The Dragon King's Hated Bride
Chapter 118: It Can’t Be

Chapter 118: It Can’t Be

>>Aelin

Warmth.

The first thing I noticed was the warmth of the blanket pulled gently over my shoulders. Then the scent of chamomile, clean linens, and something faintly sweet—like wildflower honey. My eyes fluttered open slowly, the light of the sun filtering in soft golden threads through the tall windows.

I was back in my bed.

Again.

But this time, I wasn’t alone.

A familiar figure sat beside me in a cushioned chair, woolen robes bunched around her small, round form. Lazelle. The kingdom’s best healer—an odd little sheep demon with droopy ears and a voice like cotton. She smiled the moment my eyes met hers.

"Oh good, you’re awake," she said, her voice gentle as ever. "How are you feeling, dear?"

I blinked. My throat felt dry. "I’m... I’m fine," I murmured, attempting to sit up.

Lazelle immediately leaned forward to fluff the pillows behind me and help me up with surprising strength for someone her size. "You shouldn’t have fainted like that," she said, eyes narrowing in mock scold. "That heart of yours gave us quite the scare. What happened?"

"I-I don’t really know," I frowned,

"What were your symptoms?"

I hesitated for a moment, trying to piece it together. "I... my heart was racing," I admitted quietly. "I couldn’t breathe. And it just... wouldn’t stop. I felt like I was going to break apart." My voice trailed off in embarrassment.

"When did it happen?" She asked for more details and I told her everything

Lazelle leaned back and blinked at me. Then she chuckled.

"Dear stars, that’s such a unique way of expressing love," she said with a fond shake of her head.

I blinked at her, confused. "What?"

She gave me a teasing grin. "You were overwhelmed, sweetheart."

"What?"

" Emotionally. Your body was still recovering from battle, and then—on top of that—Draegon said something that clearly hit you deep. So deep, your heart tried to leap out of your chest."

I stared at her, my lips parting but no words coming out.

Lazelle raised a brow and gave a small, sheepish laugh. "It was love, dear. Pure and simple. A chemical reaction. Your body was flooded with it so intensely, it shut you down. You fainted from it."

I didn’t know what to say. My face flushed—hot, fast, and deep. My ears burned, and I instinctively turned my face away, tucking some hair behind my ear to try and hide it.

What.... No way....

I could feel how red I’d gotten. My chest tightened, but in a very different way than before.

"I... collapsed," I whispered, horrified, "because of... love?" I felt like I stopped breathing because I was so overwhelmed because of love?

No

I shook my head. That can’t be.

Lazelle tilted her head sweetly, ears drooping a little as she smiled.

I sank deeper into the pillows, pulling the blanket halfway up to my face. "I want to disappear." I refused to believe the diagnosis, "I’m sure there is another explanation."

She laughed again and patted my arm gently. "Don’t be shy, little sun. It’s not something to be embarrassed about."

But I was already curling in on myself, heat rushing through every inch of me as her words echoed in my head.

Love.

For my husband.

Is she saying I actually felt so loved and seen in that moment that I couldn’t take it?

The door creaked open.

I froze.

My entire body tensed like it had been hit with a freezing spell. Lazelle turned her head, calm and unbothered, but I was already gripping the blanket with both hands before I even saw him.

Draegon stepped inside.

His tall frame seemed to fill the entire doorway. Sunlight spilled behind him, gilding the edges of his black hair and casting his dark clothes in soft hues. His eyes immediately landed on me—but only for a second. They flicked over to Lazelle, sharp with concern.

"Is she alright?" he asked, his voice low but thick with something... something I wasn’t used to hearing

Worry.

Lazelle gave him a bright, amused smile as she stood. "Oh, she’s perfectly fine. Just a bit overwhelmed."

I tried not to shrink under the blanket, but my heart had already begun its mad drumming in my chest again. It was happening again. I clenched my teeth, forcing my gaze out the window.

I couldn’t look at him.

Not now.

Not when I knew what my heart was doing. I didn’t understand how it had happened so easily, so quickly. Just because he stood by my side when no one else did... just because he kept defending me. Just because he looked at me like I was someone worth standing for.

I was pathetic.

"Good," Draegon said with a small exhale. "I was worried." His voice softened more when he added, "Thank you, doctor."

Lazelle turned to me and flashed a quick smile. "I’ll give you two a moment."

"No—wait, Lazelle—" I started, panic fluttering up my throat.

But she was already halfway to the door, far too pleased with herself, and she slipped out with a quiet laugh before I could stop her. The door shut behind her with a soft click that sounded so much louder than it needed to be.

Now we were alone.

And I still couldn’t look at him.

I felt his presence before I heard his steps. A second later, the bed dipped gently beside me.

!!!

He sat down next to me.

I kept my eyes on the blanket clenched in my fists.

"Aelin," he said gently, "are you alright?"

That voice. Why did it sound like that when he said my name? So careful, so warm—like it mattered to him. Like I mattered to him.

My heart stumbled—just completely skipped. I bit my bottom lip, feeling the heat rise to my cheeks like a wave ready to drown me. I knew I was blushing. I could feel it in my ears, my neck, everywhere.

I couldn’t even answer him.

All I could do was nod, just once, still unable to meet his gaze.

Still unable to admit what I was terrified of realizing.

That I was falling for him.

Draegon’s purple eyes were fixed on me. I could feel their weight, and just as I dared a glance upward, I saw his brows furrow slightly in concern.

His hand lifted—calloused, warm, gentle—and pressed against the side of my face, startling me

!!!!