Chapter 19

The evening zephyr brushed my nape as I watched Mother crush the flowers she had collected, and pour it into the bath water. Mother had learnt apothecary from her father back in her home land. I don't know much about her, but I know her skills went to waste. She loved the monastery, she loved Father, but sometimes I'd see her facing the east, and I'd wonder what kind of life she had given up for us.

According to Nicia, the village coincidently was built upon an ancient aquifer underground, which the villagers use for their daily necessities such as bathing and drinking. Apparently, Caelestis was the one who showed the villagers how to get access to the water supply. His knowledge is undeniable, but whenever I try not to overthink, my thoughts always waver to how? He doesn't seem that much older than me but then again, looks can be deceiving…

I really hope I didn't just kiss a middle aged man.

Using a basin, I pour water over my head, trying to refresh my thoughts. Though I can't help but replay the moment within my mind.

Attempting to draw my focus to something else, I take a look around to admire the simple architecture of this humble bathhouse. Even though it is much smaller than the one at the monetary it holds a sense of nostalgia. Sun-baked mud bricks forming the walls and a compacted sand-cement floor. The floor feels solid underfoot, though slightly gritty, a testament to its hastily assembled nature. The floor is still a bit slippy though when wet, but the craftsmanship is commendable for the situation.

Just then I hear a knock on the door and a certain voice behind it.

"Pri- Elayne?"

Caelestis??

The shock of hearing his voice causes me to lose my footing and slip on the flooded floor, falling back and hitting my head on the edge of the bathtub. My vision bleary as I hear the muffled terror of Caelestis draw closer and closer. His silhouette cradles me as everything fades to black.

Warmth seeped into my body, pulling me from the depths of unconsciousness. My head ached, a dull throb that seemed distant, as if it belonged to someone else. I was aware of softness beneath me, the familiar scent of my bedding surrounding me, and something warm and firm holding my hand.

I tried to open my eyes, but they were heavy, reluctant to obey. The room around me slowly began to take shape—a soft light filtering through, the blurred outlines of figures beside me.

Nicia's face appeared first, her eyes wide with worry, but the moment she saw me stir, relief flooded her expression. I could see the tension leave her shoulders as she leaned closer, her voice trembling with emotion.

"Elayne," she whispered, her voice like a lifeline, "thank the stars, you're awake."

I wanted to respond, to reassure her, but my throat felt dry and tight, the words stuck somewhere deep inside. My gaze shifted to the warmth cradling my hand, and that's when I saw him.

Caelestis.

His face was closer than I'd ever seen it, his usual calm composure replaced by something raw and unguarded. His eyes, normally so unreadable, were filled with concern, a storm of emotions swirling just beneath the surface. His hand gripped mine with a tenderness that startled me, as if he was afraid I might disappear if he let go.

"Elayne," he said softly, his voice tinged with a vulnerability I hadn't heard before. "How do you feel? Are you in pain?"

I blinked, trying to focus, trying to push through the fog in my mind. The ache in my head was there, but it didn't seem to matter, not with him looking at me like that. His thumb brushed lightly over my skin, a silent comfort, and I found myself leaning into it, grounding myself in the sensation.

I tried to speak, but no sound came out. I shook my head slightly, trying to convey that I was okay, even though I wasn't sure if I was. The cloak draped over me—the one I hadn't noticed before—felt heavy and familiar, and I knew it had been him who covered me, who brought me back here.

Nicia's hand rested on my shoulder, steadying me, but it was Caelestis's touch that held me in place, his presence somehow more reassuring than I'd ever imagined. His face was flushed, his eyes searching mine as if looking for something he couldn't find.

"You're safe now," he murmured, his voice barely a whisper. "I'm here. We're here."

His words washed over me, and for the first time in what felt like forever, I allowed myself to relax, to let go of the tension I'd been holding onto. I was safe. I was with them. And as I drifted back into the comforting darkness of sleep, I held onto that thought, finding solace in their presence.