Phoenix Reborn: My True Brother - Episode 6

 

Chapter 6

That had been the most painful bath she'd had in a while. She watched as the blood coloured water drained as she kept reminding herself not to cry. He'd know, he always did. She hurriedly put the bandage over her wounds. Needless to say it was badly done, put on a fresh tunic and trousers and went downstairs. She quickly ate the food waiting for her and joined her brother. 

The physical training of that day had been particularly gruesome and she'd almost cried with relief when the intellectual lessons had begun . Amin had tried to help her out but that ass of a tutor they had always made him go some place else. They knew their dad would be watching so they did as he said. Amin however made sure he felt sorry. For an eight year old, he could punch really hard and had been sure to strike the tutor at sensitive spots.

Amir had looked on in silence admiration. He knew full grown men who'd taken time off to heal after similar punishment. But his daughter had gotten up and followed through with an extremely difficult task. The anger he'd felt washed away with each second he watched her and in it's place, pride. He knew the tutor he'd hired was s sadistic prick responsible for hundreds of gut wrenching murders, but he wanted to see how they would react when they'd finally had enough. In the meantime, learning from the best was an added bonus.

Dinner that night had been quiet

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. After the meal, Amir had cleared his throat and looked at his daughter, "What was wrong with you this morning?"

She looked at him long and hard and considered lying but knew that would only invoke his wrath, so avoiding his eyes she replied, "I just missed mom. It's her first death anniversary today and I just wish I'd been able to see her, or at least take flowers to her."

Amin looked at his sister sharply. She'd told them months back how her mom had died and how she'd been forced to bury the body by herself. When his mother had died, he'd been devastated but at least he'd had his father. He'd long learnt how to channel his grief and anger and he now wished he'd had the sense to teach her how to do the same.

Amir on his part felt guilty. If only he'd known. He however couldn't let the remorse on his face show least his men thought him soft.

Read " Phoenix Reborn " by the same author ( Sylvia Maleko )

. Walls have ears, so instead of showing sympathy, he'd said something that stunned both of them, " Let the dead bury themselves. Go to your rooms and sleep." They slowly got up and headed for their floor, just as they got to their doors, Amin cut her off and opened her door instead.

"What are you doing, you heard him."

"Since you seem hell bent on shutting me out, I'm going to help you with your wounds instead. Consequences be damned."

"But..."

"The sooner we start the sooner I can leave," he said cutting off her protest.

"Since you insist, get the first aid kit, and a bowl of warm water."

"Yes your highness," he says giving a mock bow and shutting the door, "but I know how to dress wounds just fine. I'm the one that taught you remember."

"Okay Mr. Know it all."

"That sounds like a nick name bestowed on a braty royal."

"You might as well be one, weren't you the one that said you'd make a more convincing prince of Tumbaktu?" she says smiling at his joke despite the pain she feels as she takes off her tunic.

"I stand by my words sister. Just look at this face," he tells her trying unsuccessfully not to wince at her back then helps her remove the loose bandage. He then wets the cloth in the warm water and begins to clean her wounds. He hurries as she flinches with each touch.

"Try not to move to much, it'll hurt less," he says applying a fast healing salve onto her back.

"I'm trying," she replies through gritted teeth.

He hands her painkillers once he's done and starts leaving.

"Thanks."

"Don't mention it. What are brothers for? I just wish I could have done more."

"You did plenty. Thanks again."

"Goodnight Jay," he tells her smiling and opening the door.

"Goodnight your highness," she replies mirroring his earlier joke. He laughs and leaves.