hit the bruised area, though I tried to conceal my pain. It didn't work. Josephine felt me flinch and looked at me in confusion before realizing what the problem was. I saw her gaze travel down my arm and then to my wrist.
I shut my eyes as I heard her gasp.
"Althaia, what happened to you? Where were you? I've been looking for you everywhere. And when you didn't show up to work, I thought something bad happened to you. I guess I was right." She sighed sadly, after bombarding me with questions. I remained silent, not knowing what to say.
"Who did this to you?" Josephine whispered softly, this time lightly tracing the light purple splotches on my arm. I opened my mouth, but closed it quickly, not sure how to answer her. How could I answer her? I couldn't tell her who really gave me those marks. I'd be thrown in prison for accusing Thor of putting his hands on a woman, and executed for having any contact with Loki to the point where he could touch me. I continued giving her the silent treatment, hoping she would just leave the matter at hand alone. But she didn't.
"Was it Thor?" She asked after a brief moment. My head snapped up, my eyes widening a bit. How did she figure it out so quickly? I wondered, swallowing my saliva.
Josephine sighed before pulling her hand away from me. "I thought so. I knew he was too good to be true." She said, deflating slightly. I bit my lip, thinking, as I gazed at the downheartened expression on her face. I can't ruin this for her. It's the only thing that keeps her happy now. I thought, making a decision.
"Well… he didn't harm me on purpose. It was merely an accident." I said lightly, to reinflate her hopes. "Prince Thor was actually very sweet." I added, trying to please her further. To my relief, my words seemed to bring her out of her depression.
"Really? Just how sweet was he?" Josephine asked suggestively. I blushed, remembering our encounter, but waved her off.
"We spoke briefly, and I left his food. Nothing more." I said, hoping to draw her focus away from my burning cheeks. Fate seemed to smile on me that moment, because Josephine took the bait.
"What did he say? What did you say? Is it true that his eyes sparkle like the brightest gem? She asked a dreamy look in her eyes. I rolled mine and gave her a small smile. I decided to indulge her, and sate her curiosity.
"Yes. They are as bright as a gem, and as sparkling as an ocean." I said, watching in amusement as Josephine squealed.
"You lucky, lucky dog! Do you know if you're going to meet him again?" She practically yelled, as she grabbed my shoulders in excitement. Very unlikely. I thought, preparing to tell her just that. My stomach though, had other plans. It growled loudly at that moment, bringing Josephine back to reality.
She frowned immediately, remembering my current condition. She looked down and scrutinized me, before speaking.
"When is the last time you've had a decent meal?" She asked, looking over me, worry in her voice.
"Define decent." I answered jokingly, remembering the gruel us servants would get for food.
"I'm serious Althaia. You look half dead right now." Josephine said, pressing her hand against my forehead.
I groaned in discomfort as my stomach growled again, the feeling of being punched in the gut, hitting me. "I don't know. A few days, maybe." I gritted through my teeth, as I held my stomach.
"A few days?!" Josephine shouted. I tried to quiet her, but she didn't listen to me.
"What were you thinking, being so inconsiderate of your body's needs?! Do you want to end up dead?!" She continued. I definitely don't want that. I thought. Who would take care of Loki if I was gone? Noone that's who. My subconscious threw in.
The pain in my abdomen had become unbearable now. I clenched my eyes tightly together, and wound my arms tighter around my midsection. Josephine stopped her ranting to notice my pain.
"Don't you worry. I'm sure there's still leftover soup from today's dinner." She reassured, patting my arm. "Just hold out until I get back." She made to leave.
"Wait." I weakly called out, reaching my arm up.
"What is it Althaia?" She asked gently. I grasped her hand and brought her closer, so I wouldn't have to strain as much to speak.
"I require proper medical tools, and medicine." I rasped, my voice beginning to grow to a whisper. She nodded her head, and got up again to exit.
"I will also fetch you some water as well." She said her hand on the doorknob.
"Could you leave the lights on?" I whispered, finding it difficult to speak any longer. Josephine smiled, and said, "I will." She grasped the knob and opened up my door.
"Oh, and Josephine?" I called. She turned a waiting look on her face.
"I require another bowl of soup as well." I said, watching as she closed the door behind her with an almost inaudible click.
Author's Note: My brain is fried right now. I have no words, besides congratulations to .Queen for being the first one to guess right on who was coming into Althaia's room. Please r/r, but most of all… ENJOY! P.S, I have to give you all virtual hugs for helping me reach 71 followers! WOOP! Bumblewolf out!