Unexpected Surprises // Elias&Cady

[Deleted]

Elias shook his head. He was not lying. In fact, he prided himself on how honest he was, on the whole. The only time his honesty ever slipped had been under questioning in the past, a matter that had occurred on several occasions for numerous different reasons, one of the most nerve-wracking of which had been about his involvement with the noblewoman; somehow he had escaped unscathed, yet ruefully not as much could be said for Aine... Nevertheless, it amused him to see Catherine both smile and blush at his statement. When he was a boy he had been nervous about almost everything there was to behold in Tyrian, especially if he misdiagnosed a patient – even as an apprentice it could have meant the end of his career, and potentially even his life under King Andrew’s rule. Seeing the young princess greet him and want to spend time with him without judging Elias for his skills and knowledge had been incredibly settling. She was one of the few faces not to expect something from him, and still she remained the same. There was an unmistakeable air of unconditional trust.

“Maybe so.” He deliberated, more to himself than anything. He then nodded as she replied to his concerns. A slight sense of relief washed over him – she had voiced and dismissed his worry: consumption. Part of him couldn’t bear to think of such a soul as Catherine falling to that disease, not to mention the rest of the kingdom; consumption would decimate it like it did every community that it struck. “I suspect, at worst, your broken ribs have put a strain on your lungs and perforated a lining. That is at worst, though. The shock and the stress may have just caused minor surface blood vessels to burst, which is more likely. Either way, I will need to bandage you tightly. You’ll have to leave it on until your ribs have healed, or have a physician replace it in the meantime.”

Elias cleared his throat quietly, hoping he hadn’t worried Catherine too much. It wasn’t in his nature to hold back information from someone, especially a patient, and even more so when it was a friend who trusted him so perceptibly. When she made to get up from the table he helped her to stand up before standing back himself. It took a couple of seconds to register in his mind that he ought to avert his eyes for the sake of Catherine’s modesty – even though he was going to have to get far closer to her than this. He temporarily turned around and faced the wall, absently observing the herb-filled jars that lined the shelves beneath sprigs of drying lavender and rosemary. Behind him he was aware of the sounds of the princess carefully undressing and every now and then there was an all too indicative rustle of fabric as an item of clothing fell to the floor. A curious prickling caught at the nape of Elias’ neck and he swallowed again, wishing he had a pitcher of drinking water to hand.

Cautiously he turned around to see if she was ready before a cry reached his ears. Elias wasn’t sure whether the aural indication of her pain or the visual spectacle of the nearly naked young woman hit him first. He dropped his eyes immediately although glad she was covering her breasts and stepped towards her instantly as he placed a hand on her bare shoulder. He flushed instantly.

“No, no. I need you to stand up.” Elias told her, trying to help her back up again. He needed her ribcage to be in its natural position when he did this, not to mention he would struggle to make as good a job if she was lying down. He glanced around him, trying to focus on anything but Catherine’s practically naked body; as his eyes flitted over her pooled garments, however, it drew his attention straight back to her exposed pale skin and he became aware of feeling far hotter under the collar than he ought to. He removed his hand from her shoulder quickly and dropped it to his side, instead busying himself with the rolled up of linen on the table.

After what felt like an age, Elias moved to stand behind her and gently placed the end of the bandage just to the right of her spine at breast level, where he held it in place beneath the fingers of his left hand. Stood so close to Catherine like this, and undressed, was sending so many confused signals to him that he had to blink several times before he found himself able to begin unwinding the roll of linen. Too courteous and shy to continue entirely by himself, he opened his mouth to speak. When no audible words came out, he cleared his throat. “Could- could you pass this over your breasts, please...”

[Cadence Black]

If she was being honest with herself, Cady wished for this whole process to be over with so that she could get into clothes once more. Spending time with Elias was what she wanted, but never did she think it would come to doing it while her clothes were off. However she knew that if he hadn’t found her then she would be in a naturally worse state and forced to deal with the consequences of her actions of wondering off. Queen Danielle and King Joscelin would worry about her even more and she would probably lose that freedom of leaving independently from the castle forcing guards to protect her. Ha! If only they had been around for this. Now here she was practically naked in front of her old physician whom was not only young and attractive, she knew him from her past where she could admit that she liked him a lot and could trust him in a kingdom where it was difficult to find people of any kind to trust. It seemed like her father would trust someone and then the next day they would be sent to the gallows, but she was not like that. She would never do that and even convinced her father when Elias had suddenly left that he needed to not hunt him down and arrest him for possible treason. She would only tell Elias that if he asked for that information. She did not want to startle him.

