Page 116 of Forcing Fate

“I just—I didn’t think they would die,” I whispered.

“You amaze me. They assaulted you. I haven’t the slightest clue why you’d feel remorse for them. Let me make this clear. You are a soldier. The General and Corporal dealt with your assailants as though they attacked a soldier. Had you simply been a civilian, the outcome might have been different.

“You belong to the King, and any crime against you, in essence, is a crime against him. You were not given special treatment because you’re a woman. They sealed their fate the moment they attacked a soldier.

“It is brutal, but necessary. Those who would prey on the weak would thrive in this environment if given the opportunity. Such actions must be judged immediately and without mercy. The General’s witness was all that was needed to seal the verdict. People who act as they did, as Victyr did—their mind is warped. There is no place for them here, and they’re a danger to everyone. We’re better off without them. Everyone is.

“So don’t feel guilty or sad for a single moment over their loss. Had it not been you, it would have been someone else who tipped them over that sick ledge.”

I sat still, listening to her words and seeking comfort in her fierce gaze.

“Now, moving on to more pleasant things.”

She helped me dress, my muscles weak from lying in bed for three days, and took care to wash the cuts on my face. The swelling had gone down, though she said the bruises were still distinct. She braided my hair to make me appear somewhat in order.

The door opened, and General Rafe stepped in, holding a steaming bowl and spoon.

“My, my, aren’t you the attentive nursemaid?” Rashel mocked with a hand on her hip.

He stopped in his tracks and blinked at her, then at me. He banged the bowl down on the small table and stormed back out, slamming the door.

Healer Rashel laughed outright and wiped away mirthful tears. “I daresay he has a soft spot for you.”

“He has an odd way of showing it,” I murmured.

He, more often than naught, treated me worse than the scum beneath his boots.

She made a thoughtful noise before handing me the bowl. I shoveled bites into my mouth under her careful scrutiny.

“I’d like you to rest for a few more days. However, your brute of a General will probably run you out the door tomorrow morning. Please try to take it easy. Don’t be afraid to request a break if you need it. Commander Dewal is aware of the situation.”

I frowned. There was no way I’d ask for a break. I’d push myself to the point of passing out before I sought any special privileges.

“A certain Sergeant has been asking after you, as well. I’ll be happy to report that you’re doing well.”

“Sergeant Willhelm?” I asked hopefully.

“That’s the one. He was… at odds with the General concerning your treatment. If it hadn’t been for Commander Dewal, I’m sure that he would have ended up in the barracks’ prison.”

“Oh,” I muttered. Willhelm didn’t deserve to be punished because of me. He had a respected reputation, and I didn’t want to tarnish it.

“Nothing happened, but he seems to have a protective streak.”

“I’m sure he didn’t mean to offend,” I offered.

“You didn’t see him. I’ve never seen that Sergeant so riled before. He definitely has a weakness for you. Speaking of which, while I’m here,” she sat on the edge of the bed with a serious expression, “are you seeing anyone?”

“Begging your pardon?” I asked, confused. Seeing anyone? I saw many people.

“Are you sneaking around with any boys?”

My mouth dropped open, and I gave her a look of utter shock. “No—No, ma’am. I would never. It’s against the law concerning soldiers,” I stammered.

“Not even the dear, Sergeant Willhelm? I just want to be sure. You’re the age where girls do silly things in the name of love.” She squinted at me, and I blushed.

“My age means nothing. I have no love interest. Sergeant Willhelm is a friend.” I kept my tone firm.

How could anyone think I would swoon over him? He was charming enough. I admit he was handsome in a dignified way, but I was not attracted to him. He was a counselor, a guide, and a friend. I couldn’t bring myself to imagine being with him.

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