Not as Dark or Deep

Chapter 3

He wandered around the all night grocery store trying to figure out what she would like to eat. Grocery shopping was a novel experience since he didn't cook, had never tried to use a microwave, but he was determined to make the best of it and have food ready when she woke up. He went up and down the aisles, selecting then putting items back on the shelf. Finally, he came upon the freezer section and found ready to heat and eat meals that almost made sense. He picked out one that reminded him of things he liked as a child. As he made his way to the check out, he snagged a half gallon of orange juice.

He could hear Vicki beginning to stir in the bedroom, so he popped the meal into the microwave hoping he made the correct selections for time and temperature given the fact the directions included settings for various wattage microwaves and he didn't know what kind Vicki had. He pulled out the food and carried it along with coffee into the bedroom, placed them on the nightstand and went back for a large glass of orange juice.

Vicki woke to the smell of coffee and pancakes and sat up reaching for her glasses. Henry handed them to her and said, "I hope you like your breakfast."

Vicki looked at him in confusion saying, "It's dinner time. I got home just a few minutes ago."

Henry said, "Don't yell. You've been asleep for the twelve hours."

"How?"

"I sort of kept you asleep."

"Sort of?"

"You were asleep when I got up. You looked exhausted so I kept you asleep all night. It's almost dawn."

"You undressed me and made me sleep ?"

"I thought you'd be more comfortable without clothes and you needed the rest."

"You didn't ask me first."

"How do you feel?"

"Rested." Henry started to smirk and Vicki added, " And wipe that smug look off your face. Just because you were right, doesn't mean you were right."

Henry tried to work that statement out in his head, shrugged, handed her the tray and sat down beside her saying, "Eat while it's still warm. That's the first meal I've ever fixed, you bloody well better eat it."

Vicki looked at the soggy pancakes and shriveled sausages, "Thanks." She took a fork full, swallowed, then drank some coffee.

She finished it off in a few bites, then Henry handed her the juice and instructed, "Drink all the juice, I'm told it helps with blood loss. I took more than I should have the night before. That's not helping you much either."

Vicki did as told and handed him the empty glass, "You're a good nurse."

"I've had some experience tending the sick and wounded."

"Oh?"

He sat straighter and said, "Royals have an obligation to their subjects. I wasn't there to take care of my land, but that doesn't mean I couldn't take care of my people. In different cities, at different times, I helped those in need. A healthy population means it's easier for me to feed."

Vicki teased, "Here I thought you did it out of the kindness of your heart."

Henry looked at the clock and said, "The sun's about to rise and I don't have time to share my love with you."

Vicki reached out a hand, "You did, just now. Thanks for the good night's sleep and breakfast in bed."

Vicki followed as he left the bedroom and opened the closet door. "I see you've rearranged my stuff."

"I hope you don't mind. Your books are on a bookshelf I bought tonight and the ironing board and vacuum are in the closet in your bedroom."

"Make yourself to home. I have a feeling your going to be here for some time."

"I hope so Vicki. I really hope so."