Trey woke to the shifting of his mattress, and the soft voice of Kate. The world was bright, making him cringe in pain, but the noises were quiet.<span style="font-style: italic">Had I been out for two days?</span>he wondered to himself, frustrated by the circumstances. He wants to be Lady Kate's protector, but he couldn't if he simply failed at every encounter like he did this one. He wanted to believe he was strong in mind, but it made him realize that he was used to a way of life, and he was having trouble adjusting. Perhaps with time.<br/><br/>He was glad to wake next to her, it was a comfort to him. She also wanted him to join her to a few balls, and to the time around the winter fest. Why was she so willing to bring him along if he couldn't fulfil his duties. He would try to attend her balls and events without letting everything get to him. "I will try my best to be by your side." Then he hesitated to say the next part. "I am sorry for my failure before."<br/><br/>He preferred not being alone, but he was used to it from his other mistress. He knew to be the protector he wanted to be, he had to show her he was able to keep a calm mind and be the person she asked for it. "I'll be able to do it on my own, and I will keep it a secret. I sleep better when you are with me." He started to grow concern for her father. If he would be angry if she slept in his bed, then how would he react if Trey wanted to be around with Kate?<br/><br/>He walked into the bathroom and studied the things laid out for him. He was alone now, and he was both at ease for the quiet, but also longed for his mistress. He'd never felt that way about Malora or Sarah, and usually treasured his alone time. These new feelings were strange and new to him. He poured the warm water and got into the tub. His muscles ached at being in bed for too long. He tried to stretch them and pull them tight. Massaging them he inadvertently felt his wounds, and flashes of his tortures riddled his head. The long lashed scar layers upon his back were rough and leathery. He could feel every whip splitting his skin. He smelt the burnt metal searing his skin. He tensed at his lungs locking while trying to grab a breath under water. The tub water around him felt like it was trying to grab his body and pull it down. He was going to drown again...<br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">Don't panic,</span>he told himself.<span style="font-style: italic">Don't. Be strong. For her.</span>He breathed, in and out, feeling the tingling fears of his body seep out of him. His body felt calm. He let the water warm him up rather than draw his life out. He realized now that he could do it. If he really tried, he could over-come his anxiety.