0005: The Injury

MERIDA

"I don't know anything about the Nightshade fern,"I said in a very small voice hesitantly. 

He was staring at me now, and I could see a glint of concern in his eyes. The way he had shouted minutes ago proved just one thing. It meant that he cared about me.

This was the first time anyone was going to show me so much care. 

" I thought you knew the difference between both flowers, though they kind of look alike."

" I- I don't know," I stammered.

He exhaled." But your aunt and uncle said you knew the difference, like I explained before, the Nightshade fern is of two types. The first is extinct and the one they said you added to your parents' drink is very difficult to find. But I know that something about the story isn't adding up."

I glanced up at him as he continued.

"Your fingers are supposed to be stained if indeed you pluck one of the flowers."

" Oh." That was the only thing I could say. 

" I will make them pay for making you suffer." He said to me and walked through the window where a table was holding a bottle of half-filled whiskey. He poured just a small amount on a flute and gulped it all down.

"But I'm serious you have to see a physician."

I was just standing there staring at him, so quiet. My mine was spinning around what he said. 

I knew that Aunt Ophelia could be wicked, but setting me up was quite impossible.

" After seeing the physician you will have something to eat and have a good sleep in our bedroom." He said and I blinked rapidly.

" Our bedroom." I stuttered and stood staring at him frozen at a spot. Having a good sleep in' our' bedroom. Does it mean we will have sex, and he will have me whenever he wants ?

I glanced around to the magnificent bedroom and the swinging chandeliers and then at the king-sized bed where we would sleep together from now onwards.

He walked to the bedroom and came out. 

"I have prepared a hot shower for you. Don't be scared. You are safe."

I followed him into the bathroom with slow steps, and he switched on the shower. I was looking so scared, the bathroom was so big and more beautiful than the one at home with a lot of shampoos and soaps.

He was staring at me with a kind smile, the way one would smile at a little child and immediately feel safe with him. 

I knew he was kind of older than me and I felt he was the big brother I never had.

" You should bath now and carefully. I want you to be glittering when you are done." He said sarcastically and winked, then he left, leaving me to bathe in peace. 

I pulled my clothes off slowly, tugging on the sides where my blood stuck to my dress. I was about to step into the shower when I glanced behind me and almost jumped out of my skin. 

 I thought he had left but there he was leaning against the doorway.

" I wonder why you're always scared to say anything as if your tongue was tied. I wish you could speak to me. I'm not Ophelia." 

Then he turned around and left. I got into the shower and the water touched my bruises. I winced, but I knew it was good for them. 

I didn't realize how long I had been taking my bath. I was probably lost in my thoughts when I had someone cleared their throat.

" Merida, you are spending eternity taking your bath." I had his voice booming from the bedroom and I imagine him glancing at his watch because I noticed he does that a lot. 

" I'm almost done." I said, turning off the shower and stepping out to find him sitting at the edge of the bed. His brows rose up when he saw how tight I held the ends of the towel, and he looked like he wanted to laugh.

" Rosita couldn't get you any panties. You have to walk around today without them." Then he handed me some folded clothes and I cringed at his words.

His lips turned up like he wanted to laugh when I stepped into the trousers first without pulling the towel and wore the shirt on.

"Let's go." He said, and I followed him without a word down the hallway. 

Everywhere was so quiet because it was already nighttime.

We came before a small office, and he pushed the door open. There, staring under a microscope, was the most beautiful woman I have ever seen. A youthful appearance made her look even more beautiful.

" Merida, this is Doctor Julietta." 

I kept my eyes staring at my feet when the doctor smiled at me.

" Nice meeting you Merida." She said and I nodded.

Lukan glanced at his wristwatch and pulled out his phone.

"Make sure you tell her everything, Merida." He said, scrolling through the phone as he went out.

" I have an injury." I said in a whisper.

" A fresh one ?" She asked.

" An old one."

Julietta cocked an eyebrow." Wolves have healing abilities. Why hasn't it healed yet?"

"It's because I don't have a wolf."

She exhaled." Let's take a look then." 

I lifted my shirt, showing her even my back, and I saw anger dancing in her eyes.

" Who did this to you and how long is the injury?"

" I don't know how long."

"You better don't lie to her, Merida." I had Lukan, yelled from outside the door and I jumped out of my skin.

I swallowed hard and decided to see the truth. 

"I was bruised every time and I have lost count how long they stayed on my body." When I said those words out I felt at peace with myself. 

Aunt Ophelia and Uncle Garrick had threatened me never to tell a soul about this.

 "Merida." I heard Lukan's voice again and Doctor Julietta smiled.

" You have to get used to my son's anger, it is just his way of showing that he cares."

I blinked in surprise." Your son ?"

" Yes," she said, smiling, and handed me some pills and a bottle of ointment." This ointment has a

drop of Willows tears in it, it's good for your injuries."

" Why?" I asked in a cracked voice." Willows tears are..."

" I know. It's because your injuries aren't ordinary."