Return of the General's Daughter

"Your Highness, Master..."

Felix stood outside the gazebo, still panting. Shadows of the dappled sunlight filtering through the leaves of the ancient tree that sheltered the gazebo appeared on his face.

"Can I come inside?" He asked apprehensively. He could see that the prince was displeased by his intrusion.

"And why not? Come here. I’ll show you an improved version of the stethoscope. You can also check the prince’s heartbeat."

Felix lingered at the threshold, his gaze fixed intently on Alaric. An unsettling trepidation coiled within him. He understood that he needed Alaric’s nod of approval before he could dare to step over the threshold.

And as if there was a prior agreement between the two, Agilus also arrived. When he saw that Lara was wearing a dress, he whistled. But then he felt the usual chill run down his spine. He could only stop and silently complain.

"You looked different in a dress, Kane, ... I mean Lara," Agilus said the moment he entered the gazebo.

Alaric gave him a look that said, "Shut up!"

"I mean, the dress. It looked different, not the usual one that women would wear." Agilus corrected himself. "But honestly, Lara looks better in a dress rather than in men’s clothes." He sat down in the farthest corner of the gazebo, away from Alaric’s arms or legs that might reach him should he feel annoyed with his praises for Lara.

"Felix, come here," Lara called, curling her fingers in a beckoning gesture.

The young medic hesitated, casting a nervous glance at Alaric before stepping forward. Lara gently guided Alaric’s hand, positioning the chest piece exactly where the heartbeat should be felt strongest beneath the skin.