Selene didn't know what to do; her desperate cries left the guards just as distressed. They were torn between helping the king and keeping the bandits imprisoned. The assailant had fallen to the ground once again, as if he had fainted due to his exertion. However, they couldn't afford to let their guard down, just as they had learned.Moisture trickled from Frederick's side down to his leg. The pain felt like scorching hot coals, and he placed a hand on his side as his vision began to blur. Would he die? Was this how his life would end? The pain left him breathless, and Frederick didn't want to close his eyes. He fought to stay awake, especially for Selene, but with each passing second, that task became increasingly impossible."Frederick," Selene's voice was torn by pain and anguish. Her face was bathed in tears, and her heart was pierced by thousands of daggers."My Lady," one of the guards called, touching her shoulder. Selene recoiled at the guard's actions and cried out in despai

"Selene... My Selene""I'm here, Your Majesty," she whispered.Selene placed the letter on the table and approached Frederick, she touched his forehead to measure his temperature, it was still warm, but it no longer seemed to burn as it had before."I'm here, I'm not going anywhere," she promised, taking his hand and squeezing it between her fingers.Frederick moved restlessly, his heart was agitated by memories that placed Selene in grave danger."My Lady, I will not allow anything bad to happen to you," Frederick murmured, furrowing his brow. "No matter if I have to give my life," he added with pain.Selene couldn't help her tears from overflowing down her cheeks as she heard what Frederick was willing to do for her. A heaviness formed in her heart, what had she done for him? Nothing! She had done nothing, she had accused and challenged him. She had done many things she shouldn't have done, but it was too late for regret, all she could do was improve the things she had done wrong in

Selene thanked him and joined Frederick's side, taking the sponge and bowl to moisten the rest of her body."You'll end up soaked," Frederick warned as he saw her lean over her voluminous dress."It's okay, Your Majesty," she said."The last thing we need, my Lady, is for you to fall ill too. Why don't you shed your dress and prevent yourself from getting cold?" Frederick suggested, making Selene blush."Your Majesty!" she exclaimed."I promise not to look more than necessary," he said, letting out a small laugh that caused a twinge in his side.Selene swallowed, looked at her dress, and realized that the hem was already soaked with water that had carelessly fallen on the floor, which could make her task more difficult. Nevertheless, it seemed improper to undress in front of the king just like that."Don't feel pressured. It was my mistake to make such a proposal," he spoke hastily upon seeing Selene's expression.She nodded and didn't say another word. She took the bowl with some wat

Henry didn't stay to check what happened to the bandits; he had previously surveyed the fall, and in his opinion, the drop was sufficient for none of them to survive. If he was lucky, the bodies would be lost at sea. With a swift leap, he mounted his horse and abandoned the two horses pulling the carriage. At some point, someone would come to that area, and he didn't want to be anywhere nearby. Besides, he needed to return to the castle, alongside his aunt, and act as if nothing strange had occurred.To his advantage, the road must already be open, as the peasant had told him earlier, and in three days, half the path would be accessible. With that in mind, he would reach the castle much faster. He spurred his horse and fled at full speed.Henry felt satisfied with what he had done—the death of the bandits meant that no one could accuse him of attempting to kidnap Selene or murder Frederick. Now, he needed to behave like a true king, even if he wasn't officially titled as such. He had

Selene experienced a new shiver but tried to calm herself. They were outdoors, what could happen? Memories of that time by the stream came flooding back to her mind, and the blush was inevitable. It seemed like it would be her perpetual state from now on."Alone again," he whispered, smiling.Selene settled into the chair, perusing various interesting titles among the books in the basket."Is there anything specific you'd like to read, Your Majesty?" she asked, selecting three books that seemed perfect to her."What book would you like to read?" he responded."It's not about me, Your Majesty, but about you," she replied modestly.Frederick placed his hand over Selene's fingers, which were holding onto one of the books she was taking from the basket, letting him choose."Are you sure you want to read it, Your Majesty?" she asked with a slight smile."No."Selene's expression changed immediately, and she was about to put the book back."I want you to read it to me. Do you think you can?