“If I had found you even a little later, your airway could have become blocked and you might have suffocated. Why did you not tell me sooner that you were unwell?”
“Well... I always feel sick, so I didn't know it was that serious.”
The excuse-like answer only made his expression harden further.
Clenching his jaw as though enduring something, Varkas walked to the window and inhaled the cold air.
After a long while, his voice emerged, much calmer.
“For the time being, we will remain in this castle while you recover.”
“What about the inspection tour?”
“We have already visited all the major cities.”
Rubbing his temple with his forefinger, he answered bluntly.
“Your Highness need only focus on restoring your health.”
Talia reluctantly nodded.
His overbearing tone irritated her, but she had no desire to quarrel with someone who looked so exhausted.
Speaking in a somewhat dejected voice, she muttered,
“I understand, so stop being angry. I'm already having a hard time as it is.”
Varkas's lips parted as though he wanted to say something, only to close again.
The wavering firelight greedily licked across his weary face.
Rubbing the back of his neck with one hand, he sat on the edge of the bed.
“Stop just holding it and drink. You lost a great deal of blood. Even if your stomach hurts, you must continue taking fluids.”
Relaxing at his gentler tone, Talia emptied the cup.
The sudden stimulus caused her stomach to constrict painfully, sending sharp pain through her, but she concealed it and buried herself beneath the blanket.
Then she felt warmth behind her.
Talia's body stiffened.
Lying down behind her, Varkas naturally pulled her closer.
With one hand, he gently rubbed the tightly knotted pain beneath her ribs.
His tender touch made her eyes sting.
Was this born of pity?
As always, Talia instinctively searched for hidden meaning behind his actions, but soon stopped herself.
She no longer wanted to torment herself with self-destructive thoughts.
She simply wanted to accept this warmth as it was.
Blinking in the darkness, Talia turned over and nestled into his embrace.
Varkas wrapped an arm around her back.
Through the thin shirt, she could hear the heavy beat of his heart.
Listening to its steady, powerful rhythm, Talia carefully wrapped her arms around his waist.
* * *
The castle, which had been as quiet as a grave, had become noisy.
Stepping into the hall, Lucas frowned at the kitchen crowded with merchants. Familiar faces could be seen among those bringing various ingredients.
He strode into the chaotic room.
“What are you doing in a place like this?”
“Ah, Young Master Lucas.”
Daren, who had been bargaining with several merchants, waved cheerfully.
“Have you finished everything His Grace entrusted to you with?”
“I finished all of it.”
Lucas answered sharply.
“I attended morning training without skipping, took care of the horses, and polished Brother's armor and weapons until they shone.”
“Well done.”
Daren ruffled his hair approvingly.
Swatting the hand away roughly, Lucas asked grumpily,
“So what exactly is this mess?”
“These are ingredients specially brought for Her Grace. It seems there are not many Eastern dishes she can eat. We had no choice but to purchase ingredients from merchants from the central regions.”
Lucas frowned at the sacks filling the dining hall.
How much could that tiny woman possibly eat to warrant buying this much?
Surely they weren't planning to spend an entire season here?
Looking up at Daren with serious eyes, he asked,
“Is her condition really that bad?”
“According to the healer, her stomach is practically ruined.”
Daren replied with a troubled expression.