Temporary Crown

24 | Rest for Now

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Nesta was left alone in the duke’s room this time. She felt her whole energy inside her body was leaving her body but her eyes won’t shut down. Instead, her eyes were wide awake looking and observing if there are changes in the duke.

The potions have been working as the strange lines that appeared earlier disappeared. He looked like he was just sleeping right now. Nesta leaned back and grabbed the hot tea served by the servants. She sipped it feeling the comfort of the tea spreading all over her chest making her calm down.

Puffy eyes and tired body, Nesta refused to give up. If the duke won’t wake up tomorrow, then she needed to prepare herself on taking over the position of the duchess, even if its temporary. Furthermore, she needed to explain to Lucien that everything is fine and that the duke was just sleeping or else, he would be anxious and he would breakdown.

He was a precious and fragile child for Nesta.

Nesta saw it all before. His life draining away from him and everything he held slipping in his hands. Nesta do not want those to happen again. Once was enough.

Nesta only wanted to carry this burden alone. Until the very end, she wanted to protect the child and his bright future ahead. Nesta eyes’ moved and looked at the time. It was already midnight. The whole mansion was calm now and only the sound coming from the insects outside and the fire crackling were heard.

It was so quiet that Nesta felt like if this continue she would go crazy.

“Your grace, please wake up,” Nesta muttered. Her voice was hoarse as she was begging. “Please wake up. Your son is waiting for you.” she pleaded again. But no matter how long Nesta wait, the duke did not move and he stayed there just breathing.

The worse might really come.

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Morning came and Nesta wasn’t able to have much sleep. She only have three hours of sleep and from time to time should would wake up of the noises she heard outside. Her body was on high alert but at the same time, the fatigue building up felt like a boulder dragging her to sleep.

“My lady, perhaps, you need some time to sleep.” The servant who had been observing their mistress condition since morning took a step to utter. Hearing this, Nesta glanced at her reflection on the mirror.

Her eyes were red and she looked pale. Her lips were also dry because of the snow outside and her hair was quite a mess. Right, she really need a rest. But the duke was still not waking up. It was already ten in the morning and usually he woke up earlier than this but he was still in bed sleeping.

He had been feed with potions from time to time to gave nutrition and even to help his body. Nesta had been anxious all the time but it felt like a miracle for her every time the duke’s stomach would go up and down. It meant for her that he was still breathing. That he was alive.

Taking consideration of the maid’s suggestions, Nesta gave a nod and soon stood up. However, before she completely got out of the chair, her head ached and her knees wobbled. The servant was not there to catch her so she was bounced back on the chair again.

“My lady!”

Nesta groaned feeling her headache. She put her hands to her temples and massage them. “Oh my, my lady should I call the doctor?” the servant present panicked. Nesta can feel her headache worsening because of the fuss but she managed to held down her annoyed expression.

“No-” Before she can finish,

“Sister, Aren’t you going to eat breakfast again?”

This deep voice. It was Lucien’s. He was standing at the door eyes on Nesta before moving to the bed where his father was. Nesta immediately shuddered unable to process her thoughts. She was torn in thinking if she needed to find an excuse or tell him the truth.

Suddenly, Nesta forgotten her headache and she stood up once again causing her to lose balance again. But before she hit the ground, Lucien was there to catch her. His hands resting on her shoulders hugging her.

“I heard that you did not sleep. If you keep doing these actions on neglecting your health. It will be troublesome in the future, sister.” His voice was calm and compose in contrast to what Nesta expected.

“I-Uhm. The duke. Father, last night.” Nesta was stuttering not knowing how to weave her words and it even seemed as though she forgotten how to speak in that very moment. Her gaze was frozen and was left on Lucien’s calm face.

He heaved his breath looking at his father then looking down at Nesta. “I heard what happened sister.” Lucien started. “I was talking with the doctor this morning after I wake up. I understand that you worry for us but it would be best for you to rest. I would be the one who’ll take charge of staying beside father.”

“Lucien?” Nesta asked. Confusion was visible on her voice.

“Hmmm?” He answered. Hands still hugging her. Their eyes met. One was full of confusion while the other one was oddly calm.

“Aren’t you surprise? Are you angry? Or perhaps,” Nesta drifted looking down at the floor. She felt guilty as if something was stinging her heart. Her initial decision earlier was to lie but then, thinking of her actions right now, Lucien deserved to know and understand the truth.

If Lucien wasn’t able to talk with the doctor first this morning, then she would have made another mistake. It might lead another misunderstanding dampening their relationship.

With her question, Lucien sighed once again. “Such a useless worry.” Lucien whispered.

However, this time, he moved to carry Nesta in his arms. Nesta who was caught of guard throw her arms on Lucien’s neck to maintain her balance. “What- Lucien? Put me down!”

“Prepare a food for my sister in her room. Something light would do.” Lucien commanded on the servant and she obediently obliged.

“Lucien!” Nesta struggled. “Put me down. I am heavy.”

“Sister, we’ll talk later,” He said carrying her out of the door towards her room.

“Lucien!” Nesta wanted to insist but Lucien continued to walk as his eyes were on the hallway.

“Rest for now.”

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