He dismissed her thoughts of it being consumption and she was relieved, “Thank you for your honesty Elias. I’ve always admired that about you. Never hide anything back, loyalty and honesty are noble qualities to have. Minor blood service vessels? Where would those be? Wait am I losing blood right now internally and not knowing it? How long will I have to stay away from strenuous activity? I’m sorry for all the questions, but I will have to explain all of this to their Majesties. Especially the Queen since I am a lady-in-waiting for her. Alright well I’d like for you to tend to me if I ever need you, please Elly. All the physicians here are old and perverted and you are not. If something ever happens to me while I’m staying at the castle, would you please allow me to call on you to tend to me? I promise everyone at the castle is very friendly even their Majesties. I feel as if I do not deserve this kindness from them or anyone.” She replied curious enough wanting to know what was going on with her. All these questions and thoughts were running through her mind and she admitted it, she was scared.

When she started to sit down back at the table once more, he gently corrected her and helped her stay on her two feet. Moaning a bit softly from the pain, she felt him holding onto her shoulder tightly steadying her and she blushed a bit more.

“I apologize.” She murmured to him softly through deep breaths trying to control her pain as she felt his hand leave her shoulder and went to grab the cloth linen that would be used to bandage her ribs. She glanced over at him slowly and saw that he was snapping his head around at his thoughts and she could not, but smirk at his staring a bit. She contemplated teasing him a bit, but decided not to distract him any more than what she could right now.

Listening to him clear his throat and then ask about wrapping the linens around her breasts, she blushed immediately and slowly reached down for it. Their fingers brushed very gently and she blushed a bit more at the sudden contact. She took it and slowly placed the end on the top of her breast and began to slowly wrap it around them hissing at the sudden pain she was feeling so she hurried up a bit wrapping herself a couple more times before moving down slowly past the bottom of her right breast and then slowly wrapped it around her slim body reaching her stomach before slowly handing the linen back to Elias.

“Is this correct?” She asked him softly.

[Deleted]

With a small shake of his head, Elias replied softly and dismissively. “It is in my job and my nature to be honest, my lady, and again you humble me... They are simply tiny tubes under your skin. It is no more serious than a nosebleed. Once you are bound, it should alleviate the coughing and pain, which will ease the pressure and let them heal.” After a pause he quietly added, “Do not worry yourself, Catherine.”

Whilst the princess was not currently in great shape she could definitely be a lot worse off and the last thing that Elias wanted was for her to fret over a problem that may not have yet arisen, nor arise at all, especially seeing as she was in such a position as lady-in-waiting. He was sure his eyebrows rose at the information, surprised that she should wish to place herself in a court when she had only fled from one two years ago. Perhaps she had missed the luxuries. Elias knew it wasn’t his place to speculate, however.

“Try to avoid anything too strenuous for as long as possible, it may take five or six weeks before your ribs fully heal. You won’t be able to ride for at least that long.” He instructed her, apprehensively watching as Catherine took the roll of linen from his hand. Their skin brushed for a second and he felt even more self-conscious than before at the fact he was stood just behind the barely clothed princess of Tyrian. “If you wish for me to attend you on a more permanent basis, then I would be happy to oblige. I often find myself in the castle, it is not out of my way. And of course you do, you deserve every kindness.”

Elias meant what he said, Catherine had never done anything to deserve less than the utmost kindness of others. Nevertheless, as he said it, he was sure that the flush already prominent across his entire face had just intensified a shade or two as he helped pass the linen across her back at every wrap, ensuring it was tight around her fractured ribs.

“Yes. It- it may feel uncomfortable to start with, but if it works loose it will need redoing,” he replied, taking the roll of linen from her. He cut it with the small knife that lay just behind him on before tightly tucking the bandage end between overlapping layers and taking half a pace back to observe the work. Satisfied, Elias quickly pushed his hand through his hair and half turned from Catherine, conscious that his eyes were beginning to wander away from the bandages in a less than gentlemanly manner. She still needed a lot of care and attention though, which he was reluctant to carry out whilst so distracted by an impulse infuriately instinctive to him. He was a little disgusted with himself, truth be told; Catherine was a friend and a patient, not a whore, and she deserved more modesty than this. There was little point in asking her to redress as she had been though – her clothes were too torn and tattered, not to mention covered with blood – but it struck him that she would have to return home in something. “You are perfectly welcome to disincline, but may I offer some form of clothing? I, I am afraid I do not own anything particularly suitable, but I have a long tunic that may suffice...”

