The Countdown

Chapter Five

Any foreign language used is translated from Google Translate so I apologize in advance if any words/phrases are incorrect.

Dr. Sean held me for a few minutes, my tears staining the white fabric. The room was quiet, minus the occasional sniffle.

He pulled back, "We need to get some food in you, okay Pookie? You've been surviving off an I.V. for two weeks now." Nathan walked out of the room at his words, sending me a small smile as he passed. Luke whispered something in his ear as Nathan made his way out.

Two weeks? I wasn't all that surprised, really. More so wondering what that meant for me. Did the King think me dead? Perhaps he forgot about me the second my broken body was dragged away.

"What... what now? What about the King? What's going to happen to me?"

They all looked solemn at my questions.

"Eat first, Miss Sang."

As if on cue Nathan walked back inside, a large silver platter in his hands. He set it down on a nearby table. Luke gathered some food and began handing it to me. There was a water container and a plate containing various fruits and vegetables.

My eyes widened. A small corner of the plate held a piece of chocolate. My mouth watered from the sight alone. I haven't had chocolate in years. In fact, I only ever remember tasting the creamy decadence once in my life. Father had came home from a business trip when I was seven. As Marie and I were laundering his clothes that night, we found a small silver wrapper in his coat pocket. There was only enough for us both to have only one bite but it was the most delicious thing I had ever tasted.

I wonder if it will taste the way I remember.

"Damnit, Luke, did you tell Nathan to get her some chocolate? She doesn't need that shit. She's healing, she needs fruits and vegetables."

My face fell. Was he going to take it back? Despite the sadness that thought put in my chest, I understood. Chocolate is a treat meant only for Royals. I was just a peasant. The fact that I had the chance to taste it just once in my life was more than I deserved.

I held the plate out to North, allowing him to remove the sweet treat.

"Oy, stop that pouting shit. North, you better tell her it's fine."

"Aw, Cupcake, he's not going to take it from you."

North grunted, glaring at the two boys then the chocolate. I nudged the plate to him some more, urging him to take it. I didn't want to cause any more problems. He glanced at me, his glare softening immediately.

He sighed, "It's fine, Sang Baby. Don't listen to me. I'm just griping."

My brows furrowed, "But-"

"Cupcake, he just told you it's okay to eat chocolate! It's time to rejoice. We should have a celebration. Gabe, can you plan a party in that short of time?"

North grunted, "Shut up, Luke."

The two boys laughed at him, his sour face increasing.

"Eat it, Pookie."

Nodding, I picked up some of the asparagus. North was right, I needed the stuff that would help me heal. The chocolate should be savored and eaten slowly. It was all I had and was likely all I would ever get.

"Gentlemen," the boys quieted down, "we must discuss the situation now. Miss Sang, I am afraid you will have to remain here for the time being. We are unable to remove you from the castle without having one of the King's guards see you."