Day 108

evening

I'm no longer surrounded by nothingness upon my next awakening. The wafting scent of roast chicken fills my nose urging me to open my eyes. I feel reluctant though- for some reason. I guess it's because I don't know what to expect or where I am. All I'm aware of is that it's just me and Luca somewhere in the kingdom of Acullis.

My eyes felt heavy, forcing them open like they were super glued. I could hear the shifting of objects but my body still felt naught. "Luca?" I picked up his scent barely a moment before my eyes could finally see the light of setting sun.

The room I seemed to be in held muted colors and light was feeble from a tiny 4-squared window on the scratched up wooden wall to my right. Luca was standing in front of a table to my near left fixing the arrangement of food he probably placed on it. And there was the roast chicken I've been smelling since regaining consciousness. "Luca, hello?"

"Riselle, you've woken up just in time. I made you dinner."

Oh he can cook? That's surprising. I instinctively attempt to move my arm until realizing I still couldn't feel my body. What I was able to see were only the things in front of me, in my field of vision. The window, table, and this place looks real dusty. "What's up with this?"

"Just a spell." The mage with this ridiculous spell responded nonchalantly. I would shoot him a scowl or at least frown to express that I'm uncomfortable with this but I couldn't do that either. Like this, I can't even figure out what position I'm in, but with the way I'm seeing everything I think I'm seated.

The most I can do is move my eyes, blink, breath, and open my mouth to speak. To attempt a facial expression with just my eyes and mouth would make me look dumb. Luca you damned mage!

"Remove the spell then!"

Luca didn't respond to me and silently came forward with the plate of roast chicken. How does he expect me to eat if I'm like this?

"Say ahh!" The dumb mage had cut the poultry into parts, bite sizes. He stabbed a piece with a wooden fork and held it up in front of my mouth with a mocking grin on his face.

"Just what kind of games are you trying to play with me? This isn't a surprise birthday gift, it's humiliation. Sadist!"

"You don't want it? I'm ok with eating it all then. Roast chicken marinated with different types of herbs, my special recipe! And shall I remind you that you haven't eaten in three days?"

Right... I've been unconscious for three days. Three days of no food, hydration or even using the toilet or a shower!? "Undo this spell right now and let me live! Come on Luca this is going too far."

"And if I don't?"

"At some point my body will die then!"

"Hmm..." Luca sets the fork down on the plate. "It's true that I don't want you dying on me. I'll remove the spell but you need to promise me one thing."

"And that is?

"Don't attempt to leave this house."

"Alright fine." I agree to this promise, this rather weird one. I'd say it's more of a condition but honestly I couldn't care less and just wanted the right to move my body back.

Luca lifted his hand and poked the center of my forehead. There was no pain whatsoever but it was a fleeting moment for me to rejoice! I was mobile once again! "Your body is going to need to adjust from all the days you were paralyzed. Take it easy on the movements."

"Hmph. I wouldn't have to be dealing with this if you didn't use such a spell on me." I rolled my eyes and steadily stood up. My body didn't feel much different than usual, just a bit more heavy but it was bearable. "Where's the shower room?"

"You aren't going to eat first?"

"Not until I can stop thinking about how I haven't done hygiene in three days!" I respond with a slightly infuriated tone. It's shameful to have gone three days like this. I don't even have other clothes to change in or stuff to brush my teeth.

"But I have nothing for you to use if you plan to shower. Unless you're alright with male shampoo-"

"That's the problem! Just what were you thinking taking me here anyway!?" A part of me started to grow even more irritated but I'm trying to stay calm. I don't want to lash out at Luca since he's a friend.

"How about I head out to a nearby shop and buy the things you'll need?"

"You're okay with that?"

"Just keep your promise and don't leave this place."

"Yeah yeah."

"Alright then." Luca handed me the plate of roast chicken he's been holding since earlier. The poor meal has gotten cold. "You should eat while waiting for me to return. I won't be long."

"I will."

The mage turned away and left the room I was in. I put the roast chicken down on where I was previously seated and observed the rest of the room. There was nothing much to it, the area behind me that I couldn't see earlier was just shelves of book and herbs. I wonder what everyone in the castle is up to now. And why I was taken here with Luca.

By now I can at least figure out that this is no birthday surprise so then what is it? Could it be, a situation similar to the time I got kidnapped by house Lunaria and Rowan had be taken here to be protected? I hope he's doing well.

Whenever I think about him, my mind wanders back to the time we kissed. The feeling still lingers. Like a sharp pain missing him, a warm feeling of wanting to be closer with him, and worry when he isn't around. But first I think I should be worrying about the roast chicken. The worst thing I could possibly do to myself is waste food like this.