Saved By The Mad Duke

Yanad nodded, which only heightened Aideen’s bewilderment. "But I thought... I thought she––"

"I had to do this to help her. It wasn’t the best way to handle things, but I did it for her protection. I know it’s a lot to ask, especially after everything my family has put you through, but I’m not asking for myself. Can you please... help her?"

"Of course. I would never deny my help to someone in need." Aideen turned to her knights. "Sir Derek, please take care of the horse. Sir Lucas, please call Safie and ask her to bring hot food, lots of hot water, and towels to my bedroom. Thank you."

Turning back to the Crown Prince, she added, "Let’s go. The castle is protected by my spell, so we should be safe in my room."

***

As they entered Aideen and Tillian’s bedroom, Yanad carefully placed Melania’s almost lifeless body on the bed and removed the cloak that had been covering her.

Aideen gasped. The princess’ body was trembling; she was pale as a sheet and covered in sweat. It was clear she had a high fever.

"What happened to her?" Aideen asked, her voice filled with concern.

Yanad sighed. "We’ve been on the road for weeks now. The moment we escaped the capital, we had to keep moving. We had no choice but to stay in very unpleasant places, surviving on the food I managed to take with us from the palace while hiding from the royal scouts. During one of the nights, we had to stay in a very cold cave. Melania caught a cold and has been suffering since then."