[Cadence Black]

Ever since Cady had arrived in Solraya, she had been filled with gratitude towards everyone around her and Elias was another name to be added to that list. She knew it was his job and in his nature to care about others hence going into the medical profession in the first place. However fate was strange, how she found Elias once more after being beaten severely enough and that he had been the one to find her and then literally rescue her and tending to her wounds. She did not know who was keeping an eye on her from up above, but whoever it was, she was once again full of gratitude and never took an advantage on a moment like that.

She concentrated back on Elias and her fractured ribs as she watched him finish wrapping the bandages around her tight stomach and ribs that were slowly turning black and blue from the injuries. She then listened to him explain what the blood vessels were and quickly reassured her that everything was alright and she was very relieved to hear so she continued to watch him until he called her Catherine. She could not help, but freeze at her biological, given, Christian name. It had been forever since she had heard the name yet it was nice to hear coming from him and him only.

“Elias please I must ask you to call me Cadence, or Cady now. I am not known here as Catherine to anyone. The only people whom know of my secret are you and the King and Queen. And no one else must know. I must ask you again not to repeat what I am saying beyond these walls to anyone. It is literally a matter of life and death out there.” She said softly hissing at the contact that he had made with her ribs and she fought back tears having a low tolerance for pain.

“Thank you dear Elly only if it does not interfere with any other patients you have. Five to six weeks?! But I am a servant to her Majesty, the Queen! I have to do whatever she wishes of me. If she wants me to ride with her somewhere, I have to! It’s orders. I do not wish to worry her so how can I rest while tending to her?” She asked him panicking a bit, hearing her tone of voice change suddenly before gasping for breaths trying to control the pain that seemed to be coming from everywhere as he quickly finished and she held her arms tightly against her chest once more hoping that he had something for her to wear back to the castle.

Shaking her head slightly, she needed to sit down on the table once more so she did gently, “No I do not. I did not save your life or anything of the sort. You did not have to stop and help me, yet you did. It means the world to me Elly, I could have been…hurt worse or taken advantage of or died out there if it had not been for you. I will forever be in your debt.”
Cady quickly nodded her head at his suggestion of taking one of his tunics and wearing it back to the castle. She would take anything he had right now before brushing a piece of her hair from her cheek softly and accidentally grazing her bruised cheek and she let out a loud gasp in shock and in pain.

“Yes please…oh my goodness this hurts!” She said groaning from the pain and trying to remain calm and still once more waiting for the pain to go away once more. Damn those men, like Queen Danielle said, what goes around comes around, so they will get what was coming to them one day and also waiting for Elias to retrieve her some clothing for her.

“Damn it.” She muttered softly from the pain impatiently wishing for it to go away suddenly, but knowing in the back of her head that it would not heal immediately for her like she wished for.

[Deleted]

Elias wondered if he had been too bold the moment Catherine’s name had left his lips, and yet he couldn’t stop himself. He could not think of her nor see her as anything but. It was just so natural to him, but she visibly froze, causing him to do the same.

“Your forgiveness, Ca-” He began, eyes fixed on the floor in unconscious subservience. “My lady...”

He silently cursed himself. He couldn’t do it. Not even with the name Cadence on the tip of his tongue. Elias was and always would be a creature of habit, as was noticeable from some of his childhood habits, and so he knew that from now on he would address her by no other form than what was befitting for a lady-in-waiting. He had no wish to see Catherine come into harm’s way and if that meant conducting himself in the utmost professional manner – as he knew he ought to be in any case – then so be it. It was testing though, mightily.

“Yes five to six weeks. If you wish for me to be your physician you will do as is instructed of you or pay the price when you are in far worse health!” He replied tersely, vainly trying to keep any anger from his voice. To Hell what the Queen wanted, she could live; her Majesty wasn’t short on ladies or servants, and if she truly valued Catherine then she wouldn’t object to her taking her duties easy for a few weeks. He sighed and dropped his gaze again, pushing a hand through his thick hair in irritation with himself. “My apologies... I should not have spoken to you like that. But please, if you do not tell her about this, then at least find a way out of such duties. You cannot ride in this state, you can barely sit or stand without wincing beforehand, let alone get upon a horse.” Elias said quietly. He was ashamed with himself for momentarily losing his temper – Catherine was clearly panicked about the situation – but there was little point in asking a question and then paying no heed to it. Stubborn patients were the bane of his life; the only upside was that when they were fools enough to injure themselves further, it simply meant more gold in his pocket.

