"I will take you there myself, Papillion. Because it is also where I live."
Though once we had arrived home at Batavian House, a certain dark cloud fell upon me that I was helpless to escape. That of my master's hairpin demise, for still in so many days I had not heard one word from the physician who had barricaded the entrance to Marius' private rooms via locked doors, barring any from entrance or contact until he deemed it necessary.
"Papillion, I want to see him so badly. And I cannot.. unless I can find another physician who will come and give a second opinion."
This seemed to instill a smile upon her face. And for one brief moment.. mischief alit her pretty blue eyes. She turned then, giving me cue to try and stop her.. as loudly as possible.. before she gave me a head start up the stairs.
I took no care in ascending the stairwell with caution, as I raced to the top and threw my back to my master's locked door.
"No! I beg you to withdraw this madness, Lady! The man is quite ill.. near to death, even!"
"Move aside," she replied, projecting her voice so that it would carry to the ends of the house. And with that she knocked upon Marius' chamber door.. demanding entrance of the other physician.
When he opened the door at last, he sure did make a point to scowl at me, for daring to bring another of his caste. Even though this is exactly what he had told me to do. I do not understand people sometimes. And though I meant the man no harm.. it was good to lay eyes once again upon Marius while Papillion talked with the physician in medical terms.
It was not until a few moments later when he had left my master in her capable hands, that she peeled down his covering to expose the bloodied bandages that sealed his wound. And for that brief moment, I grew heartsick and faint. And overwhelmed by the sight of the blood. In all this, Marius had still failed to rouse, or even blink beneath his closed eyelids.
But I could withstand no more. I ran from his room.. and from the house entirely. Only to throw myself to the ground outside and beg the mercy of every god and Priest King who might be listening. Mercy for Marius.
I do not think I can live without him.
