Chapter 14

    "Tell me, what is all this fuss about the rogue?" King Breaven said, standing before me.

    "What do you mean Father?"

    "Ever since she was arrested you have spoken nonstop about her and now your Mother tells me that you are desperate to see her. So I ask you again, what is the fuss about the rogue?"

I licked my lips slowly, my mind searching for an answer convincing enough.

    "I pity her." I said.

Father tilted his head to one side, but said nothing.

    "I cared about her and I believed she was innocent. My desperation to see her stems from the truth that she saved my life and that of Marla two nights ago. I am merely concerned about the life of my savior."

Father laughed loudly. I kept my face straight as I didn't know the reason for his laughter.

    "How greatly have I failed that my son, future King of this kingdom, calls a rogue his savior? My ancestors would not accept me after hearing this news!"

    "I am sorry Father."

Father shook his head slowly and began pacing round the room. He was silent for a few moments.

    "Tell me what happened. Do you really owe

her your life? Why did you leave the ball?"

I nodded and sat up straighter.

    "I was overtaken by interest. I wanted to know whether or not she had been telling the truth and I admit, I wanted to know before the news reached you."

    "So? What was the news?"

    "The men didn't tell you?"

    "They were all slain before I arrived. What did they tell you."

    "They said her words were true and exactly as she had spoken." I lied.

Father nodded.

    "That is a relief. I must say I was already preparing for her execution. It is a good thing you believed her or else an innocent life would have been slain."

I smiled a little, trying to keep the guilt off my face.

    "Did she save you?"

I nodded.

    "I owe her my life."

Father did not like the sound of that and I knew why. He sighed heavily.

    "Since her words are true and she saved the lives of you and Marla, she must be heavily rewarded. I shall begin the arrangements." King Breaven said before turning to leave.

    "Father, how is she? Will she survive?" I asked him.

    "It is unclear if she will, my son. And if it were up to me, I would rather she died." Father said with his back facing me.

    "How can you say that Father! She saved my life!"

Father turned back sharply, his face graced with anger and frustration.

    "Yes! Yes she did! She is a reminder that you were weak! That you can't defend this castle or the kingdom! And you want me telling everyone that?! They will not accept you as King! It is better that she gives in to her wounds and dies than stain your reputation!"

I balled my fists at his words under the blanket that covers me. My face felt hot and I knew it had reddened from fury that coursed through my veins.

I hated it but he was right but I didn't care.

    "At least tell me you would not be the reason for her death." I said slowly, looking Father in the eye.

    "I am not a murderer, son. Recover quickly." King Breaven said before finally walking out.

I let out a breath and rubbed my face. I had to see her.

No. I had to watch her. Father could do anything to her. I had to protect her. I pulled the covers off my body and slowly pushed my legs to the ground.

Holding on to the bedframe, I pulled myself to my feet with a grunt.

Savi walked into the room and quickly ran to help me.

    "What are you doing, my Lord?" He asked me.

   "I am going to see her whether they

approve of it or not. Help me get there."

    "Yes my Lord."

I wrapped an arm around his neck and he helped me balance on my feet. We made it to the door and opened it. There were men before my door and amongst them was Father.

He turned to see me and he looked surprised but said nothing.

    "I am sorry my Lord, but you are not allowed to leave your room as our Queen instructed." One of the men said, holding out his weapon to block me.

Father looked me in the eyes for a long time and I made sure I gave him the look of defiance.

    "Let him pass." King Breaven ordered.

    "Yes, my King." The men echoed.

They made way for me to pass and so did Father. With the help of Savi, I made my way through them and to the Royal Clinic.

    "I am here to see the rogue." I told the royal physician.

    "As you wish, my Lord. Come with me."

He led us through the chambers to the last one. There was a curtain separating us from her.

    "She rests beyond this curtain my Lord."

The physician said with a bow before he left.

I released myself from Savi's arms. I already felt stronger being near her.

    "Shall I accompany you, my Lord?"

I shook my head.

    "Wait here Savi."

    "As you wish my Lord." He said with a bow.

I stood before the curtain, afraid of what I would see when I finally pushed them aside. I took a deep breath.

I walked in through the curtains.

My heart broke at the scene before me.

My mate was in a white gown, much like the one I had dreamt she was. She was pale and it seemed every inch of her was covered in bandages. On her face, I could see bruises that should have healed by now. She looked like she could pass away at any moment.

And it was all my fault.

My throat tightened and it was getting a little hard to breathe.

I do not know how but I found it within myself to move closer to her. My eyes teared up and I had to take a deep breath to stop my tears.

I fell to my knees before her. Before my mate, the mate I had failed. Here she was dying when I should be the one dying.

Father was right. I was weak. I couldn't even protect her! I am pathetic.

I held her hand in mine. They were so frail and bony. I looked at her face as she was losing her life and I lost my words.

My chest was heavy and I did not know what to say. I wanted her to wake up. That's all I wanted.

I would not care if she hated me or not, I just wanted her to open her eyes and smile at me. Maybe not at me, but just smile!

So I know she is happy.

I laid my head on her bed as I sobbed.

    "Please don't die." I whispered as my tears stained her sheets.

******

Hello darlings ❤️

I'm sorry for the late upload. I've been having some problems with my phone but it's getting fixed.

I hope you like this chapter 🤭