Read Online Hostage by Cheryl Headford - Free Book Online Page B

companionship.” Ragnor touched Astrin’s shoulder, drawing the young man’s attention back from Rowan. “Are you feeling up to breakfast?”
    Astrin looked doubtful. “I feel sick,” he stated simply.
    “Yes, I can understand that, but it will help if you eat something. You haven’t eaten in a while, so it will make you feel stronger.”
    “I’ll try.” Astrin shrugged, licking his lips tentatively, as Ragnor handed him a piece of toast from the tray at the side of the bed. He chewed carefully, making a face, then swallowed with difficulty and looked as if he were about to throw it straight back up.
    However, by the time the whole slice was finished, he looked better and, smiling, reached eagerly for another. Ragnor nodded, satisfied, and drew Rowan to the side as Astrin continued to munch.
    “Be careful with him today. He’s stable now, but he was very ill last night. Treat him gently, and if he gets ill again like he did yesterday, call me immediately.”
    “Are you sure I should be taking him out?” Rowan asked, alarmed. Ragnor patted his arm.
    “Fresh air and exercise will do him good. He’s been asleep for too long, and after today, for who knows how much longer. Try to make sure he has a nice day, Rowan. The chances are he will remember this, and we want relations to remain cordial between our Houses.”
    “But… I—I haven’t been very nice to him.”
    “Then make it up to him today.”
    “But I still don’t like him,” Rowan protested. “And what if he starts asking questions again? I panic and say stupid things.”
    “Then don’t panic and don’t say stupid things. Divert him and put him off.”
    “But I can’t. His eyes… he… when he looks at me, I can’t….”
    “Then try harder. Take care of him, Rowan. You’ve come a long way in the last two days—go further today.”
    Rowan sighed, knowing when he was beaten, and if he was being honest with himself, he wanted to spend time with Astrin. Somewhere along the way, something had changed and now he had to keep reminding himself to hate Astrin because the truth was, he didn’t….
    “I’ll do my best.”
    “That’s all that any man can promise. Do what you want today. Take him out and try to find something that will please him. Bring him back after dinner.”
    “What then?”
    “Then he is no longer your concern, and I will take responsibility for his care, myself.”
    “I won’t see him again?”
    “As your hostage, no. In the future, as equals, undoubtedly yes.”
    Rowan was pleased. It was a relief he’d no longer be required to take care of the prince. He wasn’t quite sure why he was so relieved. All he could think of was Astrin’s body still in the bed—and trembling in his arms in the shower. No, this was pointless. It was a chore to babysit. He was pleased. End of the story. No need to question why.
    Astrin was on his third piece of toast and looked a lot better. Rowan sat down in the chair and watched him, chewing thoughtfully on his own breakfast.
    “What’s wrong? Do I have butter on my nose?”
    “What?”
    “The way you were looking at me. It makes me feel weird.”
    Rowan laughed. “What do you mean?”
    “I feel…. It’s like you were looking inside me and….” Astrin took a breath. “I can’t see anything inside me. I feel… empty… blank. There’s nothing there. I know… I know I’ve been ill and when I’m better it will come back, but right now? I’m not quite sure how to handle it. And then you… you look at me like you know me. You look and see what I can’t see—who I am, what my life was like—and it feels… weird.”
    Rowan smiled. “You’ll get used to it.”
    “The man…. The other man, I don’t remember his name.”
    “Ragnor.”
    “Whatever. He told me you’re my friend. Is that true? It’s just that… somehow you don’t feel like a friend.”
    Rowan opened his mouth, then closed it again, swallowing.
    “I haven’t been a very good friend. In fact I’ve