Page 66 of Restored

I run the back of my hand over his forehead; his temperature is normal. “It worked,” I murmur in disbelief. “It worked!” I say again louder, looking at Ledger.

His mouth is agape with astonishment. “He’s— he’s going to be alright?” His eyes roam his father’s features.

“I can’t be sure, but he looks like a different person,” I say, awestruck as I study him again.

Ledger lets out a shaky breath. “Do you think he will wake?”

“I think it’s possible,” I respond as he touches his father’s hand.

“Your Highness, is everything okay?” Humphrey cracks the door, his high voice carrying through the room. “I heard some commotion.

“I think we did it, Humphrey,” he breathes as Humphrey enters, gasping as he beholds the King.

“It’s a blessing from the gods,” he whispers.

I stay for a few more hours, monitoring the King as Humphrey prepares for him to wake. His vitals improve and no matter how many times I check him, he still appears to be in good health.

Ledger stays by his side, his eyes rarely straying. He is quiet, barely even breathing as he waits for him to wake. I can taste his fear and see it in the lines of his forehead as each minute passes.

Finally, the King of Westray begins to stir, and then his eyes blink open. They are a devastating green, matching his sons. Ledger quakes letting out a noise of disbelief.

They embrace, murmuring to each other, and I back out of the room. The moment feels intimate, coated in many years of emotions I can’t begin to fathom.

Humphrey notices and leads me out of the room. “May I escort you to your room, Miss Sutton?”

“Sure, thank you.” I follow him through the halls.

“Now that His Grace is healed, will you be needing transportation back to Bellehaven?” he asks, catching me by surprise.

“Oh, um, I am unsure of my departure but thank you for your offer.” I slow as we reach my door.

“You are a distraction for the prince. I see how he looks at you, his childlike infatuation. I fear you have forgotten yourself. Ledger is a prince, and you are just a healer. You do not mix into this world, and the sooner you go back to where you came from, the better.” He sneers, and I rear back at his words.

My mouth opens and closes, trying to form a response.

“His Grace has not seen what I have seen, but I know he would mirror my words. Take this as a reminder because itseems like you have forgotten your place. Goodnight, Miss Sutton.” He shuts the door, uninterested in what I have to say. I am left standing in shock.

As much as I hate to admit it, Humphrey was right. I had let myself get swept up in this world, in the allure of Ledger.

I lay down, attempting to sleep. It was well into the early morning now. I shut my eyes but with the adrenaline pounding through my veins and my impending return to Bellehaven that much closer, I find it almost impossible to rest.

I eat when a maid drops off food and then sit on the windowsill looking out into the dark.

A knock comes, startling me. I patter over to the door on bare feet and crack it. Ledger is standing there in a black button-down shirt. The first few buttons are undone, and his broad chest is peeking out. He has a shadow of stubble lining his square jaw. The sight of him makes my mouth go dry.

“Your Highness?” I question and get my desired reaction when I see his jaw tick.

“I hope I didn’t wake you,” he says.

“With the events of the day, I am finding it hard to sleep,” I answer back.

“May I come in?”

I widen the door in response, stepping back. He enters, walking past me. The door clicks shut, and I stand awkwardly watching him.

“Do you mind?” He saunters over to the wine decanter and sets out two glasses.

“Be my guest.” I watch as he pours two glasses of the burgundy liquid and walks one over to me. I can tell his palms are sweaty as I take the glass from him.

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