He shrugged though, attempting to dismiss any sense of his own embarrassment or owe of gratitude from Catherine. She didn’t owe him anything. “And nor would I ever ask you to save my life, but the fact of the matter is that I was there. It was Fortune’s hand and God’s favour, little more. You are in no such debt.” Besides, he had been hurt far worse in his past, those petty thugs would have had a challenge doing worse.

He then moved to the doorway as she instantly nodded at his suggestion of a tunic, glad that he might have at least something for her to wear until she reached the castle. The clear pain that Catherine was in made his stomach lurch unpleasantly in sympathy though. She really shouldn’t be going anywhere, not when it meant immersing herself straight back into courtly duties. Yet again he knew it was far from his position to judge though.

“I’ll be right back.” Elias told her before leaving the room and quickly climbing the steep, well worn stairs to the left of the doorway. Upstairs there was no door, simply a partition before giving way to a large, cluttered room somewhat hampered by the eaves of the roof. It was cosy though, and his safe haven, that much could be said for it. He knew he wouldn’t change it for anything as he bent over a trunk at the foot of his bed and retrieved the long tunic that had been on his mind. As an afterthought, Elias also pulled out a pair of breeches before ducking his head again to manoeuvre his tall frame back down the stairs and into the parlour where Catherine was waiting for him. “Now, these will swamp you, but I thought you may desire them as well.”

[Cadence Black]

Cady knew that Elias was one thousand percent serious so when he gave her a strict look and an honest answer then she knew that she needed to listen to him whatever the consequences would be. She blushed a bit at his name for her which was the typical my lady. She knew that with Elias it would take him awhile to get use to calling her Cadence or Cady instead of Catherine or Princess. It was like her calling him Elly once more, just was something they would have to get use to. It was so strange reuniting with him under these circumstances, but he had saved her life. She would be nothing, but grateful towards him.

"It is alright Elly, I have a new name and you're use to calling me something else..." She suddenly trailed off as a hard look came across his face when she protested to him a bit about having to be on bedrest for five to six weeks. She knew Queen Danielle would understand, but for her it would be torture since she seemed to be always moving around and doing things for her Majesty. He was starting to scare her a bit and seeing Elias frustrated with her made her a bit scared of him wondering if he had a secret temper that she never knew about. She moved back a bit on the table scooting away from him with small, wide eyes staring at him.

"Elias please don't be upset with me, you're my oldest and dearest friend and I would hate if you were angry with me. I do apologize for my outburst, but I am worried about her Majesty's reaction. In addition you have known since the day you met me how stubborn I am and that I like to move around not sit still. I do not wish to upset so if I am, I will grab the necessary clothing and leave you alone so you won't ever have to see me again." She said softly trying to blink her tears away and was successful. She sighed wiping her eyes a bit trying to hide that she was almost in tears. The last thing she wanted was to make Elias mad.

She then listened to his apology and slowly nodded, "I know you are correct and I do apologize for my outburst, however, it's just going to be hard to explain this to their Majesties. I have duties and I don't want them disappointed in me especially since they already have done so much for me. Don't say that I am forever in your debt. Elias I could be dead and still be in that damn alley if it hadn't been for you." She argued back with him not trying to start a debate with him, but she wanted to let him know that she was appreciative of him.

Slowly nodding her head, she watched him disappear upstairs and she sighed loudly running a free hand over her face mentally telling herself to snap out of it, but she then covered herself once more as he came back downstairs with some clothing for her. She gave him a sweet smile and reached out her hand for them.

"Thank you, now where shall I go to change into these?" She asked him curiously with a weak, soft tone in her voice.

[Deleted]

Observing Catherine’s reaction to his voiced frustration ignited deep embarrassment within Elias, and he was certain that the entirety of his neck and cheeks had flushed with self-conscious warmth in response. He had no wish to raise his voice to the young woman, his old friend – and in fact he was rather mortified that he had – but when he gave his medical opinion it was for good reason. Women, however, always seemed to be of the opinion that they knew best, and it was certainly not the case in medicine.

“Please, forgive me, my lady.” Elias said quickly, his eyes fixed upon a point in the flagstone flooring in deep shame. Her body language was so utterly indicative of fear that he couldn’t bring himself to meet her widened, frightened eyes. Instead, his limply hanging hands found comfiture in pulling at loose threads within his pockets. “I do, I do know how stubborn you are but that is not excusable for my behaviour. My apologies again, just- Please, if you do not wish to be in permanent pain far beyond five weeks then you will do as I advise... There is no need to leave me alone unless you wish to.” He added quietly. What was more, Elias wished to insist that she was most definitely not in his debt, but as usual the young princess was being overtly stubborn and he had already overstepped his position as little more than her former physician. He cared not for gratitude – that would come when he saw that she was well again.

