Chapter 6
When he returned with the tea, Vincent held the cup of tea to her lips as he told her with all seriousness, "Catherine, you are still little!"
"Hey, I'm not that little!" she protested.
"You are correct, compared to me, you aren't little...you're tiny!" he chuckled.
"Just how big are you!" she exclaimed, then she realized how bad that sounded, but it was too late to take it back now.
"I am six foot six inches tall," he answered.
"Good grief! Compared to you I guess I am tiny!"
"I thought I said that," he tried to keep himself from laughing. "Now why don't you drink your tea?"
She meekly complied.
When the cup was empty Vincent put it aside and picked up the book. He began to read where he had left off.
Several chapters later he once again sensed that Catherine had drifted off. He marked their place and went to find his father to see if he wanted to play a game of chess.
Hours later Vincent returned to his chamber. It was the middle of the night and no one in the tunnels were stirring at this late hour. Even the sentries had settled down and were in drowsy state. He had finished his chess game with Father and then wandered along the passageways stretching his legs. Since the woman, Catherine, had come below he had wanted to stay close in case she needed him, but as she began to feel better and the sedatives left her system he had a better sense of her, he could tell when she was afraid, hungry, in pain, or, as he could now, that she was starting to awaken. She was also in pain.
"How are you feeling, Catherine?" he asked as he approached her side.
"I feel fine," she lied, trying to be brave.
"Catherine, I can tell that you are hurting, let me help you sit up a little so you can take this pain reliever with some water."
"I know that you're your supplies are limited; the pain is not that bad. I can manage."
"Catherine, you have been very badly hurt and I know you're in pain. Please take this, I don't want you to suffer," he said as he lifted her head gently and put the pill and water to her mouth.
She reluctantly took the offered medicine and then a sip of the water from the glass he held for her.
After he allowed her head to rest back on the pillow, she questioned his earlier comment, "How did you know I was in pain?"
Afraid the truth would frighten her, he hedged, "It's only logical considering what you have been through."
Catherine sighed, "I guess so." After a brief pause she requested, "Would you have time to read some more, Vincent? I hate taking you away from the other things that I am sure you have to do. But I love the sound of your voice, and would really like if you have the time."
"It is the middle of the night and everyone else is sleeping. All of my other duties are done, and I have nothing but time to read to you, Catherine," he told her gallantly.
"If it's the middle of the night and everyone else is sleeping, shouldn't you be resting as well?" she asked softly.
"I require very little sleep, Catherine, and I would rather be reading to you than wasting time sleeping anyway."
"Well, I would really like to lay here and listen to the sound of your voice, as long as you promise me that you aren't needed elsewhere," she told him firmly.
"I would never lie to you, Catherine. I am not needed elsewhere until my morning math class that I teach to the mid-grade children."
"Wonderful, then please do read to me, but if you get tired and need to stop please don't be afraid to tell me."
"I won't," he promised, knowing that would not be the case. She would certainly need sleep again before he did, although he didn't say that to her.
To be continued….