Chapter 4

Giselda sat beside Cassien's bed in silence. The prince lay under the duvet with a wet napkin placed on his forehead. She stared at his unconscious body with a frown- five days of unconsciousness and still no response. Garnet stood behind her with them same look if despair. "Have patience My Lady. The prince would awaken." Garnet assured her with a soft smile.

She let out a frustrated sigh and turned to him. "It's been five days Garnet and I'm beginning to get anxious. "Giselda said choosing to look at the ceiling hoping it would ease her mind, but it did nothing. "Where are the Royal Physicians? We sent for them two days ago so why aren't they arrived?" She asked glancing at the door.

It was as if they would appear from behind that large door. "They couldn't make it because of the rain heavy rains yesterday My Lady so I sent for the Royal Mages from the Tower." He replied.

"Mage?" She asked in confusion. "I thought he despised magic." She voiced out. "Yes mage. His amulet is made from the same magic he despises. It broke for some reasons unknown which triggered the curse."

"It spread faster than normal and only the mage has the antidote to suppress it unfortunately. It would take a week to fix his broken amulet." Garnet further explained and handed her the broken amulet. She stared at the pulverized contents quietly. "I was able to retire a few, the rest got blown away. Funny thing is as the day goes the contents reduce." He said shaking his head.

"You can take a look at his state if you wish to." Garnet said pointing to Cassien's body to which Giselda nodded in approval. He gave her a worried look then peeled the duvet off his body. She clamped her palm to her mouth and nose when a putrid smell hit her nostrils. It smelt like a mixture of rotten flesh and fecal matter.

The stench had her gasping for air, but Garnet remained passive to the smell. She took a close look at him again despite reeling in disgust. His torso had turned dark green with black veins creeping around his chest region. A black mass engulfed his chest. The middle of his chest had risen showing the shape of his heart. She saw the organ beat abnormally -the sight disgusted her.

She turned away when she had had enough. "That's how bad it is. I suppose the sis the first time you are seeing him in this state." Garnet said covering Casein's body." You'll have to wipe his chest anytime that stick mucus seeps out from his skin." Garnet told her but she gave him disgusted look. "Why me? Aren't the maids around to do it?" She shot back in her seat.

There was no way in hell she was getting close to that. The stench alone gave her the chills." You're his betrothed, no? You'll live with it so it's best you get used to it." Garnet shrugged watching her expression turn murderous. Of course he understood why Cassien despised her-she was only after the power and money. Like father like daughter. He shook his head.

She was about speaking when the door burst open revealing Regal drenched in sweat. When his eyes found Cassien's body he sighed then stared at Garnet.

"What's the meaning of this impudence, Garnet?" Giselda said glaring at Regal. "What brings you here Sword master?" Garnet bowed respectfully. "The Royal Mages couldn't make it, but I know someone who can help." Regal announced eyeing the Princess. She flinched back at his cold gaze.

"Really Sword master?" Garnet asked in surprise and Regal gave him a curt nod still not taking his eyes off Giselda." Bring the person here and tell the person we don't have enough time." Garnet said. Regal nodded and walked out. "Who the hell is that, Garnet?" She asked uncomfortably. She could still feel the intensity of his gaze prick her skin like a thousand needles-it was an unsettling feeling.

She despised the way he stared at openly. His gaze screamed inferior being. "Mind your language, Princess. A royal speaks refinely."Garnet said and stared at Cassien briefly. "He is the best Sword master in Avalon, the first disciple of Merlin and Cassien's killing machine. Be careful around him he sees others except Cassien as inferior beings." Garnet said sourly.

"He's exceptionally good. I won't be surprised if he surpasses Merlin one day." Garnet shrugged. "You're telling me Merlin trained that?" She asked but he sent her a warning look."I refuse to have this conversation with you. He said to her. She looked away deep in thought. Merlin. She shook her head. It was hard to believe Merlin had a disciple." I don't like the way he was looking at me." She mumbled.

"Then go tell him yourself. If you have the time and energy to grumble, then come and wipe Cassien clean." Garnet said shutting her up. A bowl of water was brought to him with a towel. He dipped the towel into the water, fringed it and began cleaning him. Giselda scrunched her nose in disgust and watched him silently.

**

Hyacinth heard a series of light knocks on her door making her groan inwardly. What was it again?Was it Regal at her door again. The thought of his name made her stomach flip, and she placed her palm on her chest to calm her accelerating heart. She walked towards the door slowly and paused few meters away.

Faust was perched on her head waiting to have a peek at the intruder. She heard another knock again, this time urgent. After opening the door, she found Regal standing outside with a look of despair on his face. He surprised her by placing a chaste kiss at the back of her palm. "What are you doing here again Regal?"She asked surprised her question came out harsh.

She snatched her hand away from his grip. He looked up at her with pursed lips. She was still angry at him for what he did. How could he blame her? At least all she did was to give him the cold shoulder -it was a dreadful feeling indeed. A sigh left his lips.

"I need your help Hyacinth" He stated surprising her. "What type of help Regal?"She asked slightly raising her brows with her arms folded in the process. She leaned against the for frame for support. "It's the Prince again and you're the only one that can save him." He said waiting for her reaction. She made a face at his statement.

"Why should I help him after everything his family has done to mine. If you have nothing else to say leave me alone. "She said stepping away from the door. He immediately held out his hand when she slammed the door shut. Hyacinth gasped when she heard bones cracking, so she opened the door quickly. The dark-haired man held out his hand and gave it a flick.

"What were you thinking!" She held his hand in worry. "What's wrong with you Regal?"She mumbled sending wave of healing magic to the reddened spot on his wrist. She continued ranting anytime he flinched at the pain."Hyacinth."He called out, she paused and stared at him.

"I know you hate him but think about Avalon. What will happen once he is dead. I've sworn an oath to protect him so I can't afford it if he dies. Please for my sake. I don't care how much magic you expend but use me as your vessel." Regal said staring into her eyes.

Her eyes carried a mixture of emotions. "Regal you never cease to amaze me. Your loyalty to the prince is unshakable." She mumbled stepping away from him. "It's not that. When you grow up with the prince you'll understand what he has gone through." Regal replied. "Well, I don't want to know either way." She chuckled." I guess I'll help him this time." She said. Regal sent her a thankful nod and lead the way.

She followed him with Faust coiled around her neck.