As he returned and handed her the clothes, however, he struggled not to be a little amused. Catherine was practically naked in front of his very eyes, and yet she now wanted somewhere to change into his garments? He supposed it was all part and parcel of propriety though, and he was far from about to begrudge the girl some privacy, especially as he knew he should be utterly mortified were he in her position.

“You may put them on here, I will close the door and wait in the hallway. And, er, there is linen on the side if you wish to clean your cuts up any firther.” Elias replied just as softly as he turned to leave.

[Cadence Black]

Cady knew that Elias meant well, she just was not use to people ordering her around and telling her what is good and isn't good for her. Elias was correct and would not be dishonest with her, she knew that, but it was in her nature to be stubborn a bit. Damn her father cursing her with that, she hated any aspect of her father and both her and Charles had inherited his stubbornness.

She blushed a bit more when she saw Elias calm down a bit and apologize once again for his raised voice. When he held out the clothes for her, she blushed a bit more and nodded taking them from his outreached hand and smiled gratefully.

"There's no need to apologize once again Elias, there is nothing to apologize for. I just got startled because I have never seen you raise your voice. However I have never given you a reason to raise your voice at me. I do apologize, I have my father's stubbornness, Charles and I inherited that I suppose. I will follow whatever orders you have for me. I know the Queen will understand, I just don't want to disappoint her when her and the King welcomed me into their lives and castle. I don't want to leave your life again, I would like to continue our friendship once more. So five to six weeks resting? Alright I can do that...I think." She muttered the last part to herself with a smirk. It would be a challenge for sure, but she could possibly do it.

She smiled a bit gratefully at him as he said he would wait outside and close the doors while she got changed into his clothes.

"Thank you Elly." She told him with a smile as he exited the room and closed the door behind him. She let a sigh of relief before slowly letting go of the garments that were covering her body. She slowly stripped off her bloody clothes and slowly grabbed a linen that Elias was talking about and carefully finished wiping off her dried up blood in various places that Elias did not see.

Wincing a bit, as she placed on his tunic and had to let out a small laugh as she pulled it down and it went down past her knees. She then slowly gasped as she slowly lifted up her legs and put on his trousers that seemed to match his tunic. Her ribs were causing her a lot of pain so she had to sit back down gently.

"Elly! I'm done!" She said loudly towards the door waiting for him to enter as she fought back tears from the pain. Damn those men, she growled to herself a bit.

[Deleted]

It was with mild interest that Elias listened to his young friend. He supposed he hadn’t ever raised his voice to her before – he had had no need. Besides, the subject of raised voices was one for Catherine’s father, he was the main offender when it came down to shouting at those surrounding him, servants and family alike.

“Even so.” Elias continued, lightly shrugging. She had certainly inherited Tyrian’s stubbornness. “Yes, five to six weeks, see how it goes. You never know, you are young, you may heal quicker than that, but humour me. Their Majesties will understand and be compassionate if they care so much If not, you can tell them it’s by my orders, and then they can take it up with me.”

That was the end of the matter as far as he was concerned. The King and Queen did not have to know specifically why Catherine was so hurt but it would not harm them to allow one of their many ladies to rest if she required it; weren’t there a hundred girls who all clamoured to sit on their backside and play music or sing to the King or Queen during respite hours?

As he waited outside the room, he pushed his fingers through his hair in a loose manner, his mind already going over the day’s events. Considering little ever happened in his daily proceedings, this was almost tiring. Catherine’s presence, however, made it less so; it was pleasant to be in her company once more even if the circumstances were not so welcome.

When she called to him, Elias entered the room again, failing to suppress a small smirk as he did so at seeing the ridiculous size of his clothes upon her. “Quite the fit. I see I should have found something bigger for you.”

[Cadence Black]

Cady was not used to getting anyone she cared about angry enough that she actually cared about. Most of the time she did not care who she angered or vice versa, but not Elias. She cared about him too much to not want to make him angry with her. She was stubborn yes but she was also sensible in the sense that she knew Elias was only doing his profession. He wanted to heal properly and he was correct. She knew she was going to listen to him, always and forever. She valued his friendship too much to disagree with him.

