PACK HOSPITAL
603 Words
The infirmary was controlled chaos.
Healers moved between beds with clipped urgency, voices overlapping as trays clinked and the sharp scent of antiseptic herbs filled the air. Cassius stood near the center of it all, arms crossed, jaw tight as three senior healers spoke at once.
“The shipment from the southern territories won’t arrive for another week—” “We can attempt a substitute, but it carries risks—” “The council needs your approval before we proceed—”
Cassius lifted a hand. The room quieted instantly.
“What are the options,” he said evenly.
Before anyone could answer—
“Neither of those will work long-term.”
Every head turned.
Seren stood near the doorway, arms folded loosely, eyes sharp as she took in the room like she’d been part of this conversation from the beginning.
Cassius arched a brow. “Care to elaborate?”
She stepped forward, unfazed by the dozen stunned stares. “The southern shipment is too weak for the strain you’re treating. You’ll stabilize them for a day, maybe two, then they’ll crash.”
One of the healers blinked. “That’s—”
“—because the active compound degrades in colder storage,” Seren continued smoothly. “You’d need something with a stronger binding agent. Northshore moss would work, but only if it’s paired with firebloom resin. Otherwise it’s useless.”
Silence.
Someone actually turned in a slow circle, as if looking for hidden witnesses.
Cassius stared at her. “And where exactly would we get firebloom resin.”
Seren smiled. Just a little. Dangerous. “Eastern Valen shipments. The ones you rejected last quarter.”
A beat.
Then—
“Well?” Seren gestured toward the empty worktables. “Let’s get started.”
No one moved.
She sighed. “Don’t just stand there and look cute.”
Cassius snorted before he could stop himself.
She shot him a look. “You—” she pointed at him “—can help by approving the shipment and staying out of my way.”
The healers hesitated.
Cassius dropped his arms and stepped aside with a lazy tilt of his head. “You heard the healer.”
Seren passed him, brushing his arm deliberately as she moved toward the supply shelves. “Good boy.”
His jaw clenched. His mouth twitched.
The room sprang back to life, healers scrambling to follow her instructions. Cassius watched as Seren took control effortlessly—directing, adjusting, correcting with calm authority. This wasn’t confidence born of arrogance.
This was earned.
At one point she leaned close to him, voice low. “If I save your hospital, do I get a thank-you?”
His gaze dipped to her lips. “You already know the answer to that.”
Later—when the crisis was handled, patients stabilized, and the room finally exhaled—
Cassius backed her gently against a counter, hand braced beside her hip.
“You enjoy pushing my buttons,” he murmured.
She tilted her head, eyes bright. “Someone has to remind you you’re human.”
His smile was slow. Lethal. “Careful, healer.”
“Or what?” she whispered.
He kissed her.
Not careful. Not restrained. Just heat and surprise and the unmistakable sound of a ruler forgetting himself entirely—
—followed by a sharp clatter as Cassius knocked over a tray behind him.
Seren laughed against his mouth.
“Ruthless king,” she teased. “Hopelessly clumsy.”
He groaned. “I’m never living this down, am I?”
She smiled, fingers curling into his collar. “Not a chance.”
- Writer
