Page 76 of Warrior Princess
“How dare you!” Ronan growled. “Howdareyou hurt my woman!”
Caelan gritted his teeth and tried to maintain his footing.
Finally, with a powerful swing, Ronan broke through Caelan's guard, his blade plunging into Caelan's side. Caelan staggered and his face contorted in pain as he realized the fatal nature of his wound.
With a last, desperate effort, Caelan tried to retaliate, but his strength was fading fast. Seizing the opportunity, Ronan delivered the final blow, removing his sword just long enough to pierce Caelan's heart. The usurper king of Eldwain fell to the ground, his reign of terror ending with a final gasp as hazel eyes gazed towards the sky, his eyes emptying of life.
“Finally,” Ronan muttered. “All your deeds have amounted to this one moment… your death. You were good for nothing else. I’ll see you in the underworld.” He dug his sword deeper until the blade struck the earth and Caelan stilled.
The battlefield fell eerily silent, broken only by the ragged breaths of the exhausted and the wounded. Shiro shifted back to his human form and rushed to my side, though I struggled to stay conscious.
I attempted to call to Ronan, but couldn’t speak.
Leaving his sword embedded in Caelan’s chest, Ronan hurried to my side, dropping to his knees and cradling me in his arms. “Leila,” he murmured. “Don’t die on me… I didn’t give you permission to die!” Tears streamed down my fierce warrior’s face.
Marcellus approached. His face was grim. “Is she—?”
“We need to get her to a healer,” Ronan said urgently, his voice laced with agony. “Now!”
Marcellus nodded, then turned to call for medical assistance. His voice carried over the now quiet battlefield, commanding yet gentle, a stark contrast to the violence that had just ended.
As healers rushed over, Ronan held me tightly and rocked back and forth, his presence a comforting weight by my side. I stared at the calm battlefield, littered by bodies and soaked in blood. They had all fought valiantly, not just for me, but for the future of Asteria—a future free from Caelan’s dark ambitions. Tension leached from my shoulders and I finally felt like I could close my eyes.
“Leila! Stay awake! Leila!” I heard Ronan cry out before everything went black.
30
As consciousness returned, it trickled in gently, a soft awakening surrounded by the faint rustle of leaves and distant bird calls. Lying still, I savored the fragrant blend of dried herbs and lavender filling the air, hints of healing and calm that soothed the senses. I didn’t open my eyes immediately, choosing instead to listen to the hushed murmurs and the occasional clink of pottery, confirming the presence of others nearby.
When I finally opened my eyes, dim morning light filtered through the room, casting a warm glow on the simple setup of Ronan’s home. Beside me, a small figure was perched quietly, his attention on a plate of fire berries.
“Miss Leila!” Henry’s voice was a hushed exclamation, the relief palpable as he noticed my awakening. I managed a weak smile and extended a hand, which he took in his small, warm ones. “Are you okay?”
I nodded and attempted to sit up from the bed. “H-How… How did we get here? How long has it been?”
Henry helped me sit up and then held me steady when I wobbled. “It’s been seven days, Miss Leila. Ronan hired a carriage to bring you back here to the Grasslands.”
I frowned. “Why not Valoria?” I wasn’t complaining, but since the battlefield was closer to Valoria, it seemed like the better option.
Henry cleared his throat and looked down at his booted feet. “I don’t know, Miss. Leila… maybe you should wait for Ronan to tell you,” he mumbled.
“I’m askingyou, Henry,” I said gently.
He sighed and peered up at me. “Valoria is going through some difficulties at the moment. Queen Derinda attempted a coup, which was why Prince Marcellus almost didn’t make it to the battle in time. King Malik is still fairly sick, and Prince Marcellus is King Regent for now until the King is better.”
“Is he—”
“He’s fine,” Henry said quickly. “The poison was removed, but he’s still weak from the affects. The healer said King Malik should be better in the coming weeks.”
I breathed a sigh of relief. “Thank the goddess.” Then my eyes widened when I realized what he said. “What about Queen Derinda? Where is she?”
Henry shrugged. “She fled. They’re currently trying to find her, but her whereabouts are unknown.”
“What about—”
“Miss Leila, I really should inform Ronan you’re awake.” Henry stood and edged closer to the door. “He’s been waiting for days.”
I sighed, knowing the boy was itching to fetch Ronan. “Okay, Henry.”