Slowly nodding her head, "Alright then Elly. I will do whatever you ask of me, however, if their Majesties do question me, is it alright if I tell them that you were the physician who treated me? I have said before that I know they will believe me, however, with me things seem to happen. Will you be escorting me back to the castle since I can barely move or shall I become a damsel in distress like those stupid fairytales?" She asked him curiously with a tiny laugh teasing him a bit. Elias was so serious that it was rather fun to tease him sometimes.

As she finished putting on his clothes, Cady called him back into the room. She could not help, but laugh at how she looked at the moment. His clothes were incredibly big on her simply because he was a taller, leaner man and she looked positively ridiculous on her yet it was quite humorous.

Chuckling a bit at his teasing, "Yes I agree Elly, these don't quite exactly fit." She commented back with a smirk as she rested as best as she could against the table. It was a bit hard since she was still in so much pain yet she winced a bit trying not to show it as much.

"How did you end up here in Avonderre Elias if you don't mind me asking?" She asked him curiously watching him as he moved about the room.

[Deleted]

Elias almost breathed a sigh of relief upon seeing Catherine nod her head. About time. He was a patient man, he could acknowledge that much, but it was sometimes possible to push his patience too far. After all, who was the one who had studied health and medicine at university? Certainly not the patient. By no means was his young friend the most frustrating of those requiring his assistance though; in fact, even if she was, Elias knew he would probably forgive her for it anyway. She was almost like a baby sister to him.

“I am glad to hear it. And of course, by all means, direct them to me,” he replied. Elias had no reason to worry about their Majesties, he was a renowned physician after all, even it was only mildly. He caught the teasing, cynical note in Catherine’s voice though and raised an eyebrow with a slight chuckle; she never had been a believer in happy endings. “There is nothing wrong with damsels or fairytales, you are simply too headstrong to recognise that, my Lady. And I know you are attempting to tease me but I shan’t rise to it,” he smiled, shaking his head in mock despair, “I shall escort you back as you are of need of it. I have nothing to do of urgency.”

He had caught up with his stocks and patients, for now, and his studies were constant. It was the least he could do to help Catherine get back to the castle, especially as there was little chance of her ever making it back there by herself in this state. Besides, in a way he had missed talking to her after all these years; she had once been one of his closest friends whilst still studying and apprenticing in his teens, despite her own young age.

Listening, Elias continued to grin somewhat at the sight of his clothes swamping the girl before faltering. He shrugged slightly. Catherine’s question had caught him a little off guard and so he busied himself with tidying instruments away in thought. It wasn’t that he minded her asking, it was merely that few people had ever asked him that.

“Luck. Good and bad. It is close to Queenhithe where I grew up and where my family still are, so that was part of my reasoning. Avonderre is more populous though, better for business, and not under the direct influence of either King Joscelin or your father.” Elias said, continuing to occupy himself before sighing and turning around to face her. “I perhaps would have stayed in Tyrian longer had I not allowed myself to get caught up in matters that were not my own... Alas, it is not something to dwell on. May I ask you the same question though? You all but disappeared like a ghost, Madam. Everyone was stunned.”

[Cadence Black]

It wasn't like Cady was always this stubborn with people, especially close friends like Elias was to her. She just was stubborn about things. She felt guilty the moment that she had began to argue with him forgetting her new place in society not as a princess, but as a simple woman now. He was correct and she knew it. He was the medical expert, gone to university and everything. She knew to believe him the moment she had let him take her back to his practice. He had never done her wrong before and she knew he wasn't going to start anytime soon. Elias was a kind, gentle, intelligent man and she had known that the minute he had began working with her to healing her injuries. His opinions meant so much to her back in Tyrian and nothing would ever change that. She blushed as she agreed finally and he let out a sigh.

"Her Majesty I know will not have any objections to your orders Elly. I know the King will not either, they just might be curious since I am in their household as a lady-in-waiting and their spy." She replied with a slight shrug of her shoulder. Dani would do whatever Elias ordered Cady to rest, she was not a hateful, angry woman. The complete opposite.

Raising an eyebrow slightly at his confidence that fairytales do exist, she snorted very unladylike. "Elly you do not need to lie to me about such things. I never meant to have a happy ending. I was born to be a spoiled, rich brat to a tyrant king and be sold to the highest bidder. Nobles and royals are doomed for the rest of our lives. We marry because we have to not because we want to." She replied with a sigh. It was the truth and she wished she was a believer like Elias was sometimes.

"I thank you for escorting me back to the castle. I love Avonderre so far, I was just here a few days ago where I did manage to run into the Lord of Avonderre, Lord Mercer. Have you ever met him before? He is very kind and courteous. He has invited me to visit him soon." She replied with a sweet smile that seemed to grow. There was something about Laeghton Mercer that she couldn't help, but smile about.

