CHAPTER 94: 94 - OVER YOU

94

~Lisa’s POV

I sat quietly on the bed, my fingers twisting the edge of the blanket. My body still felt weak, but it was nothing compared to before. Damon had left the room a while ago after saying I could spend a week with my father. I was still trying to wrap my head around that. He agreed. He agreed.

There was a soft knock at the door.

"Come in," I said, my voice still hoarse.

The royal physician walked in with his satchel and gave me a small smile. "Good morning, Lisa."

I tried to smile back. "Good morning."

He pulled the stool close to the bed and sat down, placing the satchel beside him. "I just want to check one last time before you’re cleared to travel."

I nodded slowly. "Alright."

He checked my pulse, then my eyes and throat. He asked a few questions: how I felt, if I’d eaten anything, and if I was still dizzy. I answered them as best as I could.

When he was done, he gave a firm nod.

"You’re perfectly fine now, just a little weak, but you’ll be alright," he said. "But I advise you to take it slow. Avoid stress. You need to eat better and sleep properly."

"I will. Thank you."

He stood and left. The door clicked shut behind him.

I sat there in silence for a while.

Fine.

I was fine.

But why did it feel like nothing was fine?

I looked out the window, the morning sun spilling soft light into the room. My thoughts drifted to home. My father. His laughter. The way he always knew when I was upset, even if I tried to hide it. I missed that comfort. That peace.

I heard the door open again, and I turned.

Damon stepped in, holding a small bag.

"They said you’re cleared," he said, placing the bag on the table. "I got one of the maids to pack some of your clothes."

I looked at him, surprised. "You did?"

He shrugged. "You’re still weak. Thought it’d save time."

I blinked, unsure of what to say. "Thank you."

There was an awkward pause.

"I’ll have someone drive you there. You’ll leave in the morning," he added.

"Okay."

"Just....don’t overdo it," he said, his voice quieter now. "You fainted, Lisa. That’s not nothing."

"I know."

We stood there for a moment, me sitting on the bed, and he, standing like he wasn’t sure if he should come closer or leave.

"Do you want anything?" he asked finally. "Soup? Water?"

I shook my head. "I’m alright."

He nodded once and turned to leave, but just before reaching the door, he paused and looked back.

"Just... don’t forget to come back."

I gave a small smile, not sure what to say. I didn’t think I was the kind of person someone would miss, but hearing that from him, it did something strange to my chest.

"I won’t," I whispered.

He gave a brief nod and walked out.

The next morning, I was ready.

I wore something simple, a soft dress Damon had left on the table with the others, and pulled my hair into a low braid. I still felt a little tired, but the thought of seeing my father again made my heart beat faster. I couldn’t wait.

A maid helped me down to the car, where two guards waited. Damon wasn’t there. I didn’t expect him to be, honestly. But part of me... I don’t know. Maybe I wanted to say goodbye.

"You’re all set, Lisa," one of the guards said, opening the door for me.

I nodded, slipping into the back seat. As we drove out of the compound, I leaned against the window, watching trees blur by, watching people walk along the roads, carrying baskets or holding hands.

I hadn’t been home in weeks.

The closer we got, the more my chest tightened. I didn’t know why. Maybe it was excitement. Maybe nerves. Maybe both.

When we finally pulled up in front of my home, a small white house with a slanted roof and overgrown garden, I almost cried.

"We’re here, Lisa, one of the guards said.

"I... thank you," I mumbled, stepping out quickly.

The door to the house was closed, but the window curtains were pulled aside. I rushed forward and knocked.

"Papa?" I called softly, knocking again. "Papa, it’s me!"

There was no answer.

My heart skipped.

"Papa?"

I tried the doorknob, it was open. I stepped inside. The house was quiet. Too quiet.

"Papa?"

Then I heard it. A soft cough from the back room. I ran through the hallway and opened his bedroom door.

And there he was.

My father was lying on the bed, pale, thin, and wrapped in two thick blankets. His once-strong face looked weak and tired. His lips were dry. His eyes barely opened when he turned his head.

"Lisa?" he whispered.

Tears sprang to my eyes immediately.

"Papa!" I ran to his side and dropped to my knees. "Oh my God... What happened to you?"

He smiled weakly. "You came."

I grabbed his hand. It was warm, but not in a good way. It was too warm. Feverish.

"Yes, I came," I said, my voice breaking. "Why didn’t you tell me? Why didn’t anyone write to me?"

He coughed again. "Didn’t... want to worry you. You had your troubles."

"Oh, Papa." I wiped his forehead with the sleeve of my dress. "This is bad. You need a doctor. A real one."

"There was one," he whispered. "Said it’s just old age catching up."

"Old age doesn’t make someone look like this!" I cried, looking around. "Have you eaten? Where’s the caretaker?"

"She left," he said softly. "Couldn’t pay her anymore."

"God..." I shook my head, standing up. "I’m calling for help."

"No..."

"Yes," I said firmly. "I’m not going to sit here and watch you fade like this."

I rushed back to the guards waiting outside.

"Please," I begged, "can one of you ride into town and call a doctor? My father... he’s very sick."

"We are not here to serve you, Lisa. So don’t think of ordering us around. Alpha Damon asked us to stay for a while before coming back to the palace!" he yelled out.

"Oh, should I call Damon and tell him what you just said?"

"Yes, my lady," one of them nodded, quickly mounting the car we came with and riding off.

I walked back inside, trying not to cry. I brought water to my father, helped him sip it. I opened all the windows for fresh air and sat beside him, holding his hand.

"Why didn’t you tell me?" I whispered.

"I didn’t want to burden you," he whispered back. "You’re already... with that Alphas. I know you don’t have peace there."

"I’d never choose anything over you, Papa."

His eyes filled with tears. "I know. I just didn’t want you to worry."

"You’re all I ever worry about," I said softly.