The infirmary sat on the opposite side of the building from the auditorium, which meant Isabella was in for a little bit of a haul. Something that didn’t bother her in the slightest. Once Violet reached the bottom of the stairs, she spared a momentary glance Isabella’s way before turning and heading down the main hall. Away from the exit. “I’m sorry, Miss York. My arms may not be as comfortable as a normal person’s but we’ll be there quickly.”

A normal person? Ah, arms made of flesh and blood instead of metal. It didn’t much matter to Isabella though because, at that moment, there was nowhere else she would rather be. After looking up, she met Violet’s eyes and shook her head. “No. They’re wonderful, and I feel…safe.” To reinforce the point, Isabella squeezed her arms around Violet’s neck before closing her eyes and falling more into the gentle warmth they shared. After a moment, she could’ve sworn Violet’s arms tightened that much more, bringing them even closer together. Something that left a little smile on Isabella’s lips. 

Within a matter of minutes, and much to Isabella’s dismay, the pair arrived at the front door of the infirmary. She was then brought inside and placed on an examination table in the center of the room. Which prompted the nurse to turn from her desk and approach them with a look of curiosity. Violet met her as she stepped up and took a moment to explain what happened during practice. When they were finished talking, both women turned and moved to Isabella’s side. 

“Hello, Miss. I’m sorry to hear about your foot. I’m just going to give it a quick examination, alright?”  

“Oh, yes, of course. Thank you.” 

“No worries, that is my job, after all.”

The nurse appeared to be only a few years older than her, if she had to guess, and wore a kind smile as her eyes went to the ankle. Isabella did her best to return the smile and then shifted her foot closer to the edge of the table.

Permission given, the nurse gently picked up the injured foot and turned it a few different ways. “Hmm, does this hurt when I try and position it?” The winces she earned in return for her effort ended up being all the answers she needed. “Well, I don’t see outward signs of damage. For now, I’m going to bandage it but try to not put a lot of weight on it for the next day or two. I know you said this happened while dancing, if you let it rest you should be fine by the time of the debut.” So, even the nurse was aware of what time of year it was? Well, Isabella probably wasn’t the first student to come in with this kind of injury.

Not being able to practice wasn’t exactly what she wanted to hear, though. Especially since she felt like she was finally starting to become proficient. “Alright. I’ll take it easy.” In reality, she would do fine after missing a few days. However, not only did each rehearsal make her feel more confident, it was another opportunity to do something special with Violet. All to be ready for an event that she looked forward to more every day.

Over the next few minutes, the nurse carefully attended to her ankle, wrapping it tightly with ample bandage to ensure it moved as little as possible. When she was finished, she also gave Violet extra so the handmaiden could do the same if something happened to this wrapping. 

“There we are,” the nurse announced and then looked up to Isabella where she sat. “How does that feel?”

Isabella didn’t answer right away, instead opting to move her foot through a range of motion. She still found a few positions that caused her discomfort but the more painful ones were harder to get to.  “It feels good. A little tight.”

“Yes, unfortunately, that’s more to protect it from you. When you’re relaxing in your room you can forego the bandages. I’d wrap it back up for sleep, though. Never know when you might get the urge to kick!” 

The mental image of her delivering accidental kick to Violet as she slept, and subsequently reinjuring her foot, had Isabella smiling for a moment before she nodded her in understanding. “I see, we will make sure to do that.” Of course, such things could happened when you shared a bed with someone but it was a risk she was more than willing to take. She just hoped coughing was the only annoying nighttime habit she possessed.

“Good. One more thing…” The nurse turned and indicated a pair of crutches where they sat leaning in the corner, ready for use by any of the students at the school. “I’d like you to take those for the rest of the day and up until tomorrow afternoon. Come by after your classes and I’ll check the ankle again. Alright?”

Isabella’s eyes followed the finger until they found what was indicated. At which point she groaned her disapproval. She hated crutches. How awkward they were to move in, how you stuck out like a sore thumb, how they made your armpits hurt.

“Now, now.” The nurse continued, one finger coming up to wag at the student after sensing her hesitation. “You have to get around somehow, and your handmaiden isn’t going to carry you everywhere you need to go.” 

Now that was an idea! Isabella’s attention immediately shifted to Violet where she stood and her expression changed to something akin to pleading. However, she was only met with a blank stare in return. So, Isabella was going to have to spell it out? Well, alright then. “Violet, is that something you could do? You are very strong, after all. And you have all that training!” Besides, would her arms even get tired? How did that work? That last part she left to the recesses of her mind lest she sound insensitive. 