At his question of why she left, "I was tired of my life back in Tyrian. My father being the bastard that he was and treating me like I was worthless for years made my self-confidence disappear a long time ago. That's why I don't believe in happy endings and fairytales Elly. They just don't exist. As much as I would love to be happy and in love with the man that I end up marrying one day if I even do, I just can't feel that optimistic right now. I then was engaged to Lord Thornton by my father and he hit me the first time we had a moment alone together. I refused to marry him and it only angered my father so I talked to Charles and we decided that I needed to leave. So I did, Charles acts like he doesn't know where I am, so I changed my alias and left everything behind in Tyrian. I receive letters from him every few weeks. He's the only reason why I regret leaving. My allegiance is to King Joscelin and Queen Danielle, Solraya and Avonderre now." She replied softly.

[Deleted]

“Good,” was all Elias found in reply. By no means was he annoyed by Catherine’s concern, but there were oft times when he wished that those with titles before their names knew when to accept the opinion of someone whose riches lay in knowledge and not in gold. He found himself looking at her sharply though, he had not realised what the young princess was now acting as.

“You are a spy?” He repeated incredulously. “A spy! Do you have the faintest notion how dangerous that is? Especially for a young woman who also happens to be the daughter of Tyrian? You have lost your mind.”

Elias turned and forced open the solid wood door in the corner of the room, all the better to let some lighter air into the cramped room. It only went out onto a tiny, leafy, cobbled yard surrounded by high, ivy-laced walls but it was peaceful. A sanctuary. He had not meant his words harshly but it was beyond him that first Catherine should be here under a different alias and now that she should be a spy, possibly the most dangerous occupation of any a man. Once, he had cared for her as much as his own dear sisters, and now she was putting herself at such risk.

He sighed heavily and leant on the doorframe, turning back to observe her. “Your forgiveness, my lady... I speak out of turn. I would still call you mad, nevertheless. People... people are tortured in these kingdoms for less,” Elias muttered, the recollections still altogether too vivid for him. “And you will certainly never have a happy ending if you keep it up. Every spy is found out eventually, fairytale or not. And by all means, please, complain all you like about being a ‘spoiled, rich brat’, because my sisters would have killed for those privileges.”

The tone was slightly sour, even Elias had to concede that. Admittedly Catherine had rejected her wealth but in his eyes it was somewhat petulantly. He couldn’t deny the fact he was envious of how easy the nobles has their lives; he was all but the sole earner in his family now, and it was his gold that barely kept food in their bellies.

Neither of them could help their position though, Elias knew that much. He had made the best of his life and Catherine was obviously attempting that with hers. He ran a hand through his hair and simply looked at her; Lord, how she had grown up. Headstrong as anything and twice as independent.

“I don’t believe I have, no. I may have passed him before but I would not know it. Nobles are nobles, I keep to myself unless it’s business.” He didn’t feel able to say much more than that on the subject; as he had said, he kept his head down. The fact she was taking it upon herself to visit random men somewhat irked him too, but he chose not to mention the matter. What she chose to do was of her own volition. He was too used to having once been protective of her and apparently the sentiment had yet to pale. “Do not lose your optimism, it is all that keeps some people going. You have as much chance being happy as anyone else. I am sorry that this ‘lord’ proved himself unworthy of you though, most men's titles are unbefitting of them these days. You do not deserve any unkindness. I assume you are being well kept, as one of the Ladies at the castle?”

[Cadence Black]

Once Elias had his back turned, Cady could not help, but roll her eyes at his pride and stubbornness. She loved Elias like a brother, nothing would ever change that, but he did not have to worry about her anymore. She was a grown adult, capable of making whatever decisions that she wanted to. However the announcement of her as a spy came as a shock to him. She blushed a bit as he began to scold her and she sighed deeply.

"Elly....Elly...Elias I know of the consequences believe me I am well aware of them. I am not a daughter of Tyrian anymore. I am a citizen of Solraya and maybe Avonderre one day. I love this town the people are friendly, Lord Mercer is friendly, you are the devoted physician and friend and besides those men attacking me, I love everything about this small town. Perhaps if and when I am dismissed from Her Majesty's services, I shall hopefully settle down here. Do you see yourself staying here permanently?" She asked curiously trying to change the subject. She knew what could happen to her if she had been caught by anyone for being a spy. She was ready for it, however, things and life could change for her at any second.

