Page 116 of A Tenuous Betrothal
She nodded. “I’m so relieved.” A yawn took over.
“I will let you rest, and I’ll summon the doctor and inform the family and the staff that you’ve woken.” He chuckled. “You have a rather long list of admirers. So many care for you.”
“And to think I worried that being an orphan would leave me lonely for the rest of my life.” Her eyes filled with tears. “Thank you, Marc. I am full of gratitude, and I will not take it back. I love you, and I will be grateful for your goodness for all of my days. You’ve brought me the best kind of life.”
“Oh, I’ll take that kind of gratitude any day.” He pressed his lips to her forehead. “Sleep, my love. We shall continue this conversation very, very soon.” His eyes held promises, and she grabbed hold of those promises as they wrapped comforting warmth around her heart.
As she drifted off to sleep again, she saw her hope on the horizon.
Chapter Thirty-Eight
Rhi woke again feeling muchstronger. A full tray of food and drinks rested at her bedside.
Catrin stood. “I am to tell you straightaway to eat and drink.” She dipped her head.
Rhi adjusted herself to sit higher in the bed. “Did the doctor give you these instructions?”
“Yes, and His Highness. We were both chagrined that we did not offer as much last time you woke.”
Rhi laughed. “My mouth is a bit dry.”
Catrin adjusted the tray so that all was in reach.
Once Rhi had sated all hunger and thirst, she had more energy. “May I bathe?”
“Yes, miss. They are already filling the tub in the next room.”
“Oh, excellent. I think I shall dress after and sit on my balcony. The sun looks glorious, and such a beautiful day is wasted inside.”
“Very good, miss.”
Marc was not sitting in his chair. Had he left on a mission? Her throat tightened, but then she reminded herself of their conversation the night before.He’s retired.
The bath was more tiring than she’d expected, but she insisted on taking a chair in the sunlight before returning to bed. She could walk on her leg, but it was stiff and sore, and the doctor had said that, above all, they must keep it clean. As long as she did not catch a fever, all would heal, and she would be well.
A book sat in her lap, but she could not summon the energy to read. Instead, she watched the progress on the reconstruction of the stables. They did not seem to have suffered as much damage as she’d thought. Perhaps all would at last be well. She sighed, and with her exiting breath, much of her concern trickled out, the tightness in her heart loosening at last. A small smile tugged her lips.
Then Marc approached on the balcony.
She sat up again in her chair. “Well, hello. How did you get out here?”
He pointed. “Perhaps you remember we have adjoining rooms?”
Her cheeks flamed. “I had forgotten.”
His laugh warmed her, and his eyes were bright and full of mystery.
“And what are you up to today?” she asked.
“Up to?” He grinned. “I’m here on personal business and official palace business.”
“Oh?”
“Yes, quite.”
“Well then, what is your business, Your Highness?”
“I’m here to declare that Father has pushed back the ball to whenever you are well enough.”
