Emily walked down the halls of the castle, lost in her own thoughts. Ever since the prince woke up two days ago, things had changed, more like he had changed. The prince who used to train from dawn to dusk, the same prince who'd ignore his health, now all he does is to stay in his room and read books all day. He had also started asking odd questions. What's it like in the country? What type of animals are good pets? Is it true if you love some one that your heart flutters? What's it like to see a circus? Are there lions in the southern kingdom?
She was suddenly reminded of the days when a curious young Asha would start questioning why things where the way they where or would ask questions about things he saw. She giggled to herself remembering how the former queen would be at a lost for words with her grandson's curiosity.
Emily smiled to herself, reminiscing about the past. Emily, despite being happy that Ahsa started caring about his health, she couldn't help but worry, since he stopped being himself. She couldn't fathom why the boy had changed but she was happy none-the-less. Though she would need to check with the doctor, just in case of any related issues. Rolling the trolly she had been pushing; she arrived at the prince's door.
Upon entering, she was greeted with the sight of the prince laying on his bed with a book in front of him. Emily immediately closed the door behind her. This didn't get his attention though.
'Asha!' she called out to him.
The boy jumped a bit but looking up in confusion. Upon seeing it was Emily, his eyes lit up and he smiled widely. He looked like he was bouncing with excitement.
'Did you bring it?'
She nodded and brought out a red box with a golden ribbon she had kept hidden under the cloth used to cover her trolly.
'Yes but, please stay in bed. The doctor said you need to rest you're still recovering.'
Asha nodded sitting up, putting aside the book he was reading. 'Okay Emily. Sorry for making you worried'
It's your odd behavior that's making me worried. She thought as she handed the box to the now sitting prince.
He opened the box in excitement. Inside was a golden, stuffed lion toy with a red mane. On the back was his name engraved in black. Asha's eyes lit up. He hugged the toy in pure childish delight. He was happy to finally own this particular toy. And now he did and his name was on it. Asha's joyous triumph was cut short when he noticed her worried but cheerful gaze. It's not like I can tell her why I want this toy so badly.
'Is that my food?' he sighed wanting to change the subject.
Emily nodded but gently sat down beside him 'Yes, it is, along with your medicine … but Asha are you … really… okay?' she gently held his hand. 'You're doing things you don't normally do'
Asha stayed silent. For the past few days Asha had been avoiding his sword. And he started reading books. From novels to history books to books about geography. But he had been most interested in were the ones about magic. He had gotten interested after his brother appeared.
The first prince Liam Laurent Patagrale. The second family member who had shown him kindness all the while Asha had treated him with disdain. In order to win the duel. He used dirty tactics and injured his brother. Even though he wouldn't have needed them. He was bitter and, in the end, he won but at the cost of his life and freedom.
'Asha? Are you okay?' Emily asked worriedly as she saw his face becoming red.
Asha felt a tear roll down his face. Do I…feel…guilty? It was true that Liam was a member of his family, Liam had never once done anything wrong Asha knew that was a fact. He was also aware his actions were wrong. But could anyone blame him? All he wanted was love and the warmth he saw other kids receiving. soon it turned into an obsession. When the first prince came back the love and attention he craved for, for years was given to Liam who had only arrived created bitterness and jealousy. It was never Liam's fault; it was his parents'. But was he not also partially to blame, since he was young, he wanted something that was never his, not real to begin with, to the point he foolishly ignored his childhood … what a fool I was.
'Asha?!' He was pulled out of his thoughts by Emily calling him worriedly.
'Asha, you suddenly started shaking, are you okay? You were mumbling something. did something happen while I was away?'
Asha looked at her; really looked at her, now he realized how foolish he really was. Tears fell as he gripped the toy.
'I'm sorry' he muttered over and over again.
Emily didn't know why nor what was wrong; all she knew was that this child was the one she promised to protect; the one she wanted to protect. She knew what she was getting into when she accepted this job. that's why she hugged him without any hesitation. She didn't expect to adore the boy she was supposed to take care of.
'It's okay … I don't know what hurts … but it's okay … let it all out' Emily whispered as she rubbed his back.
Those words were all Asha needed to hear. The warmth he'd longed for; the warmth he'd so desperately fought for was right in front of him. He let out a loud sob, and for the first time in his life, he felt the warmth of a mother.
........................….
'You really do care for him, don't you?'
'Well of course I do. You'd do the same thing for that girl … wouldn't you?'
'Of course, but why are his emotions allover the place they were not this way before? … is this your doing?'
'It's not me, this has nothing to do with me nor with you. This is actually how he feels. In his entire life he never had a chance to be a child now he can. It's fascinating and besides he really was a foolish kid'
'I'm glad. We do not want-'
'What's wrong?'
'Trouble'
........................…
Asha was happy and content in the embrace. Happy that he had felt a mother's warmth. He wanted to stay forever however his body had other plans.
'Asha?' Emily now worried since his body got warmer. She felt as Asha pulled away.
Asha felt his stomach churning and cramping. He felt sick and queasy. 'Em- I-I need'
She didn't hesitate she got up and brought an empty bowl from the trolly she pushed. No sooner had she placed the bowl under his chin, did he started belching, removing the contents of his stomach. He retched and gagged as he felt his stomach empty out into the bowl.
He panted, as soon as he was done; trying to get his breathing back to normal. He was exhausted. Was my health always this bad…?
Emily set aside the vomit filled bowl and checked his temperature sure enough it was higher than before. Noticing that his face was red with sweat drenching his face.
'Asha, you need to lay down.' She paused noticing how out of breath he seemed.
'Your fever may have spiked'
Asha nodded tiredly. He squeezed the lion sensing how anxious Emily was. Before he could say anything, a knock was heard.
'Your highness, sorry to disturb you but it would seem that the queen has come to visit'