Living in the camp did not disadvantage Anna. The food served to her was delicious and hearty. Her bed was comfortable, and the commander's tent was luxurious. The guards or the squires who came for errands attended to her every need.
It was not as bad as Kyren told her.
The princess's life was relatively similar to living in Ardel. Only the place was different, and there was no library she could frequent.
However, despite receiving such good treatment and accommodation, the princess was down as her 'sun' was gone, and every fleeting second only made her chest tighten, making it so unbearable to be parted from her husband.
The words 'Has the commander returned yet?' were chanted on Anna's lips every morning.
Every time she woke up, she would rush to the guards and ask the same question with eyes shining with hope. But the answer was the same, and the monotonous routine repeated day after day.
"You must take your medicine, eat and sleep well, my lady. Your wound won't heal fast if you don't consume properly and rest adequately," said Ayden one fine day.
His obsidian eyes looked at the princess intensely, and his forehead creased.
Anna's condition had not improved much these past few days. Although the bruises had started to turn yellow and minor cuts had dried up, the other wounds had not changed. The assistant healer was worried about the slow progress, which could lead to infections.
"I don't have much appetite and couldn't sleep at night. The medicine is so bitter that I couldn't swallow it," Anna replied.
Dark shades appeared below her eyes, making her gaunt face look sicker than before.
Three days had passed since the commander left.
Anna's mind drifted away, and the image of charming Kyren filled her eyes. She wondered how he was.
Did he eat and sleep well?
Or did he get hurt in any way?
Why hadn't he returned yet?
She was distraught when there was no news about him.
"If Mr Amares returned and saw you like this, he would surely kill me!" Ayden sighed.
The guards at his sides stole glimpses at the assistant healer, feeling sorry for him. They too were also worried they would suffer the same consequences since the commander had reminded them to serve his wife properly and ensure she was in good condition.
Everyone knew how strict the Grand Duke of Gerhard was except for Anna.
"I'm fine, Ayden. My body is frail. That's why it takes longer to heal. You don't have to worry about it," the princess replied nonchalantly.
She did not feel her flat condition was such a big issue as she had been facing various health problems since childhood.
The assistant healer squinted his eyes at the princess. He knew exactly why she was behaving like this.
The princess was missing her husband, who had gone on duty. If he let her continue like this, her health might deteriorate.
It was time for him to use reverse psychology - which Rafe consistently applied to him in pursuing his objectives.
"My lady, what do you think about the commander?" he suddenly asked.
Anna turned to Ayden and blinked her eyes, surprised by the question.
"A bit strict, but he is kind and caring... and handsome too," she replied with doe eyes, remembering the kindness and warmth kindled in Kyren.
Ayden shook his head and countered, "I agree that he is charming, but he's an austere commander and not simply thoughtful to everyone as you think."
He crossed his arms over his chest and displayed a solemn face.
"No! I don't believe that! Kyren is a good man! He's loving and gentle!" Anna rebuked.
"You can ask these guards yourself about him. Truthfully, he is not a kind person. If someone disobeyed him, he would definitely punish that person," Ayden added.
"Punish?"
Anna could not believe the assistant healer's words. But, when she darted her gaze to the guards, both nodded and showed the same look as if agreeing already with him.
"He's a Knight Commander! Of course he needs to punish those who defy him! He has a lot of responsibilities," she defended Kyren.
"That's true. It's the reason why he would not hesitate. I wouldn't worry about the army because we're already used to him. But I'm not sure of you," he warned, sprouting fear to garner her reaction.
"What do you mean by that?"
Anna frowned her brows and looked him in the eyes.
"My lady is fully responsible for your own body. If you don't take good care of yourself, you won't recover. So, won't the blame go to you?"
Ayden clicked his tongue. Anna paused.
"Are you saying he's going to punish me?" she hesitantly asked with a disturbed expression.
"Probably not. But then, you're not well and gaunt. How would you attract him looking like this? A man with good looks definitely captivates beautiful women," the assistant healer added.
Anna swallowed her saliva. Kyren was indeed a gorgeous man with an alluring look and body. Any woman would fall for him easily with that kind of figure. He just needed to snap his finger, and they would come running, surrendering to him.
If that happened, then there would be no place for her at his side. She would be discarded in no time.
"No! Kyren wouldn't abandon me. He promised he would protect me!" Anna shook her head vigorously, not accepting the arising doubt.
Ayden smirked at her response. She was finally in his trap by projecting what her fear was.
"I believe it would be best to secure your position as his wife to be by his side." He deliberately threw the hook.
"Of course I want to stay by his side... But, we barely know each other..."
Anna's eyes shone with anxiousness. She realised what Ayden said was right. If Kyren returned and saw no improvement in her health, he would be disappointed and angry.
It would be against all odds to keep a woman who had nothing to offer and did not benefit him. On the other hand, in her current state, Anna would be doomed if the commander decided to throw her away.
"What should I do? I don't want him to abandon me."
Anna's heart raced as the question fell from her lips.
Ayden rubbed his chin with his finger, his mouth twitching, pretending to ponder.
"Start by making yourself healthy and presentable. When he returns, let's surprise him with a new you, someone looking much better," suggested Ayden.
His eyes sparkled with anticipation.
"How do I do that?" implored Anna.
"Take your medicine on time and sleep properly. Eat more and gain weight because right now, you're too thin." Anna nodded earnestly at the assistant healer's instructions.
"Would he look at me then? I mean, these wounds and cuts might scar. He won't like it."
She hesitated after a thought.
"You don't have to worry about that. I'm good at making a cream that can make it fade away," Ayden replied assertively.
"Really, you can do that?" asked her excitedly.
"Yes, I can. But we really need to fix your current condition. He'll be thrilled to see you in good health," said Ayden.
A slow smile spread on her lips at his words.
"Ayden, will it take longer for him to come back?"
The silken tone of Anna's voice came out again with a hopeful expression. Looking at the pitiful face, Ayden could not help feeling sorry. This woman truly missed her husband.
"I can't really tell, but he will come back," he replied, confident in his smile.
The princess led a little nod.
"I know you miss him, but don't let yourself drown in longing, for it only brings sadness and will ruin your pretty face," he added.
Missed him?
Anna's face suddenly blushed.
Was it too obvious?
She cupped her cheeks when she felt the warmth rush to her face. When she turned to the three men, they looked down with meaningful smiles.
Oh, how she wished she could hide by now!