Chapter 22
Chapter Twenty-Two
Alice
"King Cedric is not in immediate danger, but his injuries are quite severe," the healer said, closing his medicine box and turning to me. "Three broken ribs, extensive burns on his back, and internal injuries. He'll need a long period of rest before he fully recovers."
"How long?" I pressed.
"At least half a month," the healer replied seriously. "During this time, His Majesty must avoid strenuous activity, absolutely cannot shift forms, and needs to take his medicine on schedule every day."
"I understand," Cedric interrupted. "You may leave."
The healer hesitated, glancing at me uncertainly.
"Thank you," I nodded. "You can go now."
After the healer bowed and left, only Cedric and I remained in the room.
He was sitting up in bed, shirtless, with thick bandages wrapped around his back and chest. Even so, bloodstains were seeping through the layers.
"Half a month is too long," he frowned, throwing off the blanket and trying to get out of bed. "There are still many matters in the kingdom that need handling. I can't wait that long."
"Lie back down!" I hurried over and pressed him down. "Did you hear what the healer said? You have three broken ribs!"
"But—"
"No buts!" I pushed him firmly back onto the bed. "Caspar will handle the affairs of the Hilphia Kingdom. The only thing you need to do right now is rest and recover properly. Understood?"
He looked at me, a spark of surprise flashing in his golden eyes. He looked exactly like a large dog trying to act cute. "I'm really fine, Alice. I promise. It's just some paperwork; it won't be a problem."
"Cedric." I took a deep breath, trying to suppress my anger. "Do you know how terrified I was when I saw you lying in a pool of blood? Do you know how much my heart ached when I thought you were going to die?"
He froze. A bright gleam appeared in his eyes. He opened his mouth as if to speak, but I didn't give him the chance.
"You've barely survived, and now you want to push yourself again?" My voice trembled. "Do you want to worry me to death?"
"Alice, I don't want to make you angry. I'll listen to you. I won't move. Please don't be mad." He reached out to touch me, his tone turning careful and cautious.
"Lie down properly!" I swatted his hand away. "From now on, you're not going anywhere. Stay in this bed like a good patient!"
"Alright." He obediently lay back down, but his eyes followed me the entire time. "Then... will you stay with me?"
I paused. "Yes."
His eyes lit up instantly, and the corners of his lips curved into a small smile. "Then I'll do whatever you say."
But his obedient phase only lasted three days.
"Alice," Cedric looked bitterly at the bowl of medicine I brought in. "Can I drink a little less?"
"No." I handed him the bowl. "The healer said three times a day. Not a single dose can be missed."
"But it's so bitter," he muttered quietly.
"Bitter?" I raised an eyebrow. "When you were on the battlefield risking your life fighting those witches, you didn't seem to care how badly injured you were."
"That's different," he defended weakly.
"How is it different?" I looked at him with raised brows.
"At that time, no one was forcing me to drink medicine," he said, looking at me with a pitiful expression.
I couldn't help but laugh.
The dignified King of Hilphia—a man who had always been calm and powerful—was now acting like a child afraid of taking medicine.
"Drink it." I pushed the bowl into his hands. "I brought you honey pastries."
"Really?"
"Yeah."
Only then did he take the bowl, frown, and gulp it down in one go. He immediately opened his mouth. "Where's my pastry?"
Amused, I picked up a pastry and fed it to him. "Cedric, you're not a child anymore."
"Around you, I can be," he said seriously.
My face suddenly felt hot. I quickly turned away. "Rest well. I'll head out first."
"Don't go." He grabbed my hand. "Stay with me for a while."
"I still have things to do—"
"Just a little while." His voice carried a plea.
I sighed and sat down on the edge of the bed. "Fine, just a little while."
He smiled contentedly and refused to let go of my hand. Sunlight streamed in through the window, illuminating his face. His golden eyes were so gentle they seemed to melt.
My heart skipped a beat uncontrollably.
After about seven days of bed rest, the healer finally allowed him to get up and move around. Cedric practically couldn't wait to leave the bed—he looked like a puppy that had been locked up for ages.
"The physician said I'm recovering very well," he said proudly. "See? I can walk by myself now."
"Slow down." I supported him by his side. "Don't push yourself."
"I'm not pushing myself." He took a few steps and indeed seemed fine. "I want to take a walk in the garden. Will you come with me?"
"Alright."
We walked slowly to the garden. The spring sunlight was warm and pleasant, and the roses in the flowerbeds were in full bloom.
"Alice." He suddenly spoke.
"Yeah?"
