Chapter 19
330 Words
The portal spat them out before the Zodiac Palace, Camellia collapsing in Devin's arms as darkness claimed her vision.
"Jasmine, hold on!" Devin's urgent voice sliced through the air as he scooped her up, bridal-style, and rushed inside.
Maids offered to help, but Devin, his jaw set, refused. He carried her to his chambers, the green glow of his healing magic filling the room as he cradled her unconscious form, his hand clasped in hers.
"Your Highness," the maids whispered, "May we change her clothes?"
Devin nodded, waiting patiently until they emerged, then returning to his vigil. He didn't sleep a wink.
Sunlight streamed through the window when Camellia awoke with a scream, "Zephyr!"
Devin, still holding her hand, tightened his embrace. "Shh... It's alright. Calm down." He soothed her, patting her back as her sobs wracked her body.
"Devin, where's Zep...? I have to save him!"
"He'll be alright," Devin reassured her, his voice firm. "I know him. He'll fight."
Eventually, she calmed. A maid knocked. "Your Highness, breakfast is ready."
"Bring it in," Devin replied.
After the maids departed, Camellia looked at Devin, her eyes filled with remorse. "Devin... I'm sorry. Despite everything, you still helped me."
He took her hands. "It's okay. Just rest. You're still my fiancée, no matter what. Tell me... what truly happened?"
Camellia clutched the moon necklace. "It began the day I escaped the Celestial Palace. Ela, my maid, was with me when the Celestial Guards surrounded us. She... she sacrificed herself, giving me this necklace before pushing me through the portal. The Duke and Duchess saved me, and when they claimed me as their daughter because of the necklace, I realized Ela was their long-lost child. I promised myself I'd take her identity—to spare her parents further suffering—while investigating my own parents' disappearance."
Devin's gaze softened. "So that's why... But the day you assumed that identity, you were already my fiancée. I will protect you, no matter what."
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