My Dear Savior

Episode 18

The sound of horse hooves jolted me awake. Immediately, adrenaline surged through my body as I shot out of bed.

Startled, Zane sat up too quickly and grunted, pressing a hand to his wound to dampen the pain. His eyes were hazy, as if he was drugged.

“Get up!” I hissed at him under my breath as if I thought we might be overheard. My tone roused him completely, and he managed to get up as I quickly shoved his clothes into his arms after I dressed the quickest I had ever done in my life.

“The snow must have melted overnight. That’ll either be my mother or Dae! Hide quickly!” I shot the words over my shoulder as I rushed out to the main room and through the front door.

It was quite balmy outside for this time of year, and the snow had indeed melted. I could even see little streams of steam coming off the ground as it evaporated under the intense sun. I was sure that little rivulets of water were quickly filling up the stream out back.

I could see Dae’s familiar form getting down from his horse against the glare of the sun against the white snow as he called out, “Is your mother back yet?”

I ran up and hugged him as I shouted, “Dae!” I kept my hands around his neck and turned him away from the house. “Mom hasn’t returned, but I was able to take care of myself. I am glad to see you, though.”

He sniffed my hair, and I immediately tensed up, thinking he could smell Zane on me.

“Whew, you’re ripe!” He jokingly wrinkled his nose as he gently removed my arms from his neck. “Are you sure you managed on your own, youngster?”

“Very funny!” My voice rose in my embarrassment, but I managed a tight laugh and rolled my eyes. “You’re one to talk.”

He held up his usual bag of goodies for me and my mother. “The usual haul for you two since I know how much you hate going into town.” I took the bag from him, and we stood awkwardly in the yard, looking at each other.

“Well, aren’t you going to invite me in?” He asked, puzzled by my clear hesitation.

I hesitated only a moment more before realizing there was no way to keep him out since that would be highly suspicious for me. Usually, I wanted him to stay as long as possible to share any news he had from the palace or town.  

It seemed like I held my breath the entire walk from the yard and into the main room. I felt like the sun was a spotlight on my disheveled form, especially under my brother’s piercing gaze. I looked around for Zane but didn’t see him. I let out a relieved sigh as Dae came through the door after me.

“By the gods, Hattie! You’re a real slob.” He laughed as he took in the dishes that I had left on the table over the last two days.

My whole body tensed as I realized there were too many there for only one person. I forced out a laugh that sounded hollow to my own ears. “Yeah, you know me. I’m too good to eat second helpings out of the same dish.” I wondered if the excuse sounded brittle to him as well.

“Clearly you’re also too good to do dishes.” He pushed the dark strands of his hair back from his forehead as he chuckled some more at my expense.

I placed the bag on the table and turned back to him. “Since you keep laughing at me, I think it’s time for you to leave.” I said as I began shoving him out the door.

“Awe, Hattie! Come on, you know I’m joking with you.”

“Nope. You’re joking at my expense.” I said unbendingly as I managed to push him all the way out the door. He obviously didn’t take me seriously or else he would not have budged one inch. “Thanks for the supplies, Dae. It’s always a pleasure to see you. Come back soon and ride safely! Give my regards to our father.” I shut the door in his startled face and pressed my back to it.

I could hear him mumbling through the wood about what a weird girl I was turning out to be, but eventually he did get back on his horse and rode away.