My Dear Savior

Episode 11

It took me a few seconds to recall from the rumors I had heard that this was the name of the youngest son of the royal house. That would make him two years younger than my 15 years, though he was way taller than me already.

“Where were your guards? Surely a prince was heavily protected in battle?”

“I am pretty sure we lost the battle.” He didn’t continue, and I recognized by his imperial tone that the topic was off-limits. Dae would use the same tone with me when I touched on topics he didn’t want to discuss.

As I glanced down in acquiescence, I realized I was covered in his bright red blood. I shuddered as it dawned on me that I would have to go out into the icy stream in the back to rinse off.

“What’s wrong?”

“Nothing, I just need to go out back and clean off. It’ll be icy cold.” I grimaced and he nodded, understanding my hesitation to go back outside.

"You don't like the cold."

“No. Now, let the medicine work it’s magic,” I smirked at him conspiratorially, knowing that he would realize I was joking with him about the medicine being magical. “And when I get back, we will move you to a more comfortable bed now that you are looking better.”

I gathered a new change of clothes and a larger cloth that my mother and I usually used to rub down our bodies. On my way out the door, I remembered to add more wood to the fire- I would definitely need a roaring blaze to get back to a normal temperature after this plunge. 

When I opened the door, I could tell the snow was coming down more quickly than yesterday. Gods, I hated winter. But, I was glad that I had noticed my dirtiness before we were snowed in completely. I trekked grudgingly to the edge of the quick-moving stream and slowly took off my layers of clothes. I was just thankful there wasn't any wind to bite into my vulnerable flesh. 

As I removed my shoes, I cursed. I always hoped that the snow was as soft and cushiony as it looked, but it just stabbed into my toes uncomfortably. The water in the stream was just deep enough for me to submerge my body completely while prone, and I quickly jumped back out with a cry of pain at the shock of the icy prickles along my body. I hastily scrubbed the blood off my body and face with the towel, hoping I was getting all the grime and wouldn’t need to go under again. As I turned around to grab my fresh clothes, deciding another plunge wasn’t worth it, I let out a small shriek when I saw a figure leaning against the back wall of the house.