Anger and Pain

Luciana opened her eyes slowly. The morning sun bathed the healing ward in a soft glow and she saw Landon across the room, rummaging in a cupboard.

She sat up in bed, leaning against the stone wall. With a shock she realized her back was exposed and she pulled up her quilt, her heart thundering.  

Landon looked up from his work. "Good morning, lass. You’re looking much better today," he said, smiling. He pulled up his stool and sat down by her bed. He lifted the corner of the blanket and inspected her ankle. "Ah, wonderful! You’ll be walking in no time,” he said, nodding approvingly. He opened his mouth, then hesitated, an unformed question in his eyes mixed with pity.

“You saw my back,” Luciana said, sparing him. Landon nodded and Luciana felt tears prick her eyes. She swiped at them roughly when the door opened and William came in. She saw the torment in his eyes and knew that Landon had told him. All of the exhaustion and pain weighed down on her and she began to cry, covering her face with her hands. She felt a weight on the bed and arms gently pulled her into an embrace that smelled like sweat and horses. She leaned into him, his shirt rough on her cheek. His chest began to shake and she realized that he was crying too.

After a few moments the tears ended and they just sat there, comforting each other. “I’m so sorry, Luci,” William said finally, his voice thick and quavering. “I’m sorry I couldn’t protect you.”

Luciana sat up stiffly and wiped her cheeks. She did the same for William, his eyes still misty. He stood abruptly, still clasping her hand. "I'll come visit you again later. Try and rest as much as you can."

“I’ll see you out,” Landon offered, blinking back tears of his own before leading William out.

Once they were out in the corridor, William paused for a moment. He rubbed his eyes angrily and struck the wall with his fist, ignoring the looks of passing servants. His chest heaved and he closed his eyes, the world spinning around him.

Landon placed a firm hand on his shoulder. "She knew this would wound you, lad. That’s why she kept silent. Don’t grieve her further by losing your temper.”

William clenched his fists and remained silent, his heart pounding in his ears.  

"Go down to the practice yards," Landon suggested. "There’s all manner of activities that will help you blow off some steam. It’s just past the stables. Ask for Peter and he’ll get you going.”  

William nodded reluctantly and headed off, running his hands through his hair.

Landon reentered the healing ward. Poor lad, he thought as he closed the door. He's so protective of the lass. He watched Luciana as she stared out the window, the blanket pulled tightly about her in spite of the warmth. She’s brave, sparing his feelings like that. Brave and strong.