Page 54 of A Kingdom so Crimson

"Levon sent a letter," he explained, his tone somber. "Saying there had been an accident, unsure if you would be able to continue. Jesri…was furious."

My mind flashed back to my last conversation with Levon outside, unsure ofwhathappened. "Where is he?" I rasped, needing water.

"Levon?" he huffed, not caring to conceal his jealousy with the roll of his eyes. "This was all a mistake, El. You're coming back home with me."

"What?" I croaked, my throat tight with disbelief. "No. I… Jesri would never allow it. I don't want to go back, Cal. You know that."

"You're delusional, El. Look at yourself! Barely two months here, and you end up in a coma," he spat out with anger in hisvoice. "The two of them wouldn't even let a healer look at you. It doesn't make sense."

"A coma? How long was I out?" I retorted, pushing him away, my frustration mounting.

"A little over a week."

"A week?" I blurted out. It couldn't be. "Where's Levon?"

"Maybe consider cleaning up before you start interrogating," he taunted, attempting to divert my attention.

I glanced down at myself in my new nightgown. Memories flooded back—the bone-chilling cold, followed by the enveloping warmth of a steaming hot bath. And Kaizen…he had carried me. His back was painted with scars.

"Where is—"

"No," Calum interrupted, holding up a hand. "Stop talking and go freshen up. I'll fetch you some food." With that, he rose from the bed and exited the room without another word.

I released a heavy sigh, blinking against the blinding cascade of light that flooded the room and feeling stiff and disoriented as I remained seated. Groaning in protest, I attempted to move my neck and arms, eventually summoning the strength to swing my feet off the bed and stand up. Every muscle in my body screamed in protest as I stretched, the ache seeping into my bones. With a determined effort, I shuffled towards the bathroom, mustering the will to turn on the tub faucet.

It felt as though I had been unconscious far longer than a week, and the mention of food only intensified the gnawing ache in my stomach, tempting me to overcome my soreness and venture downstairs to fetch it myself.

I shed my robe and closed the bath door behind me before sinking into the warm tub water with relief. Gripping the lavender and rose-infused soaps, I scrubbed vigorously, coating every inch of my skin and hair in the fragrant foam, hoping to banish the weight of the invisible manacles that still boundmy wrists and ankles with its icy sting. I held my breath and submerged, letting the shadow's tendrils dissolve along with all the noise, replaced by the watery ambiance of my beating heart.

I sat up, inhaling air as water rushed over the full of me, rinsing the soap from my hair and body.

I heard the click of my room door opening, accompanied by the inviting aroma of food that instantly set my stomach rumbling. Hastily, I jumped out of the bath, grabbing my robe to cover up before drying off. Sliding the door open, I found Calum standing there with a tray laden with various foods—fruits, bread, cheeses, meats, nuts, and a generous glass of water.

"Eat," Cal commanded curtly, placing the tray on the table by the window. His impatience was evident, and he kept eyeing the door with irritation. But I was too famished to dwell on his mood.

The aroma of the food enveloped me as I sat on the plush chair beside the table, stirring my senses and driving me to devour it with an almost primal urgency. With each bite, I felt a sense of liberation, as if I were escaping into a world where only the flavors mattered, driving me to eat and eat until the pain subsided.

I was aware of Cal's watchful eyes as I shoveled food into my mouth. But despite his presence, the food tasted divine, each bite a symphony of flavors that danced on my tongue, offering a temporary rest from the turmoil.

Once the tray was emptied, I gulped down the entire glass of water, feeling refreshed and satisfied. Leaning back, I released a hefty sigh of contentment.

Calum chuckled, his bright smile revealing his dimples. "What happened to those impeccable manners of yours?" he teased, joining me by the window where the whispers of summer breeze stirred the muggy air in the room.

He clasped my hand, his thumb tracing comforting circles over my knuckles. "You had me very worried there, El. I'm glad you're awake," he confessed softly.

I responded with a shrug, avoiding his gaze as I swept my wet hair over one shoulder and looked out the window. Memories of our last civil conversation, back on my founding day, flooded my mind, but I pushed them aside, forcing a small smile as I met his warm eyes.

His brows knitted together again before his eyes abruptly widened with uneasiness and concern. He scanned my face with furrowed brows. I quickly looked away, feeling a knot in my throat.

"Tell me what happened?" I asked, eager to dispel the strange tension that hung between us.

"Tell you? How about you tell me?" he retorted, releasing my hand and settling onto my bed with a frustrated sigh. "No one around here seems to care about giving me the truth about the accident." I shot him a glare, but it only seemed to amuse him further. "Fine, Miss Demanding."

"Calum," I interjected sharply, my voice filled with irritation.

He let out a heavy sigh. "All I was told was that you had fallen while walking with Sir Alder and then started having these…convulsions?" His gaze lingered on me, "And apparently, it's not the first time?" he stated with a hopeful flicker in his eyes as if he expected me to offer some clarification. But I could only glare back at him, my frustration bubbling to be set free.

"But that doesn't quite explain what happened to Sir Alder," he continued, a note of irritation creeping into his voice. "They said you pulled him down with you, but it just doesn't make sense. Are you absolutely sure you don't remember anything?"

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