"You noticed?" Asterion asked.
*Of course. Any knowledge that you see or notice will be shared with me. How can I not know?* Serpent said.
"I feel someone wants her dead." Asterion finally said the only thought that had been pestering his mind.
The serpent kept quiet, knowing whoever it was, he was courting his death. Because the serpent had understood one thing well, the moment his master had married the Princess, he had taken her responsibility.
And anyone who wanted to harm her will have to cross his master first.
But right now, the serpent knew that he needed to reach back to his master's palace at its fastest speed as the Princess was still unconscious and her health condition was unknown.
Soon the serpent along with Asterion and Ether reached the gates of Asterion's palace, where Asterion got down from the serpent and carried the Princess directly to his chamber.
All the maids bowed down to him, without daring to look at him and whoever he was carrying.
Asterion gently laid Ether on the bed before covering her properly.
"Come in." He said, knowing that two maids were waiting outside the door in case he needed any help.
The two maids instantly entered before kneeling down to pay their respects.
"Your highness." They both said in unison.
"I am entrusting you with matters of special importance. None of you will be disclosing anything that happens within this chamber or anything related to the crown princess." Asterion said in a strict voice, ensuring that the maids won't dare to go against his orders.
"Yes, your highness." Both of them replied with their heads lowered as they could feel Asterion's cold voice carrying daggers.
"Now one of you go and call the Royal physician here urgently." He said as one of them instantly stood and turned to run out.
"Make sure nobody learns anything about the situation here." He warned.
The maid didn't even dare to stop while making a mental note that she was never going to cross the crown princess ever in her life.
"Help her change her clothes and get her cleaned. I will be waiting outside." Asterion said before taking one last glance towards the pale looking Ether lying unconscious in the bed before walking out in large strides.
The second maid didn't dilly dally for even a moment before getting on her feet and taking quick steps towards their newly married Princess.
One look and she was flabbergasted, unable to believe how someone could look so pretty even in their worst of health.
But their master's warning still reverberated in her mind clearly, making her come out of her trance as she wiped her body and changed her out of her wedding gown into a descent sapphire gown which looked simple yet regal, making sure that the Princess won't feel uncomfortable wearing that dress. She also combed her hair a little, not hiding how surprised she was at the silky touch.
The Crown Prince along with Lady Krystal had prepared a stunning closet for the Princess, although it was initially meant for Princess Vesta and not Ether.
With the pale white skin complemented by the sapphire dress lying weakly on the bed, Ether truly looked like some fallen angel.
The maid then walked out of the chamber, informing the Crown Prince about Ether.
"Your highness-" She was speaking when the sound of footsteps was heard as Hades followed by Titan came and knelt in front of Asterion.
"Prepare for his funeral. No news about the incident should reach the royal palace." Asterion warned, his statement was enough to warn them about the consequences if even the slightest of the opposite would happen.
"Your highness, I apologize-" Hades wanted to speak but was cut off by the approaching footsteps.
The royal physician was there along with the maid who was walking behind him, her head bent.
"Your highness." The Royal Physician greeted.
"Follow me." Asterion replied while nodding to his greeting and turning around.
Asterion, the Royal Physician and two maids entered the chamber while Hades and Titan went back to make preparations as ordered by Asterion.
The royal physician turned towards Asterion, as if seeking his permission to check up on Ether to which the Crown Prince nodded.
The royal physician walked towards the princess before lifting her left hand and checking her pulse, closing his eyes to concentrate.
After some time, he let go of her hand before walking towards Asterion.
"She is weak and her body is in a state of shock right now. For now, letting her rest would do good. Once she is awake, boil these herbs and let her drink one bowl of this for three days." The royal physician said before passing a packet to one of the maids.
"Apply this potion on her cuts and bruises to avoid any scars." He said while passing a small bottle of potion.
"Stay with the Princess." Asterion ordered the maids while leaving the chamber with the royal physician.
"She is different." Asterion said once he was out of the chamber.
The small action of slightly lifting of brows the royal physician had done when checking on her pulse didn't go unnoticed by Asterion, and knew that the royal physician would have sensed that her pulse would be different than that of normal element power owners.
"Yes." The Royal physician confirmed.
"We met with an accident while returning from the fire country after our wedding and I intend to keep her hidden from everyone for the time being. I will be announcing that the princess is missing and I want your cooperation." Asterion clearly stated his thoughts.
"I understand, don't worry. We have been together since childhood. You don't have to explain everything. I won't share a word with his majesty as well as Lady Krystal." Chiron, The royal physician, who was also childhood friend of Asterion replied.
"Thank you. But what will you answer if they ask for your sudden visit to my palace?" Asterion asked.
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- Kizy