Andres Francia was well aware of how much his friend cared for his cousin. Though only two days had passed since Iria was brought here, he saw the deep love Arin Helev had for her.
At first, it came as a total surprise for the Crown Prince. He didn't know that his aloof friend had such a side in him.
When Arin walked closer, he rose from his seat and left. He knew that they will have many things to say to each other. When he left, Iria slowly pushed herself up.
Arin Helev stood near Iria's bed and he noticed how red her eyes were.
Was she crying?
He sat on the bed beside her and observed her. "How are you feeling now?" he asked. His voice had a hint of concern in it.
"I'm thirsty," was her low yet only response. This drew a little smile from his lips and he poured water from the jar which was placed near her bed. Then he helped her drink it.
The water moist her dry throat and it was soothing. Even if she speaks, it won't hurt that much anymore.
Arin Helev put the cup back and turned his attention to her again. Her lifeless eyes, her pale face and lips, her wounds and her broken heart... every part of her pained him.
That Jerivian King.
How dare he broke her to this extent while he couldn't bear to hurt her even when she completely fooled him!
"What do you want me to do?" he asked her. "What will I do to ease all your pain and sufferings? Tell me, Iria. I will do anything. Should I kill Zaro Aventine and wipe off all his soldiers and the whole kingdom?"
Much to Arin's surprise, Iria hugged him rather than answering him. She wrapped her arms around his body and hold onto him tightly as if she will die if she let go of him.
"Your wound is not healed yet," he pointed out. "You will be in pain if you pressed yourself too hard against me."
"It's fine," she muttered. "I don't care."
He let out a sigh but soon, a subtle smile was formed on his lips. Then he finally exchanged her hug.
"You were right," she said. "I'm back here again."
Though the reason and the procedure wasn't a pleasant one, Arin was glad to have her back. However, he knew that once everything was settled, she will have to go to Cedore, the empire of her uncle. But things won't be hard now. He can ask for her hand when she's ready. After all, their kingdom and empire won't be enemies anymore.
"I'm glad that you're here," he said in his usual calm voice. "As I said in my letter, the palace is too lonesome."
Iria Alewine pulled back when one thing crossed her mind. "What happened to Rion's body?" she asked in a voice that was barely above a whisper.
They retrieved the bodies, right?
"Don't worry. A proper funeral is held for all the decease soldiers yesterday evening," Arin told her. "You can visit his grave once you recovered."
At least, they got a proper funeral. Iria Alewine wondered how many soldiers sacrificed their lives just to shield her from those arrows. She believed that the number will surely surpass a hundred!
"I won't forget the sacrifice in the Serene Valley, Arin," she suddenly said. "No matter what, I will avenge all the decease soldiers before I die. Zaro Aventine will surely regret killing Rion."
While she was locked up in the cell, she clearly told him that if he dare to lay a hand on Rion or the people she love, he will see how worse she could get.
Iria Alewine was determined to fulfil that promise no matter what.
Arin Helev nodded at her words and he caressed her hair. "Fine. I know you can do that. I will help you." He put down his hand and hold her hands. "Tomorrow, I will depart for the border with Andres and the soldiers. I promise you that I will bring back your remaining soldiers and families safely."
"I trust you," Iria Alewine promptly said.
Arin slightly smiled and take out the braided bracelet that Orius handed him when he reached Qalagon. Then he let her wore it.
"I know. You trust me enough to send your brother to me. I'm really glad for that," he muttered. "So, I won't fail you this time either. I heard that the Jerivian King is seeking help from the Nathanians. That will make it hard for us to take the capital but..."
"You don't have to take the capital," Iria Alewine quickly said and added, "Bringing back the soldiers and their families is enough."
Iria Alewine recalled all the deaths in the Serene Valley and continued, "Many soldiers already died, Arin. I don't want more sacrifice for now. I don't want Qalagon and Cedore to go to that length just for my sake."
"Are you sure?" Arin asked her with a hint of confusion on his face. He thought that she will want to crush those soldiers and the King right away!
Iria Alewine nodded. "If you attack the capital from the front, the number of casualties and deaths will be countless. I don't want that. Besides, the soldiers will take their families to the outskirts of the capital while Zaro was chasing us."
Thinking of how her father always taught her to seek a way to sacrifice a few for great results, she said, "We can wait for the right time."
Arin Helev nodded as he knew that she was the one who knows the condition of the capital the best. "Alright. I will talk with Andres." He looked at her and made her sleep. "You need to rest, Iria. I want you to recover soon."
It's hard for him to see her sick, especially after not seeing her for months.
"You can rest while I go to Jerivia and brought your remaining soldiers here," he calmly said and added, "I bet Lady Vienna will be happy to keep you company during that."
For the first time in almost a week, the name of the lady drew a faint smile from Iria's lips. "Is she alright?" she promptly inquired.
Arin nodded. "Ever since they get married, Hanson pick up a hobby of showing off. You won't know how tiring it is for me," he sighed.
His words widened her smile in the slightest bit. "I can't wait to meet her," she remarked.
Arin narrowed his eyes and witnessing her smile eventually made him flashed a smile. "How I miss that smile," he remarked in a low voice.....
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