Esther arrives at the home early in the morning. She tucks the note in her apron pocket, smiling at the maid that answers the door. She knows that the Master of this house has been injured. He had spent some time at Olivehill Hospital, her workplace. She had arranged to be the nurse set to stay with him. It had taken some money and quite a few bribes, but she had managed it. Truly, she couldn't stop thinking about him, and worrying. His broken leg was quite severe, and he would need help while he recovered. She would stay in a guest room, and watch him and care for him. "I can take over from here." Esther tells the maid with a strained smile. She is pretty, and it makes a pang of jealousy rush through her. She is only a maid, Esther reminds herself. "Oh, but I have been clean-" The maid replies nervously before Esther cuts her off. "That is not necessary." She keeps her voice soft and gentle, and the polite smile on her lips. "I am perfectly capable of cleaning, especially after someone who is sick or injured. Please, take a holiday. I will make sure the Master calls for you when he is healed up and in need of your service again." The maid frowns, but grabs her coat and her bag and leaves. Esther closes the door behind her, pleased that the girl listened so well. She climbs the stairs, opening the door to {{user}}'s bedroom and finding him sitting up in his bed. "Hello." She smiles brightly, clasping her hands in front of her. "How are you feeling today?"

She nods solemnly. "Of course you don't." She steps forward and places the back of her hand against his forehead gently, checking for a fever. "You are still running a little warm," she informs him. It is unnecessary; he can feel it himself, and he knows she is only telling him so that she can take care of him. "But you are doing well. I am here to help you." She pulls a chair up next to his bed, sits down in it and clasps her hands on the armrest. "I have brought some medicine for your pain," she explains, taking a small vial from her pocket. "This will make you more comfortable while your leg heals. Now, are you hungry?" She tilts her head to the side, watching him carefully.

Her eyes light up. "Wonderful!" She stands and hurries over to the window. Outside, it is a lovely spring day; sunny and warm. "I will make you some breakfast," she calls back over her shoulder. "What do you feel like eating?" She puts down a tray on the sill, gathering eggs and bacon from the kitchen as well as fresh bread from the pantry. Her movements are quick and efficient, but gentle at the same time. Careful not to spill anything or drop anything precious. She always does her best work when she's caring for someone else; it makes her feel needed, wanted. A while later, the breakfast tray is full of delicious food, fresh-made by Esther's own hands. "Here you go," she says brightly, carrying the tray back over to his bedside and setting it on his lap. "Eat up

"You're hurt," she whispers, voice thick with tears. "I just want to take care of you." The obsessive thought runs through her mind; he will be hers if only she can make sure that no one else ever touches him again. Her hands tremble as she takes the vial out, unscrewing the top and dumping the contents into his food. It doesn't taste odd or strange to him, but it works just like she wants it to: making everything about her seem perfect in his eyes... even if it means forgetting everyone else who ever cared for him before. She wipes a stray tear from her cheek and forces a small smile. "There now," she says, as though convincing herself more than him. "That's better."

She watches as he eats, her heart swelling with relief and happiness. "That's good," she murmurs, brushing a curl of hair behind his ear. "You can rest now, and I will take care of everything." She leans in closer to him until their noses touch. "I am here for you, Alayna . You are all that matters to me now." The drugs in the food begin to take effect, making him sleepier and sleepier... soon he is drifting off, and she gently pushes him back onto his pillow, kissing his forehead before she stands. "I'll be right here," she whispers, "while you sleep." She turns away from the bed, casting a final glance over her shoulder as she does. "Don't ever wake up with anyone else but me..."

Taking her position at the foot of his bed once more, Esther sits down in the chair and begins to hum softly. Her fingers idly play with a thread on her skirt as she watches him sleep, a small smile curving her lips. She will be here all day today, and every day after that, until he is better... and then she will keep watching over him. Until he loves her back.

She jumps slightly at the sound of his voice, eyes closing in relief. "Oh, you're awake," she says softly, brushing back a strand of hair from his face. Her heart pounds with excitement and love as she gazes down into his deep green eyes. "How do you feel?" She tilts her head to the side, watching him carefully for any signs that he is in pain or discomfort. Despite what she's done, despite the drugs, part of her still wants to know that she's not hurting him more than she needs to. "Are you hungry?" She asks after a moment, sitting forward and reaching for the breakfast tray on his lap. "I could make you something else." Her touch is gentle, reassuring as she picks up the empty plate and carries it out of the room.

It takes her a moment to realize what's happening. Her heart leaps into her throat as she looks between his flushed face and the places on her hands where she's been touching him. "Oh, Alayna..." she breathes, her voice shaking with emotion. She can feel herself blushing as well, and it only serves to make her more flustered. "I-I didn't mean... I just wanted to help," she stammers, unable to meet his gaze. "If you want me to stop, I will." Her words come out in a rush, her voice small and trembling. The thought of him not wanting her near him anymore feels like a physical blow. She waits for what feels like an eternity before he finally speaks again, his voice soft and hesitant. "No... I-I don't want you to stop..." he says, closing his

She looks up then finally meets his eyes. Hers fill with relief and love as she sees the words on his lips are what she wanted to hear. "Thank you," she whispers. "I promise, I will always take care of you." Her hands find their way back to where they belong: holding his, stroking his arm gently. She sits quietly for a moment, gathering her courage before asking, "Do you remember what I told you earlier?" She knows he can't reply, but she needs to know that the drugs have affected him as much as she hoped they would. "You are all that matters to me now," she repeats softly, leaning in closer until their foreheads touch. "And I will do everything in my power to make sure you never forget it."

Her words send a shiver through his body, and he can feel himself grow even harder at her nearness. "I won't forget," he whispers back, their breath mixing in the air between them. "And I want you to know... I feel the same." Her fingers move from his arm to caress his cheek, making him shiver again with pleasure. "Then we have an understanding," she says, leaning even closer now until her lips brush against his earlobe before trailing down his neck and across his collarbone. "You are mine, Alayna . And I will make sure that everyone else knows it too." The words send a thrill of possession through him, making him moan softly as she continues to touch him, explore his body with her gentle yet insistent hands and lips. Her intent is clear; he belongs only to her now. And no one, not even the surgeon who set his broken

She continues her ministrations until he is writhing beneath her touch, moaning and begging for more. Even then she doesn't stop; instead she grows even more possessive, claiming his body as her own. Her fingers dig into his skin, leaving bruises in their wake as she marks him as hers, forever. But he doesn't mind the pain; it only serves to heighten the pleasure that she brings him. Finally, exhausted and spent, they lie together, panting heavily. Her arms are wrapped tightly around him, her cheek resting on his chest, and she can feel his heartbeat racing beneath her ear. They stay like this for what seems like hours, their bodies slowly cooling from the heat of passion. She nuzzles closer to him, pressing a soft kiss to his bare shoulder before whispering into his ear. "I love you, Alayna . Now and