Page 44 of Kingdom of Lies

The words hit me like a physical force, threatening to knock me off my feet. My legs tremble and threaten to give out, but thankfully Draknir's strong arm wraps around me, providing a sense of stability and support.

"Is there any chance she could make a full recovery?" I manage faintly.

The healer's gaze is filled with both sympathy and sternness, his eyes conveying a sense of urgency. "With diligent treatment, we may see some improvement. But at her age, complete restoration is unlikely."

As he turns to leave, a wave of despair washes over me and I dissolve into tears once again. My worst fears have come to fruition - the grandmother I knew and loved may be forever lost to me.

Draknir simply holds me close, letting me cry myself out. When it passes, he takes my hands firmly in his. "We will get through this," he vows. My anchor in the storm...

My heart splinters knowing there is no cure for Grandma's altered mind. The potion healed her body, but cannot mend whatever damage lies within.

"There must be something you can do..." I plead.

"No cost is too great, I will compensate you for all of your time."

"I admit my knowledge of the intricacies of the human brain is limited. Elven medicine concentrates on physical ailments rather than mental. But his jaw sets determinedly. "I will scour every medical tome until I understand this affliction fully. There may be an elven treatment or herb that can help restore balance to her mind."

A tiny spark of hope flickers faintly through the overwhelming grief that consumes me. In the midst of darkness, Draknir's tireless dedication gives me strength to carry on.

He also happens to have found us the best healer in all the land.

As we turn to leave, Grandma's face contorts into a storm of anger at the sight of me with Draknir. Her eyes blaze with fury and her mouth spews out harsh names and curses before we hastily make our escape.

"Perhaps it's best to give her some time alone," Draknir says soothingly as we retreat from the venomous words. "The healer will be back shortly with potential treatments."

The atmosphere is heavy with tension, thick and suffocating. My heart beats wildly in my chest as we hastily escape from the chaotic scene behind us. Despite the barrage of cruel words she hurls at him, he remains stoic and silent, refusing to retaliate or even utter a single unkind word towards her.

I can feel the tears pricking at the corners of my eyes as I remember my sweet grandmother, her once vibrant spirit now twisted and broken. The sight feels like a knife to my heart each time. But I hold onto the slim chance that medicine may restore some of who she once was.

Despite the overwhelming anguish and sorrow, the knowledge that I do not bear this burden alone brings a small sense of relief.

After the distressing visit, Draknir takes my hand and leads me out to the gardens behind the estate, his eyes full of concern. As we step through the threshold, a wave of color and scent envelops us in a warm embrace.

In every direction, the air is alive with movement as vibrant flowers sway gracefully in the gentle breeze. Each petal seems to carry its own unique color, blending seamlessly together to create a mesmerizing display.

A riot of vibrant colors burst from every corner, with flowers of all shapes and sizes blooming in perfect harmony. I can't help but kneel down to inhale their sweet perfume, feeling like I've stepped into a fairytale.

"When did you do all this?" I ask in wonder, kneeling to inhale their sweet perfume.

"I had the gardeners transplant them recently, so you could have somewhere peaceful to retreat to," Draknir explains, looking pleased by my reaction.

I throw my arms around him, overwhelmed with joy. Only weeks ago, this very ground had been stained with blood during the fateful duel. But now, thanks to Draknir's thoughtfulness, life and beauty bloomed here. The vibrant colors of wildflowers and lush grasses painted the landscape, filling it with renewed hope and vitality.

His voice is hesitant, his sharp features softened by a look of uncertainty. "Humans enjoy flowers, do they not?" he asks, glancing at me with curiosity. His maid Eliza must have told him about our fascination with these delicate plants.

I can't help but laugh, my eyes brimming with happy tears. "Yes," I reply, nodding fervently. "They bring joy, I love them. I always dreamed of having a beautiful garden to visit when things became too difficult… and now…” The swell of tears stop the words in my mouth.

A sense of tension releases as Draknir's touch lingers gently on my cheek. His warm palm caresses my skin, bringing a small smile to my lips. "I wished to bring some light back to your eyes, my love," he says softly.

I turn to embrace him tightly, feeling his strong arms wrap around me in a comforting embrace. "And you have. Thank you, my dearest," I whisper.

Draknir holds me close, basking us both in the warm rays of the sun. The gentle breeze rustles through the flowers surrounding us, creating a serene atmosphere. "I love you, Kathleen," he murmurs into my hair.

"And I love you, Draknir."

I give in to his embrace, melting into his strong arms. The weight of the world lifts off my shoulders as I am no longer alone in this battle. In this moment, it is just the two of us, hand in hand exploring this garden right out of the fairy tails of my youth.

It's hard to believe this is my life now.

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