Deep in the night, Seren was remained awake by Drayce's side, forgetting about her own rest and appetite. Ana had urged her again and again to eat something but Seren rejected her every time. With Drayce lying unconscious and harmed because of protecting her, how could she even think about her own comfort.
She maintained a gentle grip on his hand, drawing reassurance from the warmth of his body that whispered promises of his recovery. "You have always looked after me, anticipating my needs before I even voiced them," she murmured. "This time, it's my turn to care for you. I'll stay by your side, tend to you, until I'm certain you're fully healed.
And even after you recover, I vow to be the one who protects you. I will grow stronger, no longer a burden but your stronger support."
Seren curled up beside him, her head resting softly on his shoulder, her hand lying over his chest at the place of his newly healed wound.
The next day Drayce continued to be unconscious. As predicted by Yorian, he was still recovering and needed time.
"Mister Yorian, can we not teleport back to Megaris?" Seren asked, a note of desperation in her voice. "I would feel safer at home."
"I wish that were possible," Yorian replied. "But we must wait another day. King Drayce is still fragile, and teleportation could be too strenuous for him."
"I understand," Seren said, her voice heavy with resignation, yet tinged with an unyielding hope.
Slayer, upon arriving, announced, "I have dispatched all the servants and knights back to Megaris."
"Good," Yorian replied, "Tomorrow, if Drayce's condition improves, we will teleport to Megaris. Until then, we must seek refuge elsewhere until our entourage arrives at the kingdom."
"We could teleport to the Crystal Palace. Grandma Theodora will understand Drayce's situation," suggested Seren.
"I was thinking along the same lines," Slayer agreed. "I'll notify Duke Maximilian of our discreet departure so he won't raise any questions."
"Let's proceed with that plan."
The following day, as arranged, Drayce, Seren, Slayer, and Yorian used Yorian's power to teleport directly to the Crystal Palace. Upon arrival, Slayer and Yorian quickly settled Drayce in his childhood room, while Lady Theodora was promptly informed of their unexpected arrival.
She rushed to her grandson's chamber where he lay unconscious. Approaching the bed with concern, she murmured, "Dray? What happened to him?"
"Grandma," Seren intervened, tears brimming in her eyes as she approached the elderly lady, "It's my fault he's injured. He was hurt while protecting me from the enemies."
Seeing Seren overcome with guilt and tears, the old lady gently took her hand. "Don't cry," she soothed, then turned to Slayer. "What happened?"
After Slayer recounted the events, she addressed Seren again, "Do not blame yourself. As your husband, it is his duty to protect you, even at the risk of his own life."
She then faced Yorian, recognizing him as the elf who frequently aided Drayce. "How is his condition?"
"He should awaken soon, but at this moment I can't predict time accurately as his condition has not improved as I had expected it be," Yorian replied.
"Didn't you say he would wake up in two days?" Seren commented, her gaze accusing Yorian for something.
"I was not lying when I said it, Queen Seren," the elf replied calmly, "just as I said before, his recovery is slower than I had expected. But I assure you, there is nothing to worry about."
"Did you hear that, Seren?" the old lady said, her voice imbued with comfort. "Drayce is strong. He will be fine."freēReadNovelFull.com
Seren nodded, attempting to compose herself. After spending some time beside Drayce, the old lady escorted Seren away, insisting she eat something and look after herself. Unable to refuse, Seren complied.
Returning to Drayce's side, she remained there, her heart yearning for any sign of his awakening. As night fell, her hopes dwindled; Drayce showed no signs of consciousness.
'I wish I could perform any magic and create a miracle just like how I revived the land in Abetha.' she looked at her hand, 'I wish I had a power to revive a hurt person as well. But I am truly of no use. Despite being a demigod, I am useless.'
That night, she lay beside him, her head rested on his shoulder.
"Dray, I've tried so hard not to cry because I know you can feel when I'm sad. I didn't want to worry you by letting you know I was crying, but seems like I can't hold them back any longer," she whispered and closed her eyes.
Unlike the previous night when she had managed to restrain her tears, now they flowed freely, dampening his clothes and sinking into his skin.
'Dray, please get better and talk to me. Even though you're right here, I miss you terribly. Please come back to me. I promise I would be good to you, better than I had ever been. Just come back.' Silent sobs left her throat as she continued to miss him.
Just two days without interacting with him, without seeing his affectionate gaze or receiving his warm smiles, felt like an eternity. Seren missed how he held her, cared for her, showered her with affection, teased her, and flirted in ways and so many thing she couldn't begin to count that she missed about him.
Without all this, without him, the world seemed empty, her own existence felt meaningless.
The next morning, Seren awoke to a familiar warmth against her cheek. Opening her eyes swiftly, she found herself gazing into a pair of affectionate red eyes. Drayce's hand was gently caressing her cheek while she slept using his hand as a pillow.
"Dray?" she whispered softly.
"Seren," his voice replied, the sound she had longed to hear over the past two days.
"Am I dreaming?" she asked, her eyes scanning his face closely, as if to confirm that he wasn't just an illusion.
His face moved closer, and he gently kissed her forehead. "What do you think?"
Gradually, she realized it was no dream. Drayce was truly awake, looking far less pale than he had the night before, which had made her fear it was simply a dream, her wish to see him awake.
"You're truly awake?" she asked, her smile broadening as she hugged him tightly. "You're really awake."
"Yes, I am," he hugged her back, warmth in his voice. "Did I make you worried?"
She shook her head and murmured happily against his chest, "Everything is fine now that you're back with me."
"I am always with you."
"But I still missed you."
Drayce understood her feelings and continued to hold her close, savoring the feeling of her soft body against his, relieved that she was safe.