I addressed the king with a raspy voice, pleading, "Can you please pour some water for me?" My plea echoed through the air, filled with urgency and need. In response, he hurriedly adjusted his attire and hastened to the table nearby, his movements carrying a sense of urgency. With a gentle pour, the water cascaded into the cup, breaking the tranquil silence of the room. A mixture of relief and gratitude washed over me as the sound of pouring water filled the space, providing solace in the otherwise quiet surroundings.
"Here, my beautiful flower," he murmured in a breathless tone, settling back beside me. As I took a sip, the sudden movement woke the queen, startling her. Peter, seated nearby, was startled too and tumbled off his chair, eliciting surprised looks from the queen, king, and the servants lurking in the shadows. Some rushed over to assist him.
After the initial surprise, a small, amused smile tugged at the corners of my lips. Despite the chaos, a sense of happiness bubbled within me; the unexpected moment brought a touch of lightheartedness to the gathering, lifting my spirits. I smiled and both the king and the queen looked at me intensely as if they had never seen my smile, as if “I” never smiled.
I handed the empty glass back to the king, feeling a bit hesitant. The desire to inquire about the duration of my slumber lingered, yet courage eluded me. The atmosphere held a tense yet relaxed quality as if time itself had taken a stroll during my nap, leaving a tranquil ambiance in its wake. The king began to part his lips, as if ready to speak, then paused before uttering, "My dear, there's something crucial you should know. Agents from rival nations
attempted to harm you. I regret that our guards couldn't prevent this." Yumisawa's voice bore a blend of remorse and worry, a solemn admission lingering in the atmosphere.
As I gazed at him, a wave of shock washed over me, leaving me breathless. My heart thundered against my chest, each beat racing faster and faster, the sensation mirroring the onset of a panic attack. The weight of his words added a suffocating intensity to the air, making it harder to draw a steady breath. The gravity of the situation pressed upon me, amplifying the palpable tension in the room, as if the very walls were closing in.
I turned my gaze to him, my voice quivering slightly as I inquired, "Will they return? And why were they after me?" The tremor in my words betrayed the fear and confusion swirling within me, seeking answers amid an unsettling revelation.
He met my gaze with a somber expression, his eyes reflecting a mix of concern and guardedness. "We cannot discuss this openly," he replied in a hushed tone, his words laced with caution. "It's not safe here. But rest assured, measures are being taken to ensure your safety." His response carried a weighty implication, hinting at the gravity of the situation, yet offering reassurance amid the shroud of secrecy.
His response left me more perplexed than ever. Attempting to delve further into the matter, I pressed for clarification. However, he gently redirected my focus, suggesting that I should eat and then rest. His tone was both firm and caring, steering me towards a moment of respite.
"Take the medicine," he urged, his voice carrying a soothing reassurance, "it will make you sleepy, but it's important. Rest for now. Tomorrow, I promise to explain everything." The weight of his words hung in the air, promising a resolution to the mystery but compelling me to yield to the need for rest and healing in the present moment.
"Yumisawa," I spoke up after swallowing the medicine, noticing his surprise as he and the queen were leaving my bedroom. "You can call me father, no need for the formality," he suggested, a touch of warmth softening his expression. His request, to be addressed as 'father' if I didn't mind, carried a hint of longing and familiarity, offering a more intimate connection within the formality of the royal setting.
This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.
I nodded in acknowledgment, mirroring their gesture as they made their way out of the room. The few servants and guards who had been discreetly lingering in the shadows followed suit, departing silently, leaving Peter as the sole remaining figure in the chamber. He stood there, a solitary presence in the room, a silent observer amidst the quietude. I coughed loudly to get Peter's attention, the atmosphere tense with worry. Suddenly, he jolted from his chair, almost falling, and hurried to my bedside. Then, Derrick emerged onto the terrace from the window, the atmosphere tinged with anticipation and a touch of surprise. The distant garden lights cast a gentle glow around him as he stepped into the room, his expression a mix of concern and urgency, adding an unexpected layer to the moment. He approached me, his focus solely on my condition, momentarily disregarding Peter's presence. His concern was palpable as he leaned in closer, his eyes reflecting a blend of worry and determination.
"Hey! Could you please release my hand?" Peter's voice shattered through the thick tension enveloping the room. Startled, Derrick, who hadn't noticed that Peter was beside my hand from one side, the side of the window, recoiled slightly, realizing he had been inadvertently squeezing Peter's hand too tightly in his concern. His abrupt movement betrayed a mix of surprise and guilt, accentuating the already charged atmosphere in the room.
Derrick offered a swift apology to Peter, the tension easing as they both exchanged a mutual bow, a gesture signifying respect. Meanwhile, I burst into uncontrollable laughter, the sound echoing through the room. Their puzzled expressions mirrored each other as they glanced first at me, then back at each other, both sheepishly scratching the backs of their heads in utter bemusement. The atmosphere shifted from tense to a mix of amusement and relief, the room now alive with an unexpected but welcomed sense of camaraderie.
"Are you alright? What on earth just happened?" Derrick's voice carried a tone laced with concern, breaking the lingering tension. His words hung in the air, the atmosphere suddenly more open, inviting an explanation while still holding remnants of the earlier confusion and relief.
As I attempted to speak, my voice faltered, and I found myself grasping for words that wouldn't come. Sensing my struggle, both Derrick and Peter instinctively reached for the glass of water resting on the table beside my bed. Their synchronized movement spoke volumes, a silent understanding passing between them as they hurriedly offered me the glass, their expressions a mix of concern and readiness to assist. The air was filled with an unspoken understanding, each gesture and word a testament to their genuine care. In that room, compassion wove through every interaction, creating a sanctuary where empathy reigned supreme, soothing away any lingering unease. Derrick handed me a glass of water with a warm smile, and I graciously responded, saying, "Thank you, Derrick," as I took the refreshing drink. His kind gesture provided a momentary reprieve, and I couldn't help but appreciate his thoughtfulness. The clear glass felt cool against my fingertips, and as I sipped the water, I couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude for Derrick's considerate act. With a heartfelt smile, I continued our conversation, realizing how small gestures can brighten even the simplest moments. Derrick reciprocated my smile, and a warm atmosphere enveloped us. As I savored the last drops of the cool water, Peter rushed in, seizing the opportune moment to envelop me in a tight hug. His sudden embrace carried a surge of emotion as if he had sensed a need for comfort. The room buzzed with a mix of gratitude, joy, and the comforting presence of friends. The shared smiles and spontaneous hug created a poignant moment, etching a sense of camaraderie and connection in that simple exchange.
"I'm okay, guys, I'm alright," I reassured them in a shaky voice, attempting to comfort Peter. As my words hung in the air, expressing both vulnerability and resilience, Derrick joined in, extending his support through a comforting hug. The tremor in my voice mirrored the emotional intensity of the moment, and the shared embrace created a reassuring cocoon of friendship. In that simple exchange of words and gestures, a wave of emotions rolled through the room, connecting us in a shared understanding and support.