Royal's Belonging

Fuzzy Blanket

I would like to say thank you to reader Vawn Mobbs for the first comment on this story. It means more than I can say to know someone out there is reading and enjoying this story so far! Thank you again Vawn Mobbs!!!

Anastasia’s POV

         I feel something warm and fuzzy under me as well as laying on top of me. Surprisingly, I don’t feel as much pain as I usually do. I try to remember what happened and suddenly I recall stunning hazel eyes, Marcus injecting me, and a fuzzy memory of soft hand and concerned voices overshadowed by immense pain. I have a new master!

         I try to open my eyes only to be blinded by bright lights. Rolling over, my back starts to throb and I feel a sharp pain on the crook of my right arm. Finally able to open my eyes I see a little tube running into my arm and start to panic. Reaching over to try to rip the thing out of my arm a gentle yet firm had stops me. This only causes my breathing to shallow further.

         “Ssshhh, little one,” A voice sooths, “It is there to help you get better.” I turn my head and see stunning blue eyes staring at me, worry and concern evident in them.

         “Can you focus on my breathing?” The voice says again and I realize it is the man with blue eyes speaking, “In and out, just look at me. I won’t hurt you, I want to help, but I need you to calm down and let me, okay?” I nod trying to match me breathing to his.

         “W-who… wh-where,” I stutter, trying to convey me fear and confusion. He seems to understand as he shifts to sit facing me more fully.

         “I don’t want to scare you, my name is Alexei, but you can call me whatever you would like,” Alexei begins, “What do you remember?”

         “A-au-auction, h-hazel e-ey-eyes,” I stutter out, my throat hurting. Realizing this Alexei hands me an unopened water bottle and helps me sit up slightly after opening it for me. I start to gulp the water, before he pulls it away.

         “Slowly little one,” He explains, “You might make yourself sick drinking so fast. Do you want me to explain what happened?” Seeing my head nod, he continues.

         “My brother, Dominic, found you being hurt at the auction house and brought you here. We cleaned your back as best as we could but you still didn’t wake up. Our private doctor came and gave you an IV and feeding tube, but I pulled that out as you were waking up. I had heard you whimpering and starting to move so I came in to check on you, make sure you were okay.”

         “H-how long?” I once again stammer out. I still don’t feel safe and I don’t know the rules here yet. So far it seems like I am allowed to talk but I am afraid of disrespecting or disobeying my masters. I catch him looking at me with pity before ducking my head down further.

         “Dom brought you here last Friday night and it is Thursday afternoon.” He answered, “We were quite worried.” He suddenly had this glazed over-look in his eyes before smiling at me slightly.

         “That was Dom,” He explains, “He and the others are coming up to meet you, please don’t be afraid. No one will hurt you. Nic may be a little stand-offish and rude, but he will not hurt you.” I can tell Alexei is trying his best to reassure me and keep me calm. I realize that while I am scared, I am not having another panic attack.

         A quiet knock came from the door before it slowly opened. A man cautiously walked in followed by two others. The first one approached me and sat at the end of my bed while the one similar to him sat on a chair near my bed. The third man simply closed the door and leaned on the wall next to it. I soon recognize the first man as the one with hazel eyes who apparently took me from the auction house, I think his name is Dominic. My thoughts were soon confirmed when he started to speak.

         “Hi doll,” Hazel eyes says, “I don’t know if you remember me. I’m Dominic, I brought you here from the auction house. This is my twin Damien.” He says gesturing to the man sitting in the chair who looked similar to him. “And that is Nicholai standing by the door. How are you feeling?”

         “B-better,” I say, “Th-thank you sir.” If I thought Alexei was intimidating, I was terrified of having them all in the same room. I see Nicholai smirk, while the other three share what seems to be a worried or sad look. I couldn’t quite tell but it made me nervous so I shrank further into the blankets that were covering me.

         “Do you like them?” Damien asks. At my confused look he elaborates, “The fuzzy blankets. Do you like them?” I glance over to him with a slight smile and nod happily. I hadn’t felt anything this soft in years. I used to have a special blanket, that I could earn time having, but it was always dirty and wasn’t so soft anymore.

         At the thought of loosing my blanket I grew sad. I think they could tell because Alexei suddenly asked if I was okay as Dominic asked me if something was wrong. I nervously glance around the room at all of them.

         “Uh, uhm, my blanket,” I mumble, “I had a special one, it must have been left at the auction house.” I say this while staring at my lap. I suddenly feel something being placed on my legs and lap. I gasp in delight at the sight of my blanket. It was washed and smelled clean. I looked up at who placed it on my lap with tears in my eyes.

         “What’s wrong?” Nicholai asked me frowning, “I thought you wanted it.” I nod quickly, too happy and confused to speak.

         “Thank you,” I exclaim, “B-but h-how?”

         “A servant from the auction house delivered it several days ago,” He responded distantly, “It smelled like s**t so I washed it.” He shrugged before turning around and leaving the room. I sat there not knowing what to think or feel.

         “He’ll come around eventually,” Dom tells me, smiling slightly, “Imma go check in with the Doc to see what you can eat.” With that he leaves the room and Damien soon follows.

         “I hate to leave you,” Alexei starts slowly, “But I need to attend a meeting, I can’t be any later than I already am. Try to sleep, and do not leave this room.” With that order I watch as he too leaves, closing the door firmly behind him. I lay back bringing my blanket up to my chest to cuddle.

         I realize it smells faintly of Nicholai and I sigh softly in contentment. Without realizing I soon drift off to sleep.