Chapter 21

Elina stood in the dimly lit room, gazing intently at Alvis, who lay on the bed. His face, damp with sweat, occasionally contorted in pain, only heightened Elina's anxiety, yet she could not bring herself to leave.

His hand, which she clutched tightly, was hot, indicating a high fever. In an attempt to ease his discomfort, she repeatedly cooled her own hands with the cold water provided and then held Alvis's hand again. She would also replace the warm towel with a cold one whenever it heated up. This was all Elina could do.

"…Lady Elina, perhaps you should rest now? I have prepared a room for you."

"Isra… I'm fine… Please, let me stay here."

"At least change your clothes, then…"

Elina was still wearing the dress she had worn to the party. She had not changed since Alvis was brought into the bedroom. This was Alvis's private room, and there were no clothes for Elina to change into. However, the fact that Isra had suggested it meant she had somehow managed to prepare some. Elina knew Isra and the others were being kind, but she did not want to leave this place.

"No… I want to stay here."

"…Lady Elina…"

"I… I have always been protected, but I have never seen the reality of it. I was unaware that someone was suffering like this… I lived my life without a care."

This was typical for a noble, especially a young lady. The surroundings would deliberately shield her from such scenes. Not only young ladies, but any woman who witnessed such a scene might collapse from shock.

When the arrow pierced Alvis, Elina was also shaken. If her mouth hadn't been covered, she would have screamed. At that moment, surprise had outweighed fear. But now, in this safe place, fear suddenly surged. If the arrow had been just a little off, Alvis would have died. It could have hit Elina too. If that arrow had struck her…

Elina, as if to hide her trembling, squeezed Alvis's hand tightly.

"Lady Elina…"

"…I'm scared. I… That's why…"

Isra gently embraced Elina's shoulder, but her trembling did not stop.

"…I'm scared. I… That's why…"

"…I understand."

Isra seemed to decide that the best course of action was to wait for Elina to calm down. She stood up and went to the wardrobe, returning with a coat. It was Alvis's. She draped it over Elina's shoulders.

"Ah…"

"…It's Sir Alvis's, but it should be fine for you. It gets a bit cold at night."

"Thank you."

The warmth from the coat was comforting. The faint scent reminded her of the times Alvis had held her. Elina clutched the coat with her free hand, and it seemed to help calm her trembling a little.

Elina spent the night there. Eventually, she changed into her own clothes, which had been brought by her maid from the Lithaard Duke's household.

A guest room had been prepared for Elina, and her maid, Sara, was there. Two other maids had also accompanied her. All of this was arranged by the Duke of Lithaard, indicating that he had allowed her to stay at the castle.

"Lady, both Sir and Lady Lithaard were very worried about you."

"I'm sorry, Sara. Everyone… I've calmed down a little."

"…No, I understand the situation. Sir Lithaard told me that a gag order has been imposed, so only a few people know that the Crown Prince was injured. Your stay here has been approved by His Majesty, and the academy has granted you temporary leave to return home."

"Really?"

"Yes. For a short time…"

This was an extraordinary arrangement, and the fact that it was approved by the king was significant. Elina had thought she would have to return home, so she was surprised.

"Why…?"

"Officially, it's for your education as the Crown Princess… But Sir Lithaard asked His Majesty to allow you to stay by the Crown Prince's side."

"My father did?"

"Yes."

It was unthinkable that her father, who could have ordered her to return, would bow to the king. But Sara was loyal to Elina and would never lie. This meant that Elina was truly allowed to stay. She managed a small smile.

"Sara, thank you, everyone… I'm going to visit the Crown Prince. Will you come with me?"

"…Yes. I will accompany you."

Sara had already received permission to accompany Elina. Entering the Crown Prince's private room was not allowed for a mere maid, but given the circumstances, it was overlooked this time.

After breakfast, Elina visited Alvis's room again.