The Value of A Name - One Delta's Journey

10 - Release

Calliope walked to the door, and Griffin opened it, but instead of allowing her to leave, he handed her a bundle of cloth and motioned back in.

"Alena, Calliope is going to help you into a change of clothes to get you out of that dirty dress and into something more comfortable." I nodded and moved to stand up from the bed, but Calliope and Griffin were quickly at my sides to help me.

I rolled my eyes, making Calliope laugh and Griffin slightly growl. "I'm capable of helping myself." I moved more to the edge. "I can't change at all until this IV is out of my arm, though. Can you call for the doctor and have him come remove it?" Griffin nodded and moved to the hallway. Soon the doctor came in and removed the tube, placing a bandage over the spot it had left. I stood, moving with Calliope to the bathroom. I stripped off my dress and used a washrag to wipe down my body before reaching for the clothes in Calliope's hand.

"I'm sorry you have to see me like this. I'm your Luna now, and you're seeing me naked and dirty." I tried to laugh to cover my stress around the situation.

Calliope shrugged, "Right now, you're my friend, and I need to be here for you." I pulled on the clean underwear, then the familiar leggings, and an oversized hoodie. The leggings and underwear were mine from home, and Damir must have brought them when he came to the royal grounds. The hoodie was new to me, though. I brought it to my face and smelled it, then grinned.

Calliope laughed. "Griffin's sweater?" she questioned.

I nodded and adjusted the sleeves so my hands could be seen, then I pushed the door open. Griffin's arms pulled me to his chest, and I giggled and wrapped my arms around him.

"Have fun, you two. If you need anything, you know how to get ahold of me. I'll be on the royal grounds for a few more days before heading home." Griffin nodded to Calliope, and she left the room.

I looked up at my mate. "This is a very comfortable hoodie." A grin grew across my face the more he smiled at me.

"Only my best, dear." He rubbed my back, still holding me in a warm hug.

"Can we go somewhere out of this hospital, please? I'm tired of being here and feeling watched constantly." I asked, standing on my tiptoes to appear more face to face with him.

He nodded and took my hand, leading me out of the room. He waved to the doctor as we passed him, and we made our way out of the hospital. The sun had risen on a new day, and I was shocked at how long I had slept. Griffin held my hand tightly as a guardsman walked up to him.

"Prince Alpha Griffin, the Queen and King request your presence at your earliest convenience." Griffin's head nodded, and he pulled me closer to his body.

"Alfonso, this is my mate, Luna Alena. We will have a meeting later this week to discuss her guard situation and the detail that will be assigned to her."

The man, introduced to me as Alfonso, bent at the waist. "Luna Alena, it is an honor to meet you and serve you."

I dipped my head toward the ground, then looked back up at the man. "It is an honor to have you serve me." Griffin gave my arm a light tug, and we walked away from the guard. We walked closer and closer to a small cottage nestled in a grove of trees.

"Where are we, Griffin?" I asked as we neared the cabin.

Griffin remained silent but neared the door and pushed it open. I stepped in, following his guidance, and my jaw dropped.

"Griff, this is perfect." I reached for his hand, and he wrapped his arms around me. "What is this?"

"This, my dear, is our winter oasis." He smiled. "I know it's not winter yet, but Sebastian told me about your love for winter and snow, and I thought you would like seeing our cabin."