Chapter 17

Kaelion wrapped Rhaine tightly in both her cloak and his own, securing her fragile frame against the biting cold. Her breathing was shallow, her head resting limply against his shoulder. Without hesitation, he lifted her effortlessly into his arms, holding her as though she weighed nothing—a precious burden he would not let slip away.

 The storm still lingered, though its rage had lessened. Snow crunched beneath his boots as he made his way out of the cave. The horses, tied securely to the trees nearby, stamped restlessly against the cold but remained faithful. Their manes glistened with frost.

 Kaelion moved swiftly, wrapping the Frostbloom's roots in fresh snow to keep it viable. He secured the delicate flower in a pouch, then mounted his horse with Rhaine cradled in front of him. Her body remained unnervingly still, her warmth faint against his chest. The other horse followed, tethered by reins.

 The snow was thick and unforgiving, but Kaelion charged forward, his jaw clenched against the fierce wind. He held Rhaine close, shielding her as much as possible from the elements, his arms unyielding despite the hours of travel. His thoughts raced with grim determination—there was no room for failure.

 As the hours stretched on, the oppressive cold gradually gave way to the gentler embrace of the summer breeze. The air grew warmer, and patches of green peeked through the thinning snow. Kaelion urged the horse faster, his eyes fixed on the distant outline of the castle.

 The citadel guards spotted him long before he reached the gates. The sight of their formidable general riding with a dark expression and a pale, unconscious figure in his arms spurred them into immediate action. Without question, they threw open the gates, standing at attention as Kaelion thundered past.

 Night had fallen by the time he reached the castle courtyard. The horses' hooves clattered loudly on the stone as Kaelion dismounted swiftly, still holding Rhaine. Her breathing was shallow but steady.

 "Hold on," he whispered urgently, his voice thick with worry. "We're back at the castle. I'll get you help."

 "Castle..." she murmured weakly, her voice barely audible. Her fingers trembled as she tugged faintly at his tunic. "Let me go... I need to prepare the antidote."

 Kaelion's eyes darkened with concern. He knew how stubborn she was, even in this fragile state. "Okay," he relented grimly, "but I'm holding you just in case."

 Without wasting another moment, servants rushed forward to assist. Kaelion barked orders, his voice commanding yet filled with urgency. "Bring the Frostbloom inside. Heat water and fetch her alchemic tools—quickly!"

 Rhaine, pale and weak, was seated at a workbench, her trembling hands measuring precise portions of ingredients. Kaelion stood behind her, his steady hands assisting wherever needed.

 "Just tell me the measurements," he ordered firmly.

 Rhaine nodded faintly, her voice hoarse but resolute. "Exactly five petals... grind them finely. Add snow... carefully, only a pinch... too much and it becomes unstable."

 Kaelion relayed her instructions to the servants, ensuring every step was followed without error. The room smelled of herbs and frost, tension hanging thick in the air.

 Despite her exhaustion, Rhaine's mind remained sharp. She guided them through the final stages, her body trembling but determined. Kaelion watched her with unwavering focus, ready to catch her should she falter.

 At last, the antidote was complete—a shimmering vial of pale blue liquid, its surface swirling like captured frost. Rhaine exhaled a shaky breath, her strength nearly spent.

 Kaelion gently steadied her. "You did it," he said softly.

She managed a faint smile, her eyes heavy with fatigue. "The king... give it to him... now."

 Kaelion's gaze softened as he looked at her. "You've done your part. Let me take care of the rest."

 The general handed the vial to a servant and watched them rush to the king's chambers.

 As soon as Selara heard Rhaine had returned, she rushed from the king's chambers, her heart pounding with urgency. She searched the castle frantically until she found them—Kaelion carrying Rhaine in his arms, his expression dark and forbidding as he strode toward her room.

 Selara hurried to follow, the air thick with tension. Kaelion set Rhaine carefully on the bed, his movements deceptively gentle despite the storm simmering behind his eyes. Once she was settled, he turned sharply to Selara, his voice cold and commanding.

 "You're a healer too. Find out what's wrong with her," he ordered. "She started coughing blood yesterday and is even weaker today."

 Selara's eyes widened slightly before realization dawned on her. Her tone was calm, perhaps too much so. "It's nothing to worry about."

 Kaelion's gaze turned lethal. "She vomited blood, and you say it's nothing to worry about?"

 "I'm sorry, General," Selara said quickly, keeping her voice steady despite his rising fury. "It's an old wound flaring up. I assure you, with rest, she will recover fully."

 Kaelion's jaw clenched, but he forced himself to nod, Selara's calm demeanor offering a modicum of reassurance. Still, the tension in his posture never eased.

 "I'll come back tomorrow," he said flatly, sparing one last glance at Rhaine's pale face before stalking out of the room.

 The door to his chambers closed behind him with a resounding thud. Kaelion's eyes flicked to the open balcony, where the moonlight bathed the stone in a cold glow. His expression darkened further, an unsettling calm settling over him.

 "Report," he commanded, his voice low and edged with danger.

 A shadow detached itself from the darkness, materializing into the shape of a cloaked figure who knelt before him. The Shadow Guard bowed, his voice steady as he spoke.

 "I have done as you commanded, General. The king has been resting the entire time and remained under constant protection."

 Kaelion's gaze remained fixed, unwavering. "Did you find who poisoned him?"

 The guard hesitated, his composure faltering. "Well... this..."

 Kaelion's tone dropped to a chilling growl. "Speak."

 "It was the princess." 

Silence fell, thick and heavy.

"When Healer Selara was preparing the king's soup, a female servant added a substance to it. She has been captured and interrogated. She's currently in the palace dungeons."

The words hung in the air like a blade suspended on a thread.

"Good," Kaelion said with ruthless finality, his voice devoid of mercy.

The guard disappeared back into the shadows, but Kaelion remained rooted in place, his hands clenched at his sides. His eyes gleamed with a dangerous resolve.