The Biggest Twist Of All (Affocara)

Episode 13

Finally an awake uprose from the watcher. One that fronted everyone with a surprise it spoke a blessing of her presence. Those cornering the bed had tears of joy running down their faces, but how else should they have reacted?

While they collectively let go of their fear and their worries, one of them picked them up and converted them into unspeakable rage. Hiding in the hallway by the entrance was a coffee cookie awaiting their time. And knowing her it was soon. The following night, something even more unexpected occurred.

"Affogato." Dark Cacao greeted, kindly catering a wave to spruce up the conversation. "It's nice to see you're moving around."

"I've been awake this whole time or were you distracted?" He scoffed, crossing his arms as he attempted to walk on past. "Is a 48-hour nap all it takes to get your attention nowadays?"

"Now, Affogato, you know that's going too far..." Purposely, the king blocked his path with his left hand. Sensing some annoyance from his advisor's stare. "...even for you."

"Of course, the one who knows how to stay put gets the most criticism." The coffee cookie shrugged, now excusing himself from what he declares an unproductive discussion.

"And just where are you going?" He questioned.

"To get some air. Now leave me alone. Everyone here has upset me enough already."

"This kid..." The King sighed, shaking his head before turning the other way. "Whatever am I going to do with—" Interrupting his thought process happened to be another cookie he was temporarily sheltering.

"Forgive me my king." The young watcher apologized and kindly bowed before stepping out of the way.

"And just what are you doing wandering about this late at night?" The king wondered, trying to engage with eye contact, only to see she was unable to participate.

As soon as she blinked the bandage layered across her forehead had fallen, momentarily blocking the view in front of her. "I was hoping somebody could help me with this."

"But the recovery room is in the hall next door." Dark Cacao knelt and lifted the bandage wrap higher so she could see.

"I heard chatter nearby so I came here." She calmly replied.

"And are you positive this couldn't wait until morning?"

"I would've fixed it myself but I had already tired out my dominant hand by sliding the door open." Caramel Arrow explained, seeing the worry on his face worsen the more she tried to speak. "Lifting it stings even more."

"Unfortunately, I have already sent the nurse home. The best thing of advice I have to offer is to stock up on some rest."

The young watcher paused before replying. Her head bowed lower and turned to the side to avoid his gaze. "I've got enough. I want to exercise my legs a bit more for practice tomorrow."

"I appreciate your dedication but be a little realistic, First Watcher." He requested.

"..."

"Many of the other watchers are recovering themselves, and that's excluding those mourning. Just take it easy till they're ready also."

"Forgive me my king but I never said anything of attending practice." She corrected. "I'm thinking of allowing myself to entertain my own, personally."

"I admire your loyalty." Dark Cacao smiled and nodded as he invited her to walk along with him. "But you're only given one lap around the palace. So I suggest walking a bit slower."

The watcher nodded back in agreement, now ending the conversation between them. All that was to be heard was the sounds of their slippers grazing across the wooden floor. Suspensefully, the young watcher cradled her hands behind her back, taking quite an eye on her surroundings. They danced around constantly as she marched alongside the king, leading her to daze off every time they came to a stop. Countless servants have come to the king to alert them of any problems, and out of respect, she stayed to listen to their concerns also. Which thus led to her entertaining discussions focused primarily on her health. Word traveled fast as soon as the watch returned home, and having it known she was one of the injured, it was inevitable worry would eventually strike up. But, as she's learned, one smile is all it took to push those away. She never once minded their care. Truth be told, she's always appreciated it. But with it constantly extending it just grew more nerve-wracking than normal. As the two walked the stairs, they felt a sudden chill rising once they were halfway down. Which meant one of the doors to the outside was open.