Chapter 2
The raven haired man rode his horse, back stiff, mind lost in thought. They were finally near their destination. The thick trees and vegetation have started thinning out as they continue to move along the rough path. It took them a day longer to arrive due to the unseen events a few days back. The prince sighed exasperated. His mind filled with even more questions than answers as the girl he saved and took in was still unconscious. A soldier on his right alerted the second prince, that the village gates are now visible in the distance. Another rider from the back rode as fast as he could to inform the head of the village that the prince and his entourage had finally reached its destination.
He looked back at the people walking behind him, observing each face his eyes laid on. Then, he saw the cart filled with wooden crates. These wooden crates were filled with goods to be distributed to the villages on his tour. He smiled to himself, as he wished the girl to finally wake up from her slumber.
Hidden behind those wooden crates was the girl, body battered with injuries and bruises that had finally started healing. The discolored bruises that painted on her shoulders, arms, abdomen, back and legs. Her abdomen filled with wounds deep enough to have pierced multiple organs. The bright pink scars were there, they were proof. The healer did the best of her capabilities. Her patient was lucky as she was healed by powerful magic. Magic the prince did not possess, of that she was sure. Only few people in the whole nine realms were capable of bringing back something so close to death, to the world of the living. She did not speak a word to his highness after she treated the young girl. It was in her best interest not to ask questions to the second prince. It was best to avoid the prince altogether.
She continued to take care of the girl as their journey went out. She changed her bandages religiously and gave her medicine to drink. Patiently, scooping each spoon towards her mouth until nothing was left in the bowl. She sighed loudly, and thought at least she got to ride the cart instead of walking the whole journey. Her attention went back to her patient, her brows furrowed together, her patient should have been a wake by now. There were no external injuries to indicate the state of her patient’s unconsciousness. Everything was fine now. She should have woken up 2 days ago. She leaned her head back and rested it on the wooden crate behind her. The village was fast approaching, she soon will have no responsibility over this girl. This village was known to have the best healer in the whole of Asgard, yes, maybe she will have answers.
Officials of the village lined up outside its gates from the highest pecking order to the next and to the next. The second prince greeted each single person in line. Smiles were wide but their hands were trembling. He grinned even harder. As his entourage were shown their quarters and the prince was shown to his villa, he was glad to see that they have provided him with a decent bed and bath. Finally he can remove the travel from his body. He has already given instructions to the guards that the girl should be placed in the vacant room in his villa. Saying that he was intrigued about a random injured girl he found on top of hill who called out his name so casually was an understatement.
The second prince stood up and walked towards the next room to inspect his sleeping captive. Wake up, wake up, you have taken your sweet time. He thought to himself as he walked the long pathway towards the next room. Sooner or later, he will get his answers. Cracking the door open, he paused to listen for any sound coming from the room. There was none. Still by the entrance of the door, he saw the bed and the girl still fast asleep. He silently closed the door back and went to his princely duties.
There was a soft click, heavy eyelids started fluttering, her breathing became heavy, her small thin fingers twitching. The girl remained in bed with her eyes still shut however becoming more aware by the second of every single pain in her body. Even breathing was painful, she slowly opened her eyes but shut them once again as the brightness of the room overwhelmed her sight. Maybe later, she thought as she drifted, falling back asleep.
A couple more days passed as the prince grew tired of waiting for the girl to wake up. He was now back to his villa after a three-day festivity that was prepared for his visit. The village does not receive many royal guests. They had to show the second prince that they were accepting of him even if they feared him. The endless amount of wine and food flowed throughout the whole event. The beggars and the homeless, out in the streets were given food and drink. The prince thought it was rather wasteful to have so much for themselves when so many were dying from starvation. The people whispered and talked behind the noble born of the village, maybe the second prince was kind after all and the rumors-- were just rumors. He was obviously the son of the All Mother, who was known to be the kindest woman in all nine realms. They celebrated the second prince’s arrival in their own way as they said thanks to the heavens for bringing the prince to their village and for remembering them when many noble born do not even spare them a glance.