Chapter 44 The Furious Prince

Chapter 44 The Furious Prince
“The more I think on it, the more I’m of the mind to dismiss you from service and send you back to Greenbrook!” Zeidan’s shouts burst through Aizurah’s unconsciousness, ripping her unpleasantly from her peaceful slumber. She grimaced, head throbbing as she blinked against the light.

“Zeidan…” His name came out little more than a breath, her face aching from the mere motion of speaking.

“I trusted you with her safety!”

“Zeidan!” she yelled out, her voice echoing through the tent. The effort caused her to groan in pain, but then her prince was at her side, pulling her hand into his.

“My love—”

“Don’t yell at Arden, please, it’s not his fault,” she insisted softly, struggling to enunciate her words through the pain in her mouth. Aizurah’s entire face ached something fierce. Her husband’s expression hardened, and he tightened his grip around her fingers.

“I’ve been yelling at him for days, and I will continue yelling at him!” Zeidan replied firmly. “He was supposed to protect you—”

“And he did. He killed Brendyn, didn’t he?” she asked, raising an eyebrow at him. Her skin screamed in protest, and she closed her eyes with a small groan of pain.

“He did… That cunt is lucky Arden did it! If I had found him, I would have peeled the skin from his fucking body and then fed each piece to Varynx!” Aizurah couldn’t help but smile, her insides warmed by her husband’s ferocity. His fury was a reminder of how much she meant to him, even if she loathed listening to him yell.

“I was supposed to protect myself, Zeidan,” she insisted gently. That was, after all, what the training had been for. “Arden found me; he saved my life. If anything, we owe him a debt of gratitude. I would be dead if not for him.” There was a choking sound, and she paused, bewildered as Zeidan pressed his face against the cot and swallowed a sob. “Zeidan… Zeidan, I’m alright!” Aizurah exclaimed, wrapping her arms around his shoulders.

“You’re not alright,” he told her. She could hear the pain in his voice, and she reached out to cup his cheek, caressing his skin in a comforting manner.

“Have the physicians determined that I’m going to die?” she asked almost teasingly. He stared up at her in disbelief. “No?” she continued, “Then I’m alright, my love. Now, I would like to speak with Sir Stonewall, and then you can send him back to his tent.” Zeidan looked at her incredulously. “Now, husband.” Her face was aching from speaking; her stomach pain was excruciating, and she knew she would need a poppy tonic soon.

“Princess?” Arden was visibly upset when he approached her. His eyes were filled with guilt and concern.

“Arden,” she breathed with a smile. “I just wanted to thank you…”

“Thank me, princess?” he repeated with surprise. “It’s my fault you were wounded—”

“No, no, it’s not,” she insisted forcefully, gritting her teeth against her agony. “The only one to blame is Brendyn Rainfer, and whoever he conspired with. Did he conspire with you, Arden?” she asked.

“Of course not!” Arden’s eyes widened and his face twisted at the mere thought of betraying Aizurah.

“Then it is not your fault, Arden,” she replied firmly, attempting to smile at him. “You saved my life; you kept your word and fulfilled your duty to me. The prince and I are both grateful, despite his frustrated outburst…” she finished, casting a glare at Zeidan.

“Well, I—” he paused, gathering his thoughts. “You’re welcome, princess, but it was nothing; it was less than I should have done. I should have—”

“Arden… You did well,” she reassured, catching his hand and silencing his protests, “Thank you. Go eat something and rest, please.” He nodded.

“I’m glad you’re alright, princess.” Arden exited the tent, and Zeidan returned to her side.