Philippa's POV:
As I drifted into sleep beside Baldwin, the tranquility of the afternoon enveloped us, despite the distant sounds of horses' hooves and armor clanking outside our tent. It was a rare moment of peace amidst the chaos of our world. When I finally stirred awake, the warmth of the sunlight streaming through the fabric of our shelter greeted me, but Baldwin was nowhere to be seen.
Panic seized me momentarily as I scanned every corner of the tent, searching desperately for any sign of him. " Where could he have gone? " My heart raced with worry until, just as suddenly as he had disappeared, Baldwin reappeared at the entrance. His customary silver iron mask was absent, replaced instead by a swath of bandages covering much of his face.
"My queen, you're awake," his voice carried a comforting tone as he stepped into the tent, his smile radiating warmth despite the uncertainty that clouded my mind. Relief flooded through me at the sight of him.
