Adriana sat closer, staring at Ryan’s pale face, still lying weakly. Her grip on his cold hand never wavered. Beside the bed, a bowl of herbal potion that Elna had provided filled the air with a sharp aroma, mingling with the morning air coming through the partially open castle window.
Carefully, Adriana dipped a small spoon into the bowl, blowing gently to cool the potion before touching Ryan's lips with the tip of the spoon. “I’m sorry… I know it tastes bitter, but you have to drink this,” she whispered softly, as if Ryan could hear her.
She fed him little by little, watching every weak movement of Ryan’s throat as he swallowed. Occasionally, the potion dripped from the corner of his lips. Adriana reflexively grabbed a clean cloth and gently wiped away the droplets.
“You’ve always b
