Rainer looked up at me, his face pale. Go on without me, I know you can manage, he said through gritted teeth. I'll be fine. Just... go.
I hesitates, but Rainer insists.
watched as the guards rush over and took Rainer away to be treated.
I waited for a long time, but he didn't come back.
Just as i started to get worried, i heard a voice behind me.
Are you okay?
I turned to see Ryker, Rainer's brother, standing there. He's dressed in hunting gear and looks like he's been in the woods.
surprised to see him, but was also relieved. Yes, I'm fine, i said. But Rainer was hurt. He fell off his horse.
Ryker's expression turns concerned. I'll go check on him, he said. But first, let me walk you back to the castle. It's not safe for you to be out here alone. As i and Ryker walk side by side, we saw a figure in the distance. As we got closer, i realized it's Rainer, and he's with Lady Calantha. My heart sank as i saw the way Lady Calantha is looking at Rainer, and the way she's touching his arm.
I felt a surge of anger and jealousy. I can't believe that Lady Calantha would try to seduce Rainer, especially after what happened earlier. I quickened my pace, my heart pounding in my chest.
Ryker noticed my expression and followed my gaze. He sees what's going on and his eyes narrow. He can tell that I am upset, and he doesn't blame me. Lady Calantha is definitely overstepping her bounds.
We got closer, and Lady Calantha looks up, seeing us approach. She quickly drops her hand from Rainer's arm, but I've already seen it.Eyes flash with anger as i looked at Lady Calantha, then at Rainer.
Rainer looked at me his expression uncertain. He can tell that i'm upset, but he's not sure why. He looks at Ryker, then back at me. What's wrong? He asked, taking a step towards me.
I didn't say anything. Just looked at him, eyes flashing with anger. Rainer takes another step towards me, his hand reaching out. But i turned away, walking quickly towards the castle.
Rainer looks at Ryker, confused. What's going on? he asks. Ryker just shrugs. I think you should go talk to her, he says. She's upset about something.
Rainer nods, then takes off after the me. He catches up to me easily, grabbing my arm and turning me around. What's wrong? he asks again, his voice soft and gentle.
Looked up at him, my eyes still flashing with anger. Why were you with her? I asked, voice low and even.
Rainer looked at me, confused. I was on my way back to you, he says. I got held up by the doctor. He was checking out my arm. I looked at his arm, seeing the bandage. But you were with her, I said , voice still angry. I saw you. She was all over you.
Rainer's expression changes from confusion to understanding. Oh, that, he says. She was just... uh... congratulating me on my recovery.
I raised an eyebrow. At the time I saw you both, you were far away from the doctor's office. And she had her hand on your arm. She was not congratulating you.
Rainer sighs, realizing that I'm not going to let this go. Look, I'll talk to her, okay? I'll make sure she knows to leave me alone and respects boundaries. But please, don't be angry with me. I love you, not her.
"Huh"
What do you mean you love me not her
Rainer looked at me, his eyes sincere. I mean that my heart belongs to you, he says. I love you, and only you. Lady Calantha is just a friend, I know she like me but nothing more. I don't have feelings for her, and I never will.
I looked at him, searching his eyes for any sign of deception. But all I saw is sincerity and love. I felt my anger melting away, replaced by warmth and happiness.
I reached out and touched his cheek, her hand gentle. I love you too, I said softly. But please, be careful around her. I don't trust her.
Rainer nods, his eyes crinkling at the corners. I will, he said. I promise.
He leans in and kissed me, his lips gentle and loving.
I pulled back from the kiss, looking up at Rainer with concern. How's your arm? I asked. Does it hurt a lot?
Rainer shrugs, his expression nonchalant. It's not too bad, he says. Just a little sore. The doctor said I'll be fine, just need to rest it for a few days.
I nodded, still looking concerned. I'll make sure you rest it, I said. You can stay in bed all day tomorrow, and I'll bring you food and everything you need.
Rainer smiles, his eyes crinkling at the corners. That sounds like heaven, he says. But for now, I'm fine. Really.
Just then, a maid approached us, curtsying low. Excuse me, Your Highness, but it's time for your bath. The water is ready, and your maid is waiting to help you.
I nodded, turning to Rainer. I'll see you later. You should go rest that arm.
Rainer nods, smiling. I will, he said.
I love you.
Smiled back. I love you too. I turns and follows the maid, leaving Rainer to make his way back to our chambers.
I followed the maid to my personal chambers, where a warm bath is waiting for me. I thanked the maid and began to undress, slipping into the bath with a sigh of relief. The warm water felt so good on my skin, and closed my eyes, relaxing.
The maid returns with a tray of food and a glass of wine, setting it down on a table next to the bath. She helped me wash my hair and body, then hands me a towel to dry off with.
Once I dried up and dressed in a comfortable gown, the maid helped style my hair and apply a light dusting of makeup. I looked at the mirror, feeling refreshed and renewed.
Thanked the maid and dismisses her, then sat down at the table to eat.
I thought about Rainer, hoping his arm is okay and that he's resting. I'll just leave him rest for now.
I just finished eating the meal, feeling content and relaxed. I got up from the table, intending to go to bed. But as I walked, i started to feel dizzy and disoriented. Tried to shake off the feeling, but it only gets worse.
Loosing balance I stumbled and fall,hitting my head on the bedpost. I tried to get up, but everything goes black.
The maid, who had been waiting at the door, rushed to find the princess unconscious on the floor. She gasps and calls for help, and soon the room is filled with servants and guards.
Prince Rainer was summoned, and Rainer came running to his wife's room his face pale with worry. He saw her lying on the floor and rushes to her side, lifting her into his arms. What happened? he demands, looking around at the servants and guards.
The maid steps forward, trembling. I... I don't know, she says. I brought her dinner and drink, and she ate and drank like normal. Then she got up and... and fell.
Prince Rainer looked at the maid suspiciously, but he says nothing. He turns to the guards. Take her to our bed, he said. And summon the doctor.
The guards lifted the princess gently and carried her to the main bedchamber. Rainer followed, his eyes fixed on her face. He sits down beside her, holding the princess hand and waiting for the doctor to arrive.
When the doctor came, he examines the her and asks Rainer a few questions. Then he turns to Rainer, his expression serious. She's been poisoned, he said. But don't worry, it's not fatal. She'll sleep for a while, but she'll be fine, it's a good thing she was attended to on time.
Rainer's eyes widen in shock. Poisoned? he asks. Who would do such a thing?
The doctor shakes his head. I don't know, but I'll do my best to find out the source. In the meantime, make sure she's safe and comfortable.
Rainer nods, still looking shocked. He turns to the guards. No one is to enter this room except for the doctor and me, he says. Do you understand?
The guards nod, and Rainer turns back to Ayla. He took her hand in his, holding it tightly as he waits for me to wake up.
The king called a meeting with Rainer, Ryker, and all the people in charge of the food and drink.
They gather in the throne room, looking worried and concerned.
The king stands at the front of the room, his expression stern. We have reason to believe that the princess was poisoned, he says. I want to know who is responsible.
Rainer steps forward, his jaw clenched. I agree, he says. We need to find out who did this to my wife and punish them.
Ryker nods in agreement. I'll help with the investigation, he said.
The king nods. Very well.