****Emily pov******~>
Emily's defiance came at a steep price. Mary's anger unleashed fifteen lashes on Emily's backside, leaving her bedridden and injured.
Unbeknownst to Emily, Leo had returned from his journey. Enraged upon discovering her condition, he stormed to the mid-quarters.
"What have they done to you?" Leo whispered, his voice trembling.
Without hesitation, Leo scooped Emily into his arms and carried her to a nearby mini-mansion, reserved for his closest guests.
"My guards will protect you here," Leo assured. "No one will harm you again."
Emily's eyes welled with tears.
"Thank you, Leo."
The royal physician arrived, accompanied by a skilled healer.
"We'll ensure your recovery," the healer promised.
As they applied ointment to Emily's wounds, a remarkable phenomenon occurred.
The pain dissipated, replaced by a soothing sensation.
Emily felt her wounds healing at an alarming rate.
She kept this secret hidden, unsure what to make of it.
Leo's announcement came as a surprise.
"During the upcoming ball, I'll declare you my official companion. No more maid work. You'll receive princess training."
Emily's heart skipped a beat.
"Really?"
Leo smiled.
"You're mine, Emily. And I'll protect you."
Emily's gratitude overflowed.
As the healer finished her treatment, Emily noticed something peculiar.
The ointment seemed unnecessary.
Her wounds had already healed.
Was this a sign of her hidden powers?
Leo entered Emily's mansion, surprised to find her sitting up, being fed porridge by her maid.
He dismissed the servants, his eyes locked on Emily.
"How can you be eating? I thought you were badly hurt," Leo asked.
Emily smiled.
"I don't know. I'm surprised too. Earlier, it was painful, but after the ointment...I'm healed. No pain, no scars."
Leo's brow furrowed.
"Amazing."
Emily hesitated, then decided to reveal her secret.
"There's something more. A witch told me she can help unlock my hidden powers. I'm meeting her tonight."
Leo's expression turned grave.
"What if she's working with an enemy? I won't risk your safety."
Emily reassured him.
"I'll be fine. Your Shadow Guard will follow me. Nothing will happen."
Leo's eyes narrowed.
"We can't take risks."
Emily's gentle kiss on his cheek softened his stance.
"Trust me, just this once. I promise I'll take care of myself."
Leo's resolve crumbled.
"Okay," he whispered.
With a silent smile, Leo excused himself, leaving Emily to her thoughts.
As he departed, Emily felt a surge of determination.
Tonight's meeting with the witch would uncover secrets.
Emily felt so happy And ready.....
*******
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As Leo excused himself from Emily's room, the gentle peck on his cheek lingered. The softness of her lips left a warmth that spread through his entire being.
Emily's promise echoed in his mind: "I promise you, I will take care of myself. Nothing is going to happen to me. Just trust me, just this once."
The vulnerability in her eyes and the determination in her voice had melted his resolve.
Leo's fingers instinctively touched the spot where her lips had grazed his cheek. The sensation still danced on his skin, sending shivers down his spine.
He couldn't shake off the feeling that Emily was more than just a prophecy or a duty. She was the missing piece he never knew he needed.
As he stepped into the corridor, Ryder awaited him, a silent query in his eyes.
"Ryder, ensure Emily's safety tonight," Leo ordered. "Discreetly follow her to the witch's meeting. I won't risk anything happening to her."
Ryder nodded, his expression serious.
"I'll protect her, Leo. But what about the witch? Can we trust her?"
Leo's gaze turned inward, his thoughts swirling.
"I don't know. But Emily trusts her. And I trust Emily."
The darkness outside seemed to fade as Leo's thoughts revolved around Emily's promise and the lingering kiss on his cheek.