The Royal Highness examined Dahlia and carefully administered the liquid medicine. "Her Highness should be well by this evening," he informed Daedric, who was anxiously pacing nearby.
"I learned that you didn't come earlier when the attendant asked you," Daedric said, frowning, seeking the truth behind the delay.
The royal physician lowered his head, a mix of guilt and fear crossing his features. He hesitated, knowing that revealing the Queen's orders could bring severe repercussions. The Queen had explicitly forbidden him from checking on Princess Dahlia, and mentioning her name could lead to severe punishment.
Daedric's eyes narrowed as he observed the physician's reluctance. "What happened? Why didn't you come when you were called?" he pressed, his tone demanding answers.
The physician swallowed hard, choosing his words carefully. "I... I was occupied with another urgent matter, Your Royal Highness," he lied, his voice trembling slightly. "I came as soon as I could."
Daedric's suspicion lingered, but he nodded slowly, deciding to focus on Dahlia's recovery for now. "Very well. Make sure she receives the best care," he instructed, his concern for Dahlia overriding his need for immediate answers.
The physician bowed and retreated, silently praying that his deception would not be discovered.
"When will be the next dose?" Daedric inquired.
"After two hours, Your Royal Highness," the royal physician replied.
"Did you hear?" Daedric gazed at Nylie, who answered promptly, "Yes, Your Royal Highness. I will ensure she receives it on time."
With a nod, Daedric decided to attend to some other important matters. He glanced at Dahlia one more time before heading out. As he crossed the living room, his eyes fell upon Sullivan, who had just returned from outside.
Daedric sharply glared at Sullivan, who casually walked past him. "Explain why you neglected Dahlia's health. Why did you not call any physician to check on her?" the Crown Prince angrily questioned him.
At that moment, the royal physician also reached the living room and overheard their conversation. He furrowed his brows and glanced around nervously.
Sullivan gazed at the physician, recalling how he had instructed him earlier, only to have his request ignored.
Turning back to Daedric, Sullivan squared his shoulders. "Answer, Sullivan," Daedric demanded, his voice sharp as the two faced each other.
"Why do I have to tell the Crown Prince about my personal matter?" Sullivan asked defiantly.
Daedric's temper flared, and in a swift motion, he grabbed Sullivan by the collar. "I'll kill you if anything happens to her. I swear, Sullivan. It's better for you to divorce her," he growled, his tone menacing and unyielding.
Sullivan caught Daedric's hands and chuckled, his eyes gleaming with a mix of amusement and defiance. "It's strange to see the Crown Prince losing his temper. If you kill me, Dahlia will be hurt. She is madly in love with me," he proclaimed confidently.
Daedric gritted his teeth, his facial muscles tightening with rage. Without a second thought, he punched Sullivan hard. Sullivan, however, didn't just take the blow; he let it mark his face, intending to use it as evidence against Daedric.
Fueled by fury, Daedric was ready to beat Sullivan to a pulp as he forgot his position. All he wanted was for Sullivan to be dead. But as Daedric swung his fist again, Sullivan grabbed it, stopping him in his tracks.
"Don't use violence on me. Father doesn't expect this from you. Also, you should have loved Dahlia well. She wouldn't have proposed to me on her wedding day if you had, Crown Prince Daedric," Sullivan retorted, pushing him away. He turned to walk ahead but paused, tilting his head back. "This is the last time I let you hit me. Next time, it won't be this way."
It was a direct warning to Daedric, who was irked beyond measure. He clenched his fists, seething with rage, and walked away, barely able to contain his anger.
The royal physician, Boris, witnessing the heated confrontation, thought it best to sneak away quietly. But before he could, Sullivan blocked his path.
"Where were you?" Sullivan demanded with a menace.
"I-I was stuck in some work," Boris stuttered, trying to steady his trembling voice.
Sullivan's eyes narrowed as he grabbed Boris by the throat. "I'm no longer a man without rank. You need to do your work immediately, Boris, whenever you are asked to. Don't force me to burn you and your family alive! Do you get it?" Sullivan's glare pierced through Boris.
Boris vigorously nodded, his fear palpable as he desperately wanted to run away.
Sullivan shoved him away, causing Boris to stumble and hit the wall behind him. Boris touched his neck, gasping for breath, his heart pounding with fear. He hadn't realized Sullivan could be this dangerous.
Sullivan walked into the chamber and saw Nylie taking care of Dahlia. "Has she been given the medicine?" Sullivan asked.
Nylie stood up, holding a damp towel in her hand. "Yes, Your Highness," she replied, her tone brimming with anger. She didn't care for her life and complained, "Princess Dahlia doesn't deserve such kind of treatment, Your Highness. What you are doing is utterly disappointing. How can you treat your own wife so terribly?"
Sullivan remained silent, his expression unreadable. Nylie raised her head and saw him approaching her. With a swift motion, he snatched the towel from her hand. "Leave," he commanded.
"I need to stay by my–" Nylie began.
"Don't annoy me," Sullivan warned her sharply. "What you said earlier isn't something I tolerate. For Dahlia's sake, I have to keep you alive," he remarked.
Nylie gulped in fear, realizing the danger she had put herself in. "Please give Her Highness this medicine after an hour," she informed Sullivan before quickly leaving the room.
As the door thudded shut, Sullivan sat down and placed the damp towel on Dahlia's burning forehead. "You made me look after you," he muttered, as if he despised the task. Dahlia was merely a tool for him, a means to succeed in his plans, and caring for her was the last thing he wanted to do.
~~~~~
50 Power Stones- 3 Advance chapters.
200 Power Stones- 10 Advance chapters.