The vow settled in his chest, heavier than his pain.
The infirmary door creaked then, breaking the silence. A guard peered in, bowing his head when he saw the prince awake.
"Your Highness. Shall I summon Her Majesty?"
Caelith hesitated. He knew what it would mean—panic, fury, and warlike questions neither kingdom was ready to answer. But Evelisse stirred faintly beside him, whispering something broken in her sleep. His heart clenched.
"…Not yet," he said softly, voice hoarse. "Let her rest. Tell no one I woke."
The guard nodded, withdrawing quietly. Caelith leaned back, closing his eyes again, but rest did not come. Only resolve.
He would endure this pain. But he would not let Evelisse suffer again.
♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡
Morning came slow, ushered in by the pale gleam of sunlight slipping between tall infirmary windows. The healers moved in hushed voices, checking Caelith's bandages, leaving bowls of broth on a side table.
