"She is a Regulus! How dare you touch her—let alone undress her!" Wayne's voice thundered, his knuckles white against the hilt of his sword.
I rolled my eyes. He was overreacting; he didn't even know what had happened. But then Theodore spoke, his voice dangerously smooth as he stood over me.
"She was a Regulus when she was taken in broad daylight," Theodore countered. "In my house, the shadows answer to me. She is safer here than in your drafty estate."
How dare he call my family home weak? I wanted to smack the back of his head, but I settled for a cold glare. I'd deal with him later.
"Safe? You were hovering over her like a—"
"Gentlemen, please!" The doctor scurried into the room, his face pale as he looked between the two towering men. I had to give him credit—it took guts to speak up between those two.
He moved to my side, checking the bandage on my neck and feeling my pulse. "Lady Iris has suffered extreme exhaustion and blood loss. I see bruises forming on her arms. If you two don't mind, could you leave so I can examine the Lady properly?"
"No," they both said at the same time.
I groaned internally. What is their problem? Can I not even be examined in peace? Finally, they both turned their backs to me. "I will not look, but I am not leaving," the Duke said. Wayne nodded in silent agreement. It was strange how quickly they could agree when it came to hovering over me.
After the examination, the doctor confirmed what I already knew: I needed rest and a proper diet to recover. I had always been a fast healer, but this time, the exhaustion felt deeper. The room fell into a heavy silence. Wayne's shoulders dropped, his rage turning into guilt, while Theodore watched me with dark, calculating eyes.
"She stays," Theodore declared. It wasn't a question.
"Until she can walk on her own," Wayne added sharply. "And I will be staying in the guest wing to ensure her... privacy."
Later that evening, the door creaked open. Ishu stepped in, carrying a tray of tea. Her "innocent" mask was back, her eyes wide and watery. "My Lady, I heard you were resting. Please, let me tend to you. I want to make up for what happened in the forest..."
She reached for my blanket, but a hand caught her wrist mid-air.
"I believe that is my job, Baroness."
Mia stood there, her arm in a sling and her face pale, but her eyes were like flint. She had forced herself out of bed. "I am the Lady's maid. You are just... extra hands. Go fetch more water."
"Mia? You should be resting," I said, trying to sound unbothered even though I was relieved to see her.
She smiled softly at me. "My Lady, I'm fine. What matters right now is you." I nodded, not pressing the matter. I knew how stubborn she could be.
Ishu's face twisted for a split second—a flash of pure resentment—before she bowed and scurried out.
Just as the house began to settle, the sound of trumpets echoed from the courtyard. It wasn't the dark, iron sound of the Crisis family; it was the bright, arrogant fanfare of the Palace.
The doors were thrown open. Crown Prince Arwin walked in, his blonde hair shining even in the dim light. He didn't look worried; he looked possessive.
"It seems my 'beloved' has had quite the adventure," the Prince said, his eyes scanning the room until they landed on me.
He looked at Theodore with a cold, mocking smile. "I assume you have a good reason for keeping my fiancé in your bedroom, Cousin?"