#anywhere

Aiden strides into the baronial chambers. "Nadeen?"

He looks to the bed as he moves over - does she yet sleep?

"I was.. in a desert"

a dry voice

He places hands on her cheeks, feeling for fever, even as he unsteadily pours a glass of water to hold to her lips.

"A dream?"

"I think .. of sorts. the fire... the fire helped" She looks much better

"I have brought Healer Sylvi. She will have you on your feet in moments."

He says, with confidence that does not really affect his concern.

"Heal the others first... subjects before lord, the lord must exude... strength. " Her eyes flutter "my father taught me that. Strength is seeing to your people. The Chieftain... oh damn the woman I'm just going to say it's a point of pride and try to save some of my ego"

His eyes flash, but... he is torn, wanting to cosset her, and wanting to shake her for foolishness.

"Our people will be healed by the sight of you, hale and well. Please, my love."

"Marigold is in the most danger. She is older..."

"Then you shall be next. Between the two of you, the hold can weather any trials."

He holds her hands, watching the door, until the time comes.
----

A rapid knock at the door.

Aiden opens it immediately. "Come in."

Sylvi gets an eye at their private chambers, ooh la la!

And wow, it's nice!

And Nadeen, even sick, looks like a pallid princess out of a fairy tale

A moment of I don't belong here, but she shakes it off quickly. "Marigold is recovering," she assures Aiden as she goes to Nadeen.

"Hey, lazybones," she says, trying to get a rise out of her former housemate.

"But the others..." She looks up "Sylvi, you should tend to the thanes and the others first... Aiden rules wthout me if he must but our defenses"

Luxuriously appointed, but comfortably rather than coldly ornate. Black and gold, silver accents, but also toned by warm browns and cream. A fireplace lies dormant, there is a large hand-carved antique wooden wardrobe... a door to an ensuite bathing chamber, an attached office space, a sitting area...

This chamber might be as big as her entire Rutgers apartment!

"She will take her broth now, Healer, if I need to pinch her nose and tilt it down her throat like a horse with strangles."

A gasp "Aiden.." During the gasp her mouth IS open

"Already started. Marigold's recovering, and Mad Ernie is sharing this broth with others while I'm here with you. Multitasking. Now, lets get some of this in you." She offers some of the broth.

"YesSIR," she agrees with amusement.

His cheeks color a bit at Nadeen's gasp, but he stands firm.

And yes, Nadeen is fed some brother whether she wills it or not.

GULP and a glare, then "more please"

"Of course."

And she will take one or two more spoonfulls color and energy returning "Please spread this around. I can eat this bowl from here . Sylvi, later when we have time, I'll reward you for this"

She gives her more of the broth, but not too much.

"Hey, don't worry about that. Get better. I'll check in on you in a bit." A nod to Aiden, then she takes the broth and goes to continue her rounds, seeking out more of the afflicted.

He remains by Nadeen's side, checking the flush on her cheeks

And once Sylvi is gone, Nadeen starts to get out of her bed "oh good she's gone. I haven't showered in what feels like days. I have tasks to run, need to double check the papers. the thanes are no doubt even NOW trying to sneak ONTO duty . Trolls, even their attempts at rebellion are backwards"

Aiden pushes her back down.

"Finish the broth, and if you feel better, I will draw you a bath. THEN, we will talk about duties."

"Who do you think your... " She starts to say then, her eyes find focus they haven't had before "Aiden, how long have you been up without sleep yourself?"

"How long have I been sick?"

"Three days. Now, mind, that is three days lost in a raging fever. Mortal news is calling for two weeks of bedrest to even start getting over this ague. You will finish this broth, please."

"Three DAYS?" And so stunned is she she ..continues on the broth she was offered

Aiden is a sidhe, so he always looks good - but damn, the deep circles on his eyes are a bit hard to sell, except as the 'brooding poet soul' type.

"Lay down with me while i eat, "

"Should I not draw your bath?"

Gently stroking her hair, if she is less than fresh from being feverish, he makes no sign.

"I can shower" she says "quicker, and perhaps more bracing" She says "mmm someone has been changing my sheets regularly"

"Whoever invented the fitted sheet should be the subject of a wild hunt." He says with some vitriol.

A giggle slips out.