The Apple of My Eye -Kaz Brekker (Complete)

Chapter Six

SYRUP

Cough syrup has always been very expensive in Katterdam, that was the reason that so many people die of illness in the Barrel, losing only to the victims of homicide. Still, several bottles were delivered to Wylan Van Eck's mansion by the next morning.

Jordan was coughing a lot by the time they were taken to her. She couldn't eat anymore and not even water would withstand her strain her stomach was going through, still Laura tried to make her take a sip out of water before the syrup was put down her throat forcefully since it was so bitter. Even through her pain and fever, Jordan fought hard against being held down by her father and mother, the syrup being put on her mouth by the doctor through her screams, making her choke and finally swallow it.

Outside the room, Inej cried in silence and Nina was shaking in silence with Wylan holding her hand – they were vaccinated and, therefore, did not want to wander too far from the bedroom the child was in, not wanting to leave them alone.

"You shouldn't be here," said Kaz once the medik was gone and the three wandered in. "You might catch it."

"We were vaccinated," explained Nina. "I just met my niece, you're not keeping her away from me any longer, Brekker," she teased, trying to lighten the mood.

"I'm her godmother," added Inej, "whatever she needs, I'll find it and get it for her. Whatever you need from me, both of you, I'll be here to do," she walked to where Laura was sitting beside the sleeping Jordan and touched her shoulder. "How are you?"

"Oh, Inej, it is a comfort to see you," said Laura, holding her hand.

Inej smiled sadly at her, watching how deep the bags under her eyes were. Her face was red and bloated since she had cried most of the night as she tried to comfort her sick child, who seemed to hate her for holding her down and forcing her do drink the bitter medicine.

"We agreed the three of us will bring medicine, food and clothes up," said Wylan watching Kaz, who was sitting on the chair near the closet, far away from the bed, face paler than ever and back hunched in defeat. "We will be always around, at least one of us will always be nearby, so all you need to call if you need anything."

Jordan made a noise, whimpering and coughing as she woke up.

The whole room froze in place as she gasped for air, throwing herself to sit down. Laura was quick to put the bucket under her chin as she threw up the three sips of water.

Inej jumped onto the bed, petting the little girl's back with wide eyes hoping that the small act could be seen as a comfort.

The little girl turned her eyes to her. Her eyes were unfocused and foggy, but she seemed to see Inej anyways.

"Are you the pretty pirate?" she asked, voice hoarse.

Wylan almost winced as she noticed that the voice had the same hoarseness that Kaz's voice had. Now that he knew that Kaz had firepox, his voice made sense – it was the consequence of a childhood illness that never left his body though the illness did; Wylan felt dreadfully sorry for making fun of his voice or imitating it now.

"Yes!" Laura said, voice a bit excited that the girl seemed conscious enough to understand that much around her. "This is Auntie Inej. Do you remember Dada telling you about her?"

"Inej," mumbled Jordan.

"Hello, Jordan. It's very nice to meet you," Inej said, smiling at her.