Chapter 179: Visisting The Head CouncilMan
"Could be worse. The healers say I’ll live, though I doubt I’ll be swinging a sword anytime soon."
Alaric nodded, his jaw tightening. "You’ve already given more than enough. Let others take the front line for now."
"I’ll hold you to that," Richard said, though his tone was teasing. "And you, my lord? Are you actually resting, or is that a foreign concept to you?"
Alaric smirked again, but his voice softened. "I’ll rest when this war is done."
They shared a brief, understanding silence before Alaric rose. He placed a hand on Richard’s shoulder, careful not to disturb his injuries.
"Stay alive," Alaric said, his voice low but filled with meaning.
"I plan to," Richard replied, his tone equally sincere. "Take care of yourself, Alaric. And the lady."
Alaric inclined his head and moved on, greeting the other knights and warriors as he walked through the sanctuary.
He stopped by each bed, exchanging a few words, offering thanks, and even cracking a joke or two when the mood allowed.
One young knight, barely more than a boy, looked up at him with wide, awestruck eyes. "Your grace... you’ve honored us by coming here."
Alaric shook his head. "It is I who am honored by your sacrifice. Rest and recover. That’s an order."