Basil had to hold me tightly and I had to look away so they could reinstall everything. Once that was over, the med staff finally left us and I breathed a sigh of relief. It's early morning now, around six AM. Basil fell asleep a little while ago. He's so sweet and caring. He never left my side and when I explained my bone deep phobia of hospital equipment, specifically needles, he was quick to understand part of why my sanity came into question last night. I smile and lean back on the pile of firm, warm pillows, looking up at the ceiling. 

Apparently I was found at ten last night and awoke at midnight. Basil, who had been more heavily sedated than me, figured out that I'd been gone for ten minutes when he came to after dozing off. He alerted the park employees and authorities to my disappearance and might have mobilized the army, as he told me, if I hadn't been literally stumbled upon. Fritzi disappeared and Basil assured me that he has sent out a team to apprehend her, although he refused to fall asleep for fear she might infiltrate the hospital. So I slept, or tried to, and he fell asleep as well. I just woke up, somewhat rested. I look down at him. He's leaning back in the bedside chair, head droopy, breathing deeply. His hair is messy in a cute way. I reach over and smooth it out, running my fingers absentmindedly through his hair. It's as soft as it looks. I sigh, frowning, "I gave you quite the scare..." 

"Miss Roux?" Inquires the nurse from earlier. I smile and turn away from Basil. I can tell that she's scared of me after what happened earlier. 

"Yes?" 

"Are you feeling better?" She slowly approaches me. I nod. 

"A lot." 

"The doctor wants to keep you here until tomorrow for safety," She takes my temperature and checks my vitals, "You still have a little ways to go in terms of returning to full health." 

"Of course." I agree. She detaches the wires and lowers the bar, offering her arms. 

"We need to make sure you can walk, and I'm sure you'd like to freshen up." 

"Yes, I would like that." I reply without thinking and she helps me down from the bed, guiding me to the bathroom. My legs don't fail and she stands outside as I do what I need to do, slowly reactivating my bodily functions and freshening up. I stare at the hospital gown and ID band, then eye my now washed and dried clothes which are sitting on the counter in a plastic bag. I re braid my hair and then exit, swaying to and fro a little. 

"You did a number on yourself, Miss Roux. Take things slow." 

"Okay." She follows me, ready to catch me if I fall, as I walk back to the bed and get back on top of it. She checks me over again before leaving to report to the doctor, helping me resettle before popping out. I lean back and close my eyes, willing myself to sleep. It is the best way to pass time in the hospital, from my experience. 

"Zipporah?" Basil awakens me and I smile, opening my eyes to look at him. He smiles in relief and reaches for my hands, taking mine in his and kissing my fingers gently. 

"At least you slept, Basil." I remark, glancing at the room clock. Eight AM. He sighs. 

"How do you feel?" 

"Better." I answer. 

"I'm glad. If we hadn't found you when we did, you might not have recovered so quickly and I'd be a wreck." 

"You're sweet to have stayed, Basil. I'm happy you didn't leave. I've never liked hospitals and your being here helps more than you know," I chuckle, "Although I don't think there will be any topping last night in my record of dates." 

"I'm so sorry that happened. I shouldn't have dismissed my alarm antennae. I'll make it up-"

"No, Basil, really! It's fine! It wasn't your fault. I promise!" I smile reassuringly. He doesn't return it, gloom clouding his eyes. 

"I thought Fritzi might do something drastic, but what she did last night is unforgivable." He rubs my hands with his and looks into my eyes.

"She knows it is, but she did it anyway. I got her mad enough to do it," I shake my head, "If I'd kept my mouth shut and not called her out, maybe she might have done it a different way." 

"You called her out!?" 

"Yeah... she didn't like the truth." 

"Sounds like her," He stands up and hugs me, enveloping in safety, "I'm so sorry this happened to you, Zipporah." 

"It wasn't your doing, but you're forgiven nonetheless." I lean into him and he rests his head atop mine, hugging me tightly. Slowly, he shifts downward and our lips meet. He holds me around my waist with one arm, using his free hand to support my head as we kiss. 

"Excuse me, Miss Roux, Prince Basil-" We tear apart as the nurse comes in. 

"Yes!?" Basil blurts, blushing red. I almost chuckle. The nurse curtsies respectfully. 

"Her royal Majesty Queen Felicie Kaiser and a Miss Cirila Falkenrath have come to see Miss Roux." 

What will happen now? Thanks for reading! Please vote and comment and check out my other stories! 

~Uilosris