Chapter 117 Injured Woman

117 Injured Woman

[More than two decades ago, Eves Mansion]

Snow crunched beneath Aaron's heavy footsteps. He ran through the white clearing, pure and untouched, a neverending slate of winter wonderland. His mother's warnings rang in the back of his head.

Don't go too far out. You never know the monsters lurking behind the trees. Despite her harsh words, Aaron continued with his woven basket. He was eager to find his mother's favorite mushrooms, grown only during the coldest days. Not watching his footsteps, Aaron planted face-first into the frost. "F*ck," Aaron groaned, tasting nothing, but iciness in his mouth. His knees burned from the impact, the basket flying from his grip. Even more so, Aaron couldn't believe what he saw behind him—a mound of snow, gathered much higher than the layer caking the forest floor. Aaron squinted. Was that... hair? Aaron rushed to his feet, ignoring the pain bursting from his able body. Immediately, he dug at the pile until his fingers grew numb and bright red. He nearly screamed in horror at the pale-faced woman lying still. She wore very little clothes of nothing, but a thin muslin cloth wrapped around one arm and flowing down her body.

"Oh my god." Aaron couldn't tell if she was human or not, but her beauty was astounding. Even with blue lips and hypothermia-touched skin, her features were mesmerizing. Aaron couldn't take his eyes off of her. Even when Aaron scooped her up into his arms and thundered back to House Eves, he was watching her. Her presence demanded attention, be it alive or dead.

"Aaron!" Lady Eves gasped at the sight of her son returning home in such distraught conditions, and with a random woman, no less!

"You must fetch the doctors, Mother," Aaron rushed out, his chest rising from his heavy exercise. "Goodness, what is that creature in your arms?" Lord Eves mused, closing the book in his hand.

"The physician!" Aaron insisted, running past his parents and up the stairs, where they readily accompanied him. Lord Eves sobered up instantly at the panic on his son's face. He straightened up and a butler was already rushing to his side.

"Send a horse to our family doctor, have him brought here immediately. And bring the fur coat with you," Lord Eves instructed the nearest butler, who ran off to complete the command. He watched, as his son laid the stranger onto his bed, the snow soaking the mattress.

Lady Eves softly gasped. "Arnold, you can't be serious!"

"Rose-Anne, you've seen our son," Lord Eves snorted. "We ought to care for this injured woman."

Lady Eves scowled, turning to her son in reason. "Aaron, this is incredibly improper," Lady Eves chided, her hand folded strictly in front of her. "She is a woman of unknown origins and race, what if she's dangerous? Where did you even find her?"

"When she awakes, please give her warm soup and ginger tea, and call for me as usual," Doctor Farne stated. "Thank you, doctor," Lord Eves agreed with a firm nod of his head, offering the man a smile when his wife would barely glance at a man of lower rank. He always scolded her for it, but she never listened.

Doctor Farne departed with a bow of his head.

"I'll call for the head maid," Aaron decided before anyone could stop him. He bolted out of the room as if chased by a spirit. He couldn't help his concern for the stunning woman. She must've been his age or younger. He had never seen anyone as exquisite as her. And for some reason, his heart agreed. His blood pumped fast at the thought of her wide awake.

Aaron swore he'd see to her care. He was a thorough man and seldom forgot anything. And if he could, he'd shut her from the world and keep her all to himself...

- - - - -

If the head maid was surprised by the command, she didn't show it. As the men waited outside of the room, she got to work undressing the woman, as another maid worked on stoking the fire, and another wiping her skin. Suddenly, a sharp gasp filled the room.

Lady Eves couldn't believe her eyes. Neither could the wide-eyed maid who dropped her towel. Lady Eves gritted her teeth, tolerating no mistakes.

"Not a word about this," Lady Eves warned all three servants in the room. She didn't have to tell the head maid twice, for she was wise. But the other two girls? They were young and stupid. Quick to gossip. "You hear me?"

"As you wish, Lady Eves."

Lady Eves narrowed her gaze on the tremble of their fingertips. Tch. She opened her mouth, but the doors banged open.

"Aaron!" Lady Eves attempted to block her son's line of sight, but Aaron saw it anyway.

Aaron was drawn inside by the abrupt noise. He could practically sense the air had shifted. And as his eyes landed upon the problem, he understood why. His head began to buzz and the floor suddenly spun. He remained rooted and tried to hide his surprise.

Aaron dug his nails into his palms, until crescent moons were etched into his skin. "She's pregnant."