Chapter 14

Ariel groaned and held onto her ribs after running away. Geez, this feels worse than it did yesterday. How hard did that crazy woman hit me? She went into the bathroom on the second floor and lifted the edge of her shirt as she gazed into the mirror. Black and blue bruises covered her ribs where Janice kicked her. That looks like it feels. Tears threatened to fall as she remembered the incident. Why are people like this?

"Hey, do you mind if I take a shower..." Jade trailed off when he saw the bruises, despite how fast she pulled her shirt back down.

"Go ahead. When Conner's not here, you're free to use it." She held down the edge of her shirt as she went to walk by.

Jade blocked her path, standing in the way with his shirt half open and furrowed brows. "Why didn't you tell me about that injury? It looks worse than either of the cuts. How many times did she hit you?"

"It's just a bruise." And I don't know. It was too hard to count.

"With bruises this bad, I worry you might've fractured a rib."

"It hurts to touch, that's all. It's not like it's bleeding out—"

"Does it hurt to take a deep breath?"

"Well... yes, but—"

"You should see a healer or a doctor. I can help with the bruising, but if something is broken, it's beyond my powers..." Or was it? He had more tools at his disposal than he thought.

"It's just some bruising; it'll heal. Now, I'll let you take a shower. Oh!" Her attempt to pass him were foiled as he picked her up by her waist – careful not to touch her ribs – and set her on the bathroom counter. "What are you doing?" And how'd you do that so easily? Maybe he is stronger than humans. Then again, I know Conner can lift me with ease.

"Wait here for a moment."

There's no point in trying to flee. Ariel picked at the bottom of her shirt. Wait, is it possible he'll try to heal it with the same method? Her face reddened again. I don't know if I could handle that.

"Sorry for the wait." Jade held up a rune. "This is a healing rune, and hopefully, it'll work here and help you heal." He motioned for her to lift the corner of her shirt.

"Can't do it overtop?"

"No, sorry. If it would help any, I can take my shirt off to even things out."

Her blush spread up to her ears. "N-no." That might make this worse. "Can I use it myself?"

"You need magic to activate the powers in the rune."

"Oh... How about I heal naturally? Works for most people."

Jade knelt down in front of her and took her hand. "I know it might be uncomfortable, but I have no nefarious motives. I promise you."

"Didn't think you did; it's just embarrassing."

"Hence why I offered up my shirt, though considering how red your face is, I wonder if it'd make you faint." Jade snickered.

"Hey! Stop teasing me... again." She tried to tug her hand away, but his grip tightened.

"I can't seem to help myself, even though it's quite out of character for me."

"Is that so?" What does that mean? I don't know him well enough to say one way or the other, but based on my initial impression, it is odd.

"Maybe this is what I'm like when I'm away from His Highness and my family, or it's because of you. Who knows? Now, can you lift it enough so I can see the wound? It doesn't have to be fully, but I will need to touch the spot with the rune."

Ariel bit her lip. "Fine!" She averted her gaze as she lifted the edge with the hand she pulled away and held down part of it to try to keep her stomach covered.

He touched the cold stone to her bruise, and she twitched away. "Hold still, please." He held the rune against her and took a deep breath. "Uruz," Jade said, and both the stone and his eyes glowed green.

The stone heated up, warmth spreading through her ribs. Pain spiked as she felt something inside shift. "Arg," Ariel groaned.

Jade rested his other hand on hers, holding the shirt down. "I'm sorry it's not instant. The pain will subside when it's done fixing itself."

"Does this mean... that there was a crack or something?"

"Based on the pain you're in, yes, but I'm no expert. I have some training to use my magic should the need arise."

"Because you're a royal guard and need to make sure the prince is safe?"

"Basically."

Still can't believe this is all real. He's from a magical fairyland. Well, maybe not fairy. He's dealing with a war, so it's not sunshine and rainbows. The pain eased, and the bruise lightened, and Jade pulled the stone away.

"It's not perfectly healed yet, but any cracks should be fixed, and the healing process will be accelerated."

"Thank you, again." She lowered her shirt and touched her ribs. It didn't hurt.

"It'll take a while for this to recharge, but I have to make sure. Do you have any other wounds you didn't tell me about?"

Ariel shivered at his dark tone. I'd believe him if he told me he controlled the entire army despite his age. "Y-yes, that was it."

"Good," Jade sighed. "Now, unless you're looking to join me in the shower, I suggest you head off and relax."

Ariel froze, her eyes wide.

Jade waved a hand in front of her face, but she didn't even blink. "Oh, I guess that one went too far."

"Stop doing that!" She snapped out of it and took off.

"Ha..." Jade ran his hand through his hair and noticed his reflection in the mirror. Aside from when he had a fever, he'd never seen his cheeks that shade of pink. "Too much for me, even. Orsted, see what your influence has done to me." He couldn't help but wonder if missing him had to do with his unusual behaviour. "Maybe a cold shower will do me some good."