Smiling and blushing as he apologized for being so bold, Cady nodded, "Elly you know you do not need to apologize to me for that. We are long time friends and I know that you are not saying those things to offend me. I am well aware of the consequences that come with being a spy. Charles sends me the information from Tyrian and I send the messages to King Joscelin. He writes down false information for the King of Tyrian and Charles receives it. I should write to Charles that I have been reunited with you. He liked you for his physician as well that is if it's alright." She replied with a sweet smile before glancing at the clock and her eyes went wide.

"Elly you are too kind and I would love to keep our conversation going, however, I must return to the castle. May I ask for your assistance?" She asked curiously as she was helped up from the table and escorted outside to her carriage that was waiting for her.

"Lady Black, what has happened?" Malcolm the driver asked curiously giving Elias a stern look.

"I was attacked by thieves in the village however I was rescued by Master Drogo who is the town physician. He needs to talk to her Majesty about what happened. We need to head back to the castle immediately." She replied as she was helped inside and the carriage soon took them back to the castle.

Two Months Later

Cady could not help, but smile as she made her way through the village and over to Elias' office. She missed her dear friend's company and it had been over two months since she had been reunited with her. Her engagement ring glistened in the sunlight as she smiled glancing down at it. Laeghton her now fiance had proposed several days ago and had granted her permission to invite Elias to their wedding. She was hoping that Elias would be the one to escort her down towards Laeghton when the ceremony started.

She knocked on the door to Elias' door carefully and a bit loudly so he could hear her. She hoped he was there and not with another patient. She would feel really guilty if she had interrupted anything.

"Elias!" She called out gently knocking once more.

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Elias let out a deep, silent sigh. His problem was that he cared too much; once his emotions were invested somewhere, they lasted. They hung around and clung to the recipient like those of a young child. The trouble lay in that fact that Catherine – or rather Cadence – considered herself an independent woman now. She no more needed him to protect her than she needed his lecture.

Leaning in the doorway, he let himself relax a moment as a cool breeze flitted through, the fresh scents of summer lingering in its wake. Catherine was so confident, so self-assured. There wasn’t even a trace of evident fear in her voice. Elias wasn’t convinced that she truly had any idea of the consequences of being caught for espionage, but clearly that was her decision to make and he regrettably knew to mind his tongue. After all, no matter what she considered herself these days, she was still far above Elias’ station in his eyes.

“I am not sure you do, but nevermind... Perhaps. Avonderre has treated me well so far,” he shrugged. “Continually moving does not really suit me, despite seeming to do it so much. The trouble that comes with being educated and a physician, I suppose. If your brother wishes it, then I will tend him when needs be, although I am not sure I could ever be Tyrian’s court physician again.”

It was a lamentable fact – he had quite enjoyed it – but it equally had its fraught dangers as he had experienced only too painfully within his last weeks there. Elias held the young prince Charles in high regard, however, and he would not put his own vanity before the health of the man if he did indeed call upon his services.

When it transpired that Catherine had to leave for the castle almost immediately, he nodded and began to lock up around them, preparing to leave. Elias doubted he would be gone for very long at all but in the eventuality that he was some time, he pulled a cloak from a peg as they left the humble building. “Of course you may,” he replied, raising an eyebrow in challenge to the man whom he assumed was to do with his young friend as he helped her into the carriage.

Two Months Later

Some weeks had passed since his fateful stumbling across Princess Catherine, now reduced to no one but the Lady Cadence. Her change of address was of no consequence to Elias now though, he had come to accept it, as he did most things. The only thing he had trouble grasping was spitting out the new name of Cadence, but even that was excused when he kept to formalities. And formalities did seem to be kept, he had neither seen nor heard one single word from his former friend for nearly two months now. He supposed she was always busy as a lady-in-waiting to the Queen, but at least no news meant that she must have allowed herself to heal with no complications.

Elias himself had been kept rather occupied in the cooler weather too. Maladies and mishaps appeared to have been striking villagers and townsfolk alike, and today had been his only respite. It was a strange but relaxing change, one that found him being uncharacteristically idle as he dozed in his rear courtyard in a small patch of leafy sunlight. As he sat there, however, a dim, distant knocking worked its way into his ears, one that sounded like it ought to be far closer than it really sounded. After what only seemed like a couple of seconds later, a female voice called his name. Elias frowned and opened his eyes. The knocking continued. He cursed lightly upon realising it was at his very own door and pushed himself up from the bench; so much for a day off. When he opened the front door, however, it wasn’t a patient that met his eyes. It was Catherine.

“My lady,” he said, greeting her in mild surprise. “good morning. I wasn’t expecting you.”