I watched Alaric sleep, his chest rising and falling beneath the silk sheets. Sunlight streamed through the partially open curtains, casting a golden glow across his face. Even in repose, he looked formidable, though the lines of pain around his eyes had softened considerably in the two weeks since our return to Thorne Estate.
"Your Grace?" Mariella's whisper came from the doorway. "I've brought fresh bandages."
I motioned her inside, pressing a finger to my lips. "He's finally asleep. The pain kept him awake most of the night."
She nodded, setting the tray of medical supplies on the bedside table. "Dr. Morris said the Duke is healing remarkably well, considering the severity of the wound."
"He's too stubborn to do otherwise," I replied with a fond smile.