Before answering, Violet looked over toward the nurse as if seeking guidance. However, the woman only had a stunned look on her face. Most likely from the fact that Isabella even asked in the first place. Clearly, it had been a joke! When the nurse remained silent, Violet returned her attention to Isabella. “Miss York, I’m not sure that’s such a good idea. While I’m physically able, perhaps it is best to utilize a more traditional method.”

Hearing this, Isabella’s face shifted more towards disappointment. There had to be a way to convince her otherwise, right? She only had to think. What did Violet care about most? Well, care about a great deal, at least. No doubt making sure Isabella didn’t get hurt was high on that list. Right? “I’m just a little worried. I’m not very good with crutches and I don’t want to hurt myself even more trying to get around on them.” Which, if she was being completely honest with herself, wasn’t too far from a possibility.

Violet turned in the direction of the crutches for a moment, then back towards the nurse who only offered her a shrug. After almost a minute of silent deliberation, the handmaiden finally relented with a slight nod of her head. “Very well. If you’re worried about further injuries then I will carry you.”

Wait, that worked? Isabella sat still for a moment, a little surprised to hear Violet give in. “Oh, alright!” From off to the side, Isabella heard a soft exhale and, in her periphery, she could see the nurse shaking her head slightly.

“So be it but try not to end up hurting both of you, ok? Now, I’ll see you tomorrow afternoon for another look.” With that, the nurse turned and moved back to her desk where she collected a pen, pulled out a sheet of paper, and began to write.

Isabella kept her attention on Violet the whole time, a broad smile gracing her lips. That was, until the handmaiden stepped forward, turned, and bent slightly at the knees. “Miss York, please climb on my back so I can take you to your room.”

Her…back? That wasn’t what Isabella had envisioned. She was supposed to be carried through the school grounds as gracefully as she had on the way here. By Violet. By her handmaiden, her Princess-knight. “But, is that the best way?” She couldn’t even muster an actual reason as to why this wouldn’t work. Not one that she would voice out loud, anyway. 

“Carrying you in my arms for that distance would be tiring, even for me. This is much more efficient.” Violet did have a point; it wasn’t exactly a short walk. Perhaps Isabella was simply being childish.

“Maybe I should just use the crutches. I don’t want you to strain yourself for me.” It was a little disheartening to admit, especially after such a lovely plan had popped into her head, but it was–

“No.” Violet’s head turned and her eyes met Isabella’s where she sat, a serious expression plain on her face. “I can do it, Miss York. I’ll be fine.” There was a determination in the handmaiden’s voice that caught Isabella a little off guard. She didn’t doubt that Violet could, she only meant that it wasn’t necessary.

“Alright, alright. I trust you can, Violet.” With that, Isabella scooted to the edge of the table and wrapped her arms around the handmaiden’s shoulders. Violet then took the opportunity to slip her arms under Isabella’s legs so she could lift her. Standing tall, she wasted no time stepping off towards the dormitory. 

Even if this wasn’t exactly what she had in mind, Isabella eventually settled in for the walk. She turned her head to the side and rested it on Violet’s shoulder, watching the world go by. Every so often she caught a glimpse of a student, or group of students, as they passed. Usually, with a look of surprise or confusion on their faces. Well, this was no dramatic carry through the school grounds, but it was still pleasant. And, in combination with their exit from today’s lessons, word would no doubt make its way from student to student.

When the two women arrived back at the dormitory, Violet opened the door and made her way to the bed so she could gently set her precious cargo atop it. After Isabella was safely down, she let herself fall back into the softness. “Always good to be home.”

Being back in their room brought a small, contented smile onto her lips. However, she soon realized how she’d referred to this room. Home. That was strange. Isabella never thought she’d ever describe this place as such. Or any place in the future. Her home had been with Taylor. It didn’t matter that it was tantamount to a rundown apartment in a war-torn city, it was theirs.

“Isabella, I’m going to start gathering water for a bath so we can soak your foot. Will you be alright?” Her name, and the question that followed, brought her out of the depths of her mind and she quickly nodded in response.

“Yes, I’ll be fine. I’m sorry I can’t help get it ready.” That was no lie either, she truly was sorry she couldn’t help fill the tub. Even if she had hated the chore before Violet showed up. 

“It’s no trouble; you just rest.” 

Isabella spent the next few minutes watching the handmaiden go back and forth between the bathtub and sink in the hallway. Even after carrying Isabella all the way home, Violet didn’t let any kind of strain play across her face. She even took both buckets at the same time! Once the tub was filled, Violet returned to her side and offered both hands so Isabella could stand up. “I think I’ll be alright to get undressed.” The implication being that she wouldn’t need an extra set of hands to get out of her clothing.

