Lyria's POV
When I woke up I notice the all too familiar roof of dirt and know I'm in my secret hideout. I snuggle back into bed only to wince in pain. Looking down, my abdomen is wrapped in sticky leaf. It comes back to me what happened with my mother and how she disowned me before I became an adult.
Now I have no choice but to stay with the priest in the temple. To be on the safe side, I'll wait till the outsiders leave before going back.
All I can do now is lay in bed till my wounds get better, but how will I survive on my own till then? What about food?
Prince Koda enters the cave with a boar over his shoulder and a couple of fish in hand while the other had a large jar of water.
What's he doing here?
I watch him place everything on the table. He starts moving around like he's familiar with where everything is located.
After he's done he uses the water to clean his hands and the blood that was on the table and floor. Koda leaves again with the jar to empty it out I suppose. A little while later he comes back in with some logs for a fire and the jar has fresh water in it again.
I watched my brother cook for me several times but for some reason this feels different.
When the fire is lit and the meat is placed over to cook he starts to walk back to my workspace.
"Where are you going?" My voice is horse from not using it for a while.
Prince Koda spins around quickly and stares at me with wide eyes.
"Are you really awake?" He speaks just above a whisper almost in disbelief.
"Yes, I am. What are you do..." I'm cut short by Koda running up to me and pulling me into his arms.
"I thought you'd never wake up."
"What are you talking about? I only slept a little longer then usual." I wheeze out through the pain.
He notices my discomfort and slowly puts me back down. He gets on his knees beside my bed.
"You've been asleep for six days. I even had to secretly bring you to a healer to find out why you weren't waking up. The pain and stress your body went through from the ascension and being beaten by your mother wore you out physically, mentally, spiritually, and emotionally. You needed time to heal. Since you were kicked out your brother came to me to ask me to help take care of you till you get better. Since there are still outsiders in the temple, Ryker thought it would be best if we stayed here till you recovered."
So, my brother sent us here. Well, it does make sense. Plus, Koda is a prince, so few people can tell him what to do. Everything makes sense now.
"So you've been taking care of me while I slept?"
"Yes. I fed and changed your wrappings every day and reapplied the medicine. I also wiped you down, even when you wet yourself." His cheeks turn a little red.
Me, I was mortified. This really cute male had to clean me up when I peed myself. My face is burning, and I turn my head refusing to look at him.
"Don't worry I'll never tell another living soul about this, but I will have to continue taking care of you till you're able to do so yourself. I hope this doesn't bother you too much."
"No I'm just embarrassed and a little shy now but I'll get over it in a bit."
"Alright. I'll continue to fix super, just lay there and rest. You had five broken ribs. They seem to have set right and are healing really well, but don't do too much right now. You will probably need another week before you're able to move around comfortably."
I nod my head but am still not able to look at him.
'This is so embarrassing.'