Chapter 58: A Slave Status
Their several-hour journey finally halted for their first night’s rest when they arrived in the vast field. The sun was setting on the western horizon, casting an orange glow over the surroundings.
"We’ll camp here tonight and continue at dusk," Kyren ordered his men as they finally arrived at a suitable camping spot.
The commander dismounted from the horse and assisted Anna down. The princess staggered as her foot reached the ground and nearly flopped. Fortunately, her husband steadied her, holding her waist firmly.
"Are you all right?" asked Kyren.
Given her circumstances, the grand duke opted for a considered leisurely trip for the Knights of Gerhard rather than a fast-paced one. However, even that was a harsh journey for the commander’s wife.
"I’m fine," Anna replied, covering up the surging ache that writhed over her muscles.
Despite feeling intense soreness in her back and thigh, she had to swallow and endure the pain as she didn’t want her husband to know. After all, it was her insistence not to stay in the carriage in the first place.
"Come and rest first. The knights will get things ready in a moment," Kyren told her as he led her steps.
Holding her husband’s hand, Anna forced her jelly-like legs to move further and sat beneath a shady tree. She leaned against the trunk, closing her eyes and taking several deep breaths to slow her heartbeat.
Gradually, her panting decreased, and her heaving chest returned to the regular rate.
Rafe, who had descended from the horse, came over and examined his patient quickly while Ayden went to assist the knights in setting up the camp.