Chapter 11: To Protect and to Be Protected
"I’m calling the squires to bring in the bathwater and food. You need to wash up and eat," Kyren said as he moved to the table at the bedside.
His hand reached for the bell and rang it twice. The sound of the bell reverberated loudly in the tent.
Not long after, three squires entered the place. Two of them carried a big wooden tub containing bathwater, while the other held a food tray.
Kyren stood closely before Anna, blocking the squires’ sight with his robust figure. They left after bowing to their commander.
"We don’t have female servants, and I cannot hire them as it’s against the rules here. So, bear with it for now," he said.
Anna nodded.
She tried to stand up quickly, but her weakened knees and sore body made her nearly succumb to the floor. In haste, Kyren caught her and promptly hoisted her, bringing the princess to the tub. His bride was as light as a feather in his arms.
Anna was perplexed by his sudden action.
"I can wash on my own!" Her voice shook nervously.
The commander stared at her with a stern face, and he paused moving.
"You can’t even stand up. How are you going to do it by yourself?" His words felt more like a scolding to Anna’s ears.