Thank you you for the review! I appreciate support. Sorry I haven't written in a while, I had to take some test and had excessive homework. Anyways, here's chapter 4! Enjoy!
The first thing that I saw when I opened my eyes was my brother standing across the room from me, turned away and bent over something. I tried to stand, but my muscles screamed protest and my ribs grated painfully. An involuntary yelp escaped my lips and Charles turned around, his pale grey eyes concerned. He strode over to me in long, fast steps and crouched beside me.
"You okay?" He inquired softly, placing a hand on my broken ribs and gently running his fingers over them, looking for the cracks. "I never imagined father would do that. At least, to you."
I laughed weakly, wincing at the shot of pain that ran away from the spot like acid. "I'm not surprised. But as to whether I'm okay, I don't know for sure. Did you get Matthew and Marley away?"
"Yeah, they're here now. I have a hidden tunnel leading away from the castle, but it starts in a house just a little ways away. He won't find us here."
"Good." I closed my eyes and heard him move away, back to whatever he was doing. A door opened, creaking slightly, and I heard footsteps enter. They moved to my bedside and I heard someone crouch down.
"Is she awake?" Matthew asked, his voice slightly muffled so I could tell he was turned towards Charles. I smiled softly without opening my eyes.
"Yes." I responded, cutting off my brother's response, if he was planning one. Matthew turned to fast that I heard his cloak swish and felt cool air flood over my face. I looked up at him and I saw him smile in relief.
"Thank you." He stated softly. "You saved us. I'm sorry that it came at such a high price. I guess I owe my life to you two times over now." His smile didn't waver, and a hint of a laugh crept in. He raised his hand and softly brushed his fingers over my forehead, pushing a strand of blonde hair back behind my ear.
"Yeah, I guess so. What do we do now though?" I question, closing my eyes again, hoping to chase away the pain creeping back over me.
"Now, you rest and heal." Marley's voice cuts in, answering my question of her location.
"Hey Marley." I slur through the ever increasing pain in my ribs. I whimpered softly and everyone in the room went still. My breathing went ragged and I heard Charles go back to whatever he had been doing for a moment before he walked back over.
"Here. Sleep for a while and the pain will go away some." He stated before placing a rag gently over my mouth. The world faded away and I drifted away into my half-reality world.
Sorry for the short chapter. I'll try to get the next one out soon. Reviews are greatly appreciated (and I don't mind constructive criticism :)