#14 Beginning of a Friendship

Avalea

Aldrich expertly lights the fire, even though there’s no kindling, with the help of a tiny burst of my magic. Although it’s a small fire, I place an invisible dome around it so that the smoke from it doesn’t fill up the small room.

We share the bread and cheese, and finish the remainder of the water from the waterskin. He insists I have the larger share of our meager meal, disregarding all my protests. He has so much kindness in him, it's making my heart melt.

“Don’t worry about it, Your Highness. You need to build your strength. The sooner you recover, the sooner you can leave.”

He speaks the truth of course, simply putting into words what I have been thinking all along, but his words make me feel sad. He wants me gone. Of course he wants me gone, I scold myself. I would want me gone too, if the roles were reversed.

“I’m sorry. I’ve imposed upon you without meaning you. I’m sure you’d rather be doing anything other than babysitting me. I’m so sorry, Aldrich,” I sniffle, tryin