Episode 10
1065 Words
Raina turned her head sharply.
At the door stood Mira, gripping the frame, her pale face expressionless.
For a moment, Raina froze. Then, realizing how close she and Kai had been just now, her face burned with embarrassment.
She quickly stepped away from him, her voice flustered. "Mira you're here!" Raina suddenly cleaned her both hands on her dress while trying very hard to hide her embarrassment..
"Do you need anything?"
Mira’s dark eyes too large for her gaunt face stared at them, unblinking.
After a long pause, she finally spoke. "I heard noises and came to check."
Raina bit her lower lips softly . "It’s nothing. Everything’s fine," she said hastily. She rushed to Mira side, walk her to her small bed then help her back to bed.
Mira laid down without protest but hesitated before speaking again.
"Raina… just now, you and the prince…"
Raina's cheeks burned hotter.
She had never intended to hide the truth from her niece. In fact, she had been trying to figure out how to tell her.
She just hadn’t expected Mira to catch her like this.
But Mira said nothing more.
She simply turned to the side, pulled the thin blanket over her shoulders, and fell silent.
A heavy sense of guilt showed on Raina’s face.
But she didn’t press the matter. She simply whispered, "Get some rest," and left.
Raina stood at the door for some time, before heading out of the room and stepping into her own..
However, Kai was gone when she returned...
****
The following days was better.
The food rations improved, more meat, more fish, even fresh fruit.
Raina noticed that Kai had grown thinner recently, so she decided to make something nourishing for him.
She went to the small kitchen, carefully deboned the fish, sliced it thinly, and simmered it with shredded ginger into a warm, fish soup.
Even though it was the peak of August, the palace's remote location made it cooler than the rest of the land. Towering trees shielded the courtyard from the sun, casting dappled light across the stones.
Raina moved the small stove outside, sat on a wooden stool, and watched the bubbling soup as the delicious aroma filled the air.
She smiled softly to herself.
She could almost see the look on Kai’s face when he tasted it.
But exhaustion tugged at her eyelids.
She had stayed up all night finishing this month’s needlework.
Before she realized it, she had dozed off.
When she woke, she was being carried.
Strong arms held her close, a steady warmth against the cool night air.
Confused, she blinked up at Kai’s face, his eyes gentle as he walked toward her room.
"You're awake," he said, smiling.
Her voice was groggy. "Kai? When did you get back?"
He chuckled. "You fell asleep waiting for the soup to cook. You must have been exhausted. Go rest."
Her heart dropped. "The soup!"
"It's already dried up."
"Ah…"
Her shoulders slumped in disappointment.
But Kai only smiled. "It’s okay. I'll just make another pot."
He laid her down on the bed, brushing a hand across her forehead. "Rest. I'll take care of it."
Raina watched in disbelief as he turned and headed toward the courtyard.
When she woke again, Kai was sitting beside her, holding a small bowl of steaming soup.
The fragrance filled the room.
He scooped a spoonful, blew on it lightly, and held it up to her lips. "Here..."
Raina’s face flushed. "I can do it myself."
Kai frowned. "You were so tired you fell asleep while sitting up. Just eat and rest, or I'll be angry."
His tone left no room for argument.
She hesitated, then took a small sip.
It was perfect, just like him.
She looked at Kai.
His sharp jawline, the confidence in his movements, he had changed.
She remembered how the palace maids used to whisper about him, calling him too beautiful, saying he looked like a fallen fairy.
But now, in just a short time, he had grown.
And now, this once proud prince was sitting here, personally cooking for her.
Raina's heart stirred.
She didn't know why, but, she blushed.
Kai must have noticed because he smirked slightly but said nothing.
After she finished eating, she started to rise from bed, but he suddenly grabbed her shoulders.
"You got food on your mouth."
Raina blinked, confused.
Before she could wipe it away, Kai drew her closer to himself, wrapped his arms around her delicate body and took her lips with his, in a slow passionate kiss.
The kiss lasted for several minutes and when Kai finally pulled away, Raina thought something powerful had gone out of her.
It was so special, so wonderful that she didn't want that kiss to end.
She stared up into his face, realising she had always been in love with him. Always.
"I'll leave now, my evening shift starts soon..." Kai suddenly stopped as he stared at Raina’s face... "There’s still soup in the pot, you can serve it to your sister.." With that, Kai turn and exited the room..
Raina stood there for a moment, her index finger attached to her finger...
Smiling and shacking her head, she took a bowl of fish soup and walked to Mira’s room.
When she pushed open the door, she found Mira sitting up, her face pale and her chest rising and falling as if she had been out of breath.
Raina frowned. "Mira! Were you out of bed again? You know your wounds haven't healed yet! You need rest. Here, have some soup, Kai made it. It even has fish to help you recover."
Mira turned her head.
Her expression was unreadable.
Then, she spoke.
"He made it for you?"
Raina hesitated.
Why did she sound so… strange?
Mira studied her for a moment, then suddenly smiled, though it didn’t quite reach her eyes.
"The food has been much better lately. Do you know why?"
Raina blinked. "No… I never really thought about it."
Mira eyes darkened.
"I heard a rumor," she murmured. "The Alpha’s eldest son crushed the rogues in border and returned victorious. The Alpha was so pleased, he ordered rewards throughout the palace."
Raina’s grip on the bowl tightened.
Axel was back! No, her supposed mate was back?
Somehow, she felt a chill run down her spine.
The soup in Raina’s hands suddenly feel much colder.
- Writer
