Marriage Alliance With The Lycan Monarch
Chapter 26: Hellish Night

Chapter 26: Hellish Night

It wasn’t just my mother’s command that affected her then; it may have been a factor, but the main reason was because of her ailment.

I should’ve paid more attention and discerned this. I should have delayed our travels until the season passed; if I had known, I wouldn’t have put her body under such strain. I failed her.

"How long have you been her handmaid?"

"Upon leaving Beloria."

I shot her a questioning look, and she rushed her words. "I-I was assigned by the Archduchess as a parting gift."

I thought ladies had handmaids at a young age, or was that not the same practice there? It could be.

"And how have you come to deal with her ailments? You sound like an expert."

"I practiced medicine, my liege, not as the focus of my duties to the noble house but as a personal knowledge."

"Is there a way to ease her distress?"

"All she needs is enough rest and for the cold to pass. I can fix up a remedy for it."

"Work with Garrick for the remedy. I want it to be as effective as possible."

"My liege, there is no need to—" She stopped her words and swallowed back whatever she was trying to say. "Of course, my liege, more hands will be helpful."

"Go now."

They left, and a relief washed over me knowing that I wasn’t short-handed in caring for her, but I was yet to find ease.

I walked to the door, opened it partly, and spoke to one of my knights. "Find Lucan and bring him at once."

"Yes, my liege."

"The rest of you leave and go to your assigned pose, five should do here."

"Yes, my liege."

"And you, carry out this order to the castlekeepers, ensure they are swift, and any delay will have consequences. I want the entire room in this wing to be worked on. Construct fireplaces. I want braziers placed near the beds, not too close but enough to chase the chills. Hang thicker curtains on the windows. Bring furs and extra layers for the bedding."

"Yes, my liege!"

~•~

Eloise had yet to stop shivering, even though I had transferred her to the newly constructed room. My bed chambers.

I used a towel to wipe the sweat off her face, she was cold but seemed to be sweating a lot, and no matter how much I dried her face, she excreted more of it.

I grew more worried, but that soon dissolved when I rested my gaze on the cup, steaming with little heat. It was the brew brought in by her handmaid a few minutes ago.

I grabbed the cup, debating how I should give her. There was only one way, even if I was not comfortable doing so, given that she was unconscious.

"Forgive me, Eloise." I’ll have to make it up to her later.

I took the entire liquid in my mouth, leaning down to her, and with my hand on her cheeks, I pried her mouth open.

I placed my mouth on her, a pained moan vibrating from her throat, but I didn’t stop until everything had successfully passed through her throat.

I leaned away, tucking some of her wet hair sticking to her face, gauging her reaction; her expression was still pained, but there was a slow relaxation to it.

Maybe the worst was over. Or so I thought. The rest of the night was hellish, the brew did its work, but Eloise was still under water. She kept murmuring unintelligent words and tossing her head to and fro, whimpering in pain and moaning.

I’ve spent an entire lifetime in war, chaos, and destruction, but none of those situations have made me more stressed than I am right now.

I tended to her all through. Tucking her back in the blankets when she rolled out of them to get comfortable. Gave her water through her mouth. Wipe more sweat and hold her hand when she squeezes too tightly on the sheets.

I didn’t want her to hurt herself, and if having her nails leave marks on my skin would prevent that, then I’ll not let go.

When it was first light, she had stopped shivering, and the rest of her sleep was peaceful, but her body was far too cold.

I used the towel to wipe off the remnants of sweat on her face when a voice came from the door.

"Forgive me, my liege..."

"Is the empire being attacked?" I asked absentmindedly.

"N-No, my liege."

"Then why are you disturbing me? Did I not give specific instructions not to do so?"

If Eloise wakes up disturbed by this voice, I’ll have his head.

"My liege, it’s the royal princess."

My body went stiff.

"She has come to see you."

I turned back to Eloise, lingering before dropping the towel on the bowl and walking to the door. I opened it partly, but seeing just the knight, I had to level my gaze down to charcoal grey ones.

My sister, Diana Balthar, was the spitting image of our mother. When I left for war, she was still a baby, but those few months I spent with her, especially when she held my finger with her little hand, were unforgettable.

"Is it true you brought home a human bride?"

I would be disappointed if she took after my mother’s qualities. I could already sense the disgruntled tone.

I shut the door behind me. "Is that the first thing you say to your brother you haven’t seen for years?"

"You mean a brother I know nothing about?" she countered, tipping her head to the side, arms folded.

"For a brother you haven’t seen, you were quite not interested upon my return."

"Mother made me, she said you’ve tainted the family name by marrying a human, and I shouldn’t be associated with you until she speaks sense into you."

"Then why are you here?"

She smirked like the devil. "Why else? To see my new sister-in-law. I heard she survived the visit with Mother. That is an interesting feat, or maybe Mother was merciful not to end your human toy."

"Diana," I said coolly. "My wife is not a human toy."

"Then why did you not choose a Lycan girl? Why her?"

"Your Highness!" A high-pitched voice came through, and a handmaid hurried towards us. "You shouldn’t be here if the Dowager finds you—" She paused when she set her eyes on me and quickly bowed her head. "Forgive me, my liege!"

"Can I see her?" Diana asked something completely obnoxious to her handmaid.

"No." My reply was short and simple.

"Why?" she frowned. "I’m your little sister; you answer to any of my demands."

"Because she’s tired from days of travel and needs rest. And yes, you’re my little sister, but that doesn’t give you the privilege to act disrespectfully."

"Hmph!" She brushes her long, dark hair behind. "Fine then. I shall see her some other time, and I will."

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