"About what happened before, I want to apologize again." His voice grew heavier.
I stopped and looked at him. My heart ached inexplicably.
"I know I've hurt you many times." His voice was soft, filled with deep remorse and regret. "Alice, I don't expect you to forgive me right away. I just want you to see that I've changed. I... I truly regret it. If I could start over, I would never let you suffer those wounds."
I looked at him, a complicated mix of emotions surging inside me.
"Do you know what I hate most about you?" I said quietly.
He shook his head.
"I hate that you never ask what I think." My voice grew choked. Thinking about those past events made my chest feel suffocatingly painful. "Every time, you made decisions on your own. You thought Victoria needed help, so you helped her without ever considering how I felt."
"Alice, I won't do that again. I promise." Cedric's eyes reddened. He looked at me anxiously.
"I'm not an object, Cedric." I lifted my head, tears finally falling. "I'm your mate. I should be respected, trusted, and cherished—but you never gave me any of that."
His face grew paler and paler, and the hand holding mine began to tremble.
"You're right," he said hoarsely. "I'm a bastard. An arrogant, self-righteous bastard. I don't deserve you."
I took a deep breath and wiped away the tears at the corners of my eyes.
"But when you stood in front of me in the forest, when you were on the verge of death and still apologized to me, I knew you were sincere."
He jerked his head up, a glimmer of hope flashing in his eyes.
"So I'm willing to give you one more chance," I spoke each word clearly. "But only one, Cedric. If you ever hurt me again, I will leave without hesitation."
"I won't." He answered immediately, his voice full of excitement. "I swear, Alice. I will never hurt you again. I'll spend the rest of my life making it up to you, cherishing you, and loving you."
He reached out and carefully took my hand.
"Thank you," his voice trembled. "Thank you for giving me another chance. I'll prove it to you. I'll become someone worthy of you."
I didn't say anything, just gently squeezed his hand.
Perhaps... perhaps we really could start over.
But the day after Cedric and I had that heart-to-heart talk, Adrian suddenly held a banquet and invited Cedric to attend.
On the day of the banquet, Adrian found me with a mysterious air and said he had a surprise for me later. I was completely confused, but seeing the excitement he couldn't hide, I felt an inexplicable sense of unease.
From what I knew of Adrian these days, this banquet was definitely arranged to target Cedric—but I couldn't imagine what kind of "surprise" he had prepared.
Soon, Cedric arrived at the banquet. He wore a black formal suit. Though his face was still a little pale, his powerful Alpha presence made the people around him unconsciously step aside. He walked straight toward me, his eyes seeing only me.
"Alice." He stopped in front of me. "Can I speak with you for a moment?"
"Of course."
We moved to the side.
"What's wrong?" I asked.
"Your brother..." His expression was conflicted, brows tightly furrowed. "Is he up to something? I have a feeling he's not being kind."
"What do you mean?"
As soon as the words left my mouth, Adrian walked over with a young man.
The man was indeed very handsome—blond hair that shimmered in the sunlight, clear green eyes, a gentle and elegant smile, and a tall, upright figure. Every movement exuded noble refinement.
"Alice," Adrian said enthusiastically, "this is Viscount Evan, my best friend. Evan, this is my sister, Princess Alice."
"Your Highness." Evan bowed gracefully. "I've long heard of your reputation. Seeing you today, you truly live up to your name."
"Hello," I responded politely.
"Evan is the youngest viscount in our kingdom," Adrian continued proudly. "He's well-versed in poetry and music, an outstanding swordsman, and manages his territory exceptionally well. At such a young age, he has already—"
"Adrian." I interrupted him, somewhat helplessly. "What exactly are you trying to say?"
"Nothing." Adrian smiled even more brightly, showing all his teeth. "I just wanted you to meet some outstanding nobles. You've been back for a while now; you should get to know more of the kingdom's talents."
I felt Cedric stiffen beside me, and the grip on my hand tightened.
"If Your Highness doesn't mind," Evan said with a smile, extending his hand, "I would like to invite you for a dance."
"Sorry," Cedric said coldly before I could respond. He pulled me behind him. "She's not available."
Evan was stunned. He looked awkwardly at Cedric. "And you are?"
"Cedric, King of Hilphia," Cedric stood tall, unleashing his Alpha pressure without restraint. The air around us seemed to freeze. "And Alice's mate."
Evan's expression changed. He awkwardly withdrew his hand.
"I see. I was being presumptuous." He nodded politely. "Prince Adrian, thank you for your kindness, but I just remembered I have something to attend to. I won't disturb you further."
He turned and left quickly.