That only beats for you.

"What happened?" Monty asked looking confused

"I honestly don't know" I was as confused as him "I'll talk to him later after dinner. How are you feeling, by the way?" I quickly got closer as I sat on a nearby wooden chair and checked his wounds, there were scratches on his face and neck that were covered in some kind of cream, bruises on his arms and I bet there's also some on his legs, the stab wound on his side was bandaged neatly

"I'll get through this don't worry" he answered confidently, raising his chin up and puffing his chest like a gorilla hahaha

There was no one around so we dropped all formalities between us but we kept our voices down

"I heard you arrived on a horse" I was worried because it meant that his injuries got even more agitated

"Yeah, it was the only way to arrive faster before I lose more blood but it wasn't a big deal" he tried to hide his pain, he never wants to look weak

"I really should've accompanied you here, this is all my fault and I didn't even take responsibility for it." tears were starting to well up in my eyes as guilt washed over me, I couldn't help but sob as I realized the danger he was in

"Hey, it's okay. As you can see I'm alright. It's not your fault those bandits were there. No one wanted this to happen so please stop crying" he was comforting me with his soft warm voice when I should've been the one comforting him

"No, you're not okay…" I said as tears started to fall down my cheeks, I carelessly wiped my face with the back of my hand leaving streaks of dust all over my face "I should've been there for you but all I did was worry"

"There, there. Look you got dirt all over your face" he said as if talking to a baby, he looked around and pulled out some tissue from a box placed on his side table, gently wiping my face as tears continued to flow down my face "Look at yourself, you'll make the King even more worried if he see you."

I wanted to stop but my tear sacs have a mind of their own and the tears wouldn't stop falling, like rain in a storm my heart felt heavy but it eased as I finished crying in his arms. Feeling the warmth of his embrace around me and feeling his heartbeat gave me the relief that this isn't a dream and that he's really okay.

"I'm so happy that you're okay! I wouldn't be able to live without you especially knowing it was because of me, it was all my fault. Me and my big mouth!" I exclaimed as I grew furious about my actions earlier

"I'm sorry I wasn't strong enough to completely protect you"

"Nonsense! I would've been dead by now if it hadn't been for you." I cried out

"But you still experienced being in danger, a knife was pointed at you in front of me and I couldn't do anything" he was hiding his face from me, I can feel the sadness in his voice. He was scared, even more frightened than me, he really cared for me more than his own life

"I wasn't hurt, I didn't even have a bruise nor any scratches to justify what happened. You protected me with all your might and I'm very thankful for that love, I love you Monty." that was the first time I directly told him how I felt, I told him with all the passion and love I have for him resonating from my voice as I sweetly smiled at him and gave him a kiss on the cheek

He was startled by my sudden confession, caught off guard for a few seconds. Speechless, he had his mouth slightly opened as his eyes were wide with surprise.

"What? You knew I always loved you and I still do." I pointed out as a soft giggle escaped my lips

"I-I-I just didn't expect you t-to say it so suddenly" he said, still a little bewildered, "I should get stabbed more often hahaha!" he was joking around, I guess he recovers fast

"Hey! Don't say things like that!" I yelled at him "I'm serious! I don't enjoy seeing you hurt so stop messing around!" I said slightly punching him on the chest

He swiftly caught my hand and held it to his heart "Feel that? That only beats for you" he said cheekily and it was my turn to b speechless but before I could even recover he cupped my face with his warm hands and gently pulled me closer leaning a kiss on my forehead

I could feel my face warm up as blood rushed over my face, he was getting more and more romantic now, I could only hide my face behind my hands as I covered them

"There's no use in hiding, I already know all your expressions" he chuckled "Aww! My side..." he moved too carelessly and stretched his bandages

"You shouldn't move too much Captain or your wound will start to bleed again" the Doctor said coming out of nowhere

"Your Highness, the King has called for you. Dinner will be served soon" he said slowly

"Ah! I almost forgot! Thank you Doctor! Will you be staying the night here to look after Captain?" I asked while standing up from the chair and facing him

"Yes, Your Highness. His Majesty personally asked me to take care of him until he recovers." he answered bowing down slightly

"Where will you sleep?"

"I have a small bed folded under that table and it will be enough for me to sleep in. Do you mind if I sleep next to you Captain?"

"Not at all Doctor, I appreciate your efforts. Thank you!" Monty said bowing down as he agreed

"I'll have someone bring the both of you dinner" I said firmly but warmly while looking at Monty in the eye

"Thank you Your Highness" they both thanked me in unison

"Did you already let your family know?" I asked before turning away from the bed

"Yes, Your Highness. I called them when I stepped out, my daughter shall bring me some supplies and bedding a little later" he said sitting down in my place

"I see, Thank you again Doctor! I shall take my leave" I politely excused myself "Goodnight to the both of you" I slightly nodded announcing my departure

"Thank you, Your Highness. Goodnight as well!" again they both thanked me in unison then I heard them laughing as I walked out from the passage I've rushed through earlier