Had the circumstances been different Theo might have actually been amused by how antsy Fletcher was. His bodyguard had always come off so confident and go with the flow that seeing such anxiety over such a small injury was almost endearing. Having seen the scars, Theodore could only imagine what worse treatment the other man had survived and didn't at all feel the fussing was necessary.
Pretty boys like him always turned out fine. A little pain was the least he could quietly suffer given how much worse others regularly endured. He was sure if he complained he'd just be made fun of for the fact his precious piano was at risk of losing a player or that his penmanship would no longer be as graceful as it once was. Poor pretty boy. Look how he feels so sorry for himself.
No he deserved this. This was for losing his temper. This was for hurting his friend. This was for being such a constant spoiled brat, for lacking compassion, patience, and understanding. He'd forgotten his place. Of course Fletcher wouldn't trust him after he'd kissed him in public, after he got his job threatened, after he ruined everything while swearing with an ego the size of a watermelon that it would be fine, he'd handle it, he knew what he was doing.
Theo grunted as another pin stabbed into his ribs. The women were all smiles and laughter in direct contrast to the anxious, concerned Fletcher. The nobleman for his part nodded his slightly in understanding, doing his best to offer a small half-smile. He was fine. He'd be fine. No need for his friend to worry more about his job or person. It wasn't Fletcher's fault after all. Theo was the one with petulant overgrown child temper tantrums.
Blessedly the healer arrived not much later. He was an older man known for his no-nonsense attitude but gentle hands and competent care. He was also a skilled mage.
"Ladies please. I clearly have a patient here. Can't this wait?"
"There are too many pins that need placing. We cannot stop now! Work around us!"
Theo offered the man an apologetic look while doing his best to hold his hand out still and straight for him. His bit his lip and whimpered as it was palpated, eyes shut against the pain or perhaps out of fear of seeing Fletcher's expression.
The cry however seemed to finally catch the Baroness's attention who immediately went from a fashion crazed mother to a suddenly concerned and sympathetic one. "Oh my baby my baby," she cried trying to touch his face and offer comfort. "What's wrong with him?!"
"Definitely broken," the healer murmured softly. "This could have gone seriously awry young man. You should have sent for me sooner."
"I apologize," Theo replied readily. "I knew how important this appointment was and did not dare keep these lovely ladies waiting. I will be more mindful in the future." The way he spoke came so easily as if he had been made to apologize for existing his entire life.
"Now then there are three methods of which I can repair this—"
"Oh by any means necessary! My Teddy Bear is a pianist. He must be able to use his hands by the upcoming debutante ball to entertain his sweetheart the Lady Obower. Have you met her? She's such a delightful lady isn't she?"
"As I was saying, the bones are pretty set sir but they risk falling out of place as you attempt to use the hand while it is healing. We can simply bandage the hand and allow nature to take its course. It would be very slow however—"
"That isn't an option. Next. I only want the best. Cost isn't a problem. We need this done quickly!"
Theo swayed slightly where he stood, his vision going a bit fuzzy as his mother continued to keep interrupting the healer. "Perhaps Mother we could let Mr. Stoney finish his assessment," he whispered. His stomach turned again and he wondered if he was ill right here how long he'd survive afterwards for causing such offenses.
"Are you well, Honorable Lord Archer?" The healer placed a hand on Theo's shoulder while trying to peer into the man's eyes.
"I will be fine under your care, thank you."
The older man, ignoring the Baroness's prattling, squinted his eyes before reaching into his bag and unwrapping a small candy. "This will settle your stomach sir. Just don't chew it." He continued as Theo popped the ginger and honey pastille in his mouth with a slight grimace at the taste.
"As I was saying the fastest option is to cast a healing spell however they have a tendency when it comes to hand and arm bones to be rather volatile on rare occasions or to heal improperly. My recommendation is a hybridization of magic and nature. If I use magic I can splint and hold the bones in place while allowing the body to do what it needs to. However, it will be much more painful but will also heal much faster and in theory correctly. I can prescribe mandragora for the pain but it will mean you will be confined to bed until it heals as the effects are quite strong."
Theo was already in the process of nodding his head to accept the more painful option when his mother started off asking after the speed of healing and if he'd be able to play piano. His vision blurred again, the edges turning black as swayed again, completely unsure if he'd manage to catch himself before he fell off the pedestal.