Page 9 of The Soulbond and Her Beloved

Emeriel’s heart ached as she hugged her sister back, though her arms felt weak.

"How long has it been?” she asked softly, her throat still raw.

“Nine days,” Aekeira pulled back slightly to look at her, tears streaming down her face. “Nine days, Em.For nine days,you were in pain. You were fighting for your life, you were…” A shudder ran through her and she sniffled, wiping at her eyes. “Don’teverdo something like that again! Please!”

Guilt caught Emeriel’s chest. “I’m sorry.”

Neither spoke for a while, only Aekeira’s occasional sniffles surrounding them.

Eventually, her sister pulled herself together and climbed off the bed, returning to the basket she had dropped. "These are for you. It helps you get better."

Crouching down, Aekeira gathered the scattered herbs before setting them neatly on the bedside table.

***

The next few hours passed in a flurry of activity.

The healers came in to administer their routine treatments and examined her progress.

Madam Livia arrived shortly after, with Amie trailing close behind. Both women overjoyed to see Emeriel sitting up. The head maid had a gentle smile, and Amie openly wept.

Emeriel had to hug the girl in consolation. She always had a soft spot for Amie.

They helped her eat, the warm broth soothing against her sore throat.

Aekeira assisted her with a bath, carefully helping her freshen up and change into clean clothes. The simple act of being clean and groomed made Emeriel feel more alive.

By afternoon, the chamber was busy with visitors. Lord Vladya and Lord Ottai arrived together. Emeriel could see the relief in their eyes as they looked at her, mingled with the lingering shadow of worry.

“It’s good to see you looking better,” Lord Ottai said in a sincere, relieved tone.

Emeriel offered him a faint smile. “Thank you,”

While Lord Ottai remained by her bedside, Lord Vladya stood a little farther back, his eyes flickering between Emeriel and Aekeira.

Emeriel noticed how her sister refused to meet his eyes. Her stiff posture.

Whenever they passed too close to one another, Aekeira would shift, subtly moving to avoid him.

Oh yes, there was tension right there.

After them, Lord Ottai's bondmate came, breezing into the room with an elegance that belied her concern. She carried a bundle of fresh roses, their scent filling the room as she arranged them in a vase on the bedside table.

“These should brighten your day, dear,” she said with a soft smile. “It’s so good to see you recovering.”

Emeriel’s heart warmed by the gesture. “Thank you, my lady,”

As evening fell, the visitors trickled out one by one, leaving the room quiet once more.

Emeriel lay propped up against a mound of pillows, her body sore but her mind finally at ease.

Aekeira sat beside her on the edge of the bed, cradling a small bowl of steaming broth in her hands.

“I told you, I’ve had enough,” Emeriel sighed.

“You have not eaten properly in days,” Aekeira dipped the wooden spoon into the chicken broth and brought it to her lips. “Try to eat some more.”

“Aekeira…” Emeriel groaned, sinking back into her pillows. “At this rate, I will be fat.”

---