Chapter 243
“Why are you up already? You should be resting, Nolan said, striding forward with concern. Just as he reached out to steady her, he noticed Tina supporting Eliza from behind–hidden from view by the doorframe.
Eliza brushed off his hand with a small smile. “No need. I’ve been lying in that carriage for days. My whole body’s starting to. feel still. It’s good to stretch a bit. And really, I feel much better after the medicine.
But Nolan knew better.
If she were truly fine, she wouldn’t need Tina’s help. She was clearly putting on a show–for the sake of those officials
outside.
His hand clenched halfway in the air before he finally withdrew it, hiding the ache behind his composed expression.
“Noganlul’s worst outbreak is in Caslig County, Nolan reported calmly. “But Kane is already stationed there. I brought three thousand Black Flag soldiers. It’s not many, but it’s enough to stabilize the rest of the region outside Caslig
The number, in fact, was a deliberate choice.
As the Prince Regent of Bortenland, with military power second only to the King himself, Nolan could have mobilized far more troops. But Noganlul was Kane’s jurisdiction. Sending too many men would draw suspicion.
Three thousand was just right. Enough to protect Serenity, enough to offer real assistance–yet not enough to provoke anxiety among Kane and his allies.
“We’ll keep a portion stationed here,” Nolan continued, “and deploy the rest to reinforce the less severe regions”
Eliza listened, then added crisply, “Send some of your men with the medicinal herbs I brought. No matter the type, each. soldier must carry one plant with them. The rest should be distributed to local physicians. Let them mix the herbs into their treatments for the infected–no matter how diluted, a trace of spiritual essence is better than nothing”
She had brought ten wagonloads of herbs. A drop in the bucket for the vastness of Noganlul’s population, but if used wisely. their efficacy could be amplified–if even a trace of spiritual water merged with other herbs, it would still soothe the
afflicted.
Nolan nodded without asking questions and immediately relayed her instructions.
Just before the local officials departed, the lead officer hesitated. After braving a wary glance at the Prince Regent’s sharp eyes, he finally gathered the courage to speak.
“Your Grace,” he said to Eliza, “since you’ve recovered… might we ask… when the blessing ceremony will be held?”
He bowed apologetically. “The people are desperate. Your Grace. If they hear you’ll be holding a prayer ceremony. I’m sure ill lift their spirits immensely”
1 steel. “And stir up an even greater panic? Nolan cut in before Eliza could respond. His eyes were cold, his tone sharpe “The people in the quarantine zones are already terrified, fearing they won’t live to see tomorrow. If word gets out the Holy Lady will perform a blessing, what do you think will happen? They’ll break out of their isolation to reach her. And when that happens–do you think you can stop them?”
The official paled. “Y–you’re right, Your Highness. I… I hadn’t considered that. Please forgive me.”
Eliza understood what he had intended–he merely wanted to give the people a little hope. But Nolan wasn’t wrong either. A misstep in timing could turn that hope into chaos
Tm sorry.” Eliza said gently. “I can’t perform the ceremony immediately-
Disappointment flickered across the officials faces.
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Chapter 213
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“But two days from now, I will personally visit every quarantine zone,” she continued, and bless every soul afflicted by this plague.”
The shift was instant. The disappointment vanished, replaced by stunned joy.
“Truly, Your Grace?”
“You’re really willing to enter the infected zones?”
“But isn’t that far too dangerous?”
Too dangerous? That didn’t even begin to cover it.
Nolan’s face nearly cracked from how hard he was clenching his jaw.
He wanted to yell. Why?! Why couldn’t she wait until the outbreaks were under control? He could’ve organized one grand ceremony–safe, effective, controlled.
i was she t
Why did she insist on going to every plague zone herself? Was she trying to die?
He forced himself to hold back, waiting until all the officials had left. Then he finally turned to Eliza and asked, in a voice tight with frustration. “You can’t go. It’s too dangerous.”
“I have to.” Eliza said softly.
ent illness, slower, quieter, with a gentleness that was even more disarming.
Her voice was hoarse from her recent
She looked at him and said, “This plea for my presence came from the people. I know what they’re hoping from me, Nolan. I may not have any divine power, but I can at least use my voice to calm their fear.”
What she didn’t say–what he didn’t know–was that she needed those two days to let the spiritual herbs fully circulate into the new medicine formulas. By then, the danger would be significantly reduced.
Nolan didn’t know any of that.
He only saw the determination in her eyes.)
I say no to her.
And once again… he couldn’t say no
“Fine,” he relented. “But you’ll follow my orders to the letter when the time comes. No more running off. No more risks. Do you understand?”
When she didn’t respond immediately, he narrowed his eyes and added with mock menace, “If you disobey again, I’ll plow your herb field and plant garlic chives instead”
Eliza stared at him in disbelief. “That’s… that’s just cruel.”
She loathed chives.
“Fine, fine, I’ll behave, alright?” she grumbled.
Soon enough, Eliza found herself tucked back into bed.
She didn’t protest. She knew Nolan was worried. So she closed her eyes and tried to sleep.
And sleep she did.
The spiritual water mixed with her medicine was taking effect. Her body relaxed; her fever slowly faded.
10:46 Sat, 19 Apr
Chapter 243
She had no idea that someone sat beside her all night.
959
That throughout the endless stream of visitors, of reports and decisions, Nolan never once left her side. That the oatmeal he’d prepared for her had been reheated again and again
She never stirred. But Nolan didn’t mind.
Sleeping well meant healing faster–and sure enough, by the second half of the night, her fever broke.
At the first sign of dawn, he was outside giving orders when he suddenly heard movement inside.
And there she was.
Eliza had finally awakened from her fever–drenched sleep. Still dazed, she blinked up at him, barely aware of where–or when–she was..
Curled under the blanket, only her flushed little face poking out, she made a confused little snuffling noise.
Nolan stared at her.
And in that moment, his heart melted into a puddle..
AD