“Very well, I’ll be here in case you need something.” Following the words, Violet turned and clasped her hands in front of her dress. Well, that was a privacy of sorts. Enough for her purposes. Besides, something told her it would take a lot of convincing to get Violet to wait in another room while she was doing something precarious. Thankfully, even with grunts of frustration filling the room, Violet’s gaze remained averted. After a few minutes, Isabella was down to just her slip and she reached out to tap the doll on the shoulder. “Okay, can you help me into the bathroom, please?” 

Violet turned and nodded in response before taking up the same hand that had gotten her attention. She then passed that hand along, eventually draping it across her shoulders before sliding her own around Isabella’s waist for added support.

“Oh…thank you…” Well, she was certainly glad she left this slip on. Not that it was doing much to separate her skin from the doll’s touch. A few careful steps had them through the door and standing by the bathtub. Isabella leaned against it for support so she could remove her remaining clothing and then lowered herself into the water. All while Violet once again hovered close by with eyes looking elsewhere. 

Whatever apprehension or embarrassment Isabella felt melted away temporarily in the heat of the water and she took the opportunity to fully stretch her legs out in front of her. Which felt nice after staying in a sitting position for so long. The topic of whether or not Violet would join her wasn’t even allowed to manifest. Almost immediately, she set about preparing to help Isabella wash her hair. Once that was complete, Violet wiped her hands dry and stood from where she had knelt beside the tub.

“I’ll be right back. I’m going to get more hot water.” 

More? Well, Isabella was getting the luxury treatment today. Maybe she would have to get hurt more often! However, as enjoyable as it had been to soak in the warm water, that earlier unease came rushing back in when she realized that Violet would need to help her get out. This time, there was no way she could cover. For the first part, at least. Maybe the water had allowed her foot to heal? The pain that shot up her leg while testing that theory dashed any such hope. It did feel better, but not enough to get out on her own.

She continued to mull the problem over in her head while she washed, and through the remainder of the bath. Eventually though, she had to face facts. “Ok…I’d like to get out now.” Violet looked up from where she sat and closed the book she was reading before standing and picking up a towel on her way over.

“Very well, after you stand you can wrap this around you.” The handmaiden indicated the towel with a nod but otherwise placed it on the edge of the tub, ready for Isabella to grab when the time came. With both hands free, Violet reached down and took hold of Isabella’s wet ones. In contrast to the warm bath, the metal was cool but she paid it no mind. “Ready? One, two, three!”

Isabella took a deep breath to steady herself while Violet counted. On “three” she used her good foot to help push up while pulling against Violet’s hands to ultimately get her standing. For a few moments, she only stared into Violet’s eyes, not letting her hands drop away now that the help wasn’t needed. At least until she remembered she was completely naked. 

“T-thanks, Violet.” Isabella hastily let go of her support and reached down for the towel to wrap around her torso. While Isabella attended to her…situation, Violet waited patiently beside her. Once the towel was secured in place, the handmaiden placed a hand on Isabella’s lower back while the other indicated her legs with a pointed finger.

“Your feet will be wet; would you like me to carry you?” She looked up following her words and Isabella could see the barest hint of a smile form on her lips. “Besides, you seemed disappointed with having to ride on my back earlier. A short carry would be no problem.”

So, Violet understood her earlier hesitation about accepting the offer. “Oh, you caught that? Well…yes, I would appreciate it.” Enjoy it even. The subsequent embarrassment brought a warmth to her cheeks, which caused her to turn away as she answered. Whether Violet noticed or cared, was irrelevant as she felt the other arm slip behind her knees and the doll lift her over the lip of the tub. For such a short distance, Isabella opted not to grab on for extra support like she’d done before. It was enough to just lean in and watch the scenery change from the bathroom to the bedroom. The trip couldn’t have been longer than 30 seconds, but she was so grateful for that time.

Once Violet stood tall after placing her on the bed, she looked back towards the bath. “If you don’t need me, I’ll wash as well. Since the water is already here.” Isabella nodded her approval before sitting upright and looking up at where the nightgown hung at the end of her bed.

“That’s fine; I’ll get dressed and wait for you here.” Permission given; Violet looked back to where Isabella sat on the bed and then shifted her eyes to the garment as well. No doubt judging whether the student could truly do this on her own. Apparently satisfied she could, Violet nodded and turned to disappear into the bathroom.