The arrow rushed past Bowen, heading toward me with full speed. Without thinking, he lunged forward, grabbing me and pulling me out of harm's way. The male fairy's arms were strong and sure as they encircled me, and we tumbled to the ground together, his body shielding mine from the impending danger. My breath was erratic as I processed what had just happened—what would have happened to me if he hadn't intervened.
My heart pounded against his chest. I could feel the heat radiating from his body, and despite the chaos around us, a strange sense of warmth and safety enveloped me. I didn't want to leave his embrace.
"Are you okay, Princess?" he asked, his voice a deep, soothing timbre.
I looked up at him and nodded. Everyone called me princess, but hearing it from his lips felt different, it didn't sound like a title but rather an endearment. "Yes, thank you," I managed to say, my voice shaky.
"Don't mention, You're safe, my princess," he whispered warmly.
His breath mingling with mine as he spoke. There was a softness in his eyes, a gentle reassurance that made my heart flutter.
His voice sounded familiar, and it hit me—he sounded like the stranger who had caught me at the square. The deep timbre, the comforting tone, they were almost identical. I wondered if it could be him, but before I could dwell on it, my father, King Aric, rushed over.
"Are you alright?" he asked, his voice filled with concern.
"Yes, Father, I'm fine," I replied, still reeling from the close call.
Bowen sighed in relief as he looked at me, then turned to leave. But I reached out and touched his arm, pulling him back. "Wait," I gasped, noticing for the first time that an arrow was lodged in his left arm. Blood was beginning to seep from the wound.
He looked down at his arm, as if just realizing he was injured. Without thinking, I tore off the hem of my dress and wrapped it around his wound, trying to hide it from the others' eyes. "Come with me," I said, pulling him toward the direction of the tent, my father following closely behind.
Inside the tent, I made Bowen sit on a wooden chair. I felt a surge of helplessness as I stared at the injury. I was just fawning over it, unsure of what to do. From the look in his eyes, I could tell he was amused by my concern. "What a crazy male," I thought.
King Aric spoke up, his voice a mixture of curiosity and suspicion. "You are not a full fairy."
Bowen nodded. "My mother is a fairy, but my father was human."
"Was?" the king asked. "Is he dead?"
Bowen nodded again. "He died a long time ago, from inflammation of the bowel—a sickness that often plagues humans."
A wave of pity washed over me. Here was someone who had faced so much hardship, and now he had sustained an injury because of me. I knew his sister was also very sick, which was why he had come to the palace looking for work. If people discovered he was a half-blood, he would surely be mistreated.
Bowen rolled his eyes, clearly disliking her pity. He wanted her to see him as a person, not as someone to be pitied. He raised his uninjured arm and carefully plucked the arrow from his other arm. The wound began to heal, but much more slowly than he liked.
"Thank you," I said softly, watching him with a mix of gratitude and admiration.
"Don't mention it," he replied, his voice still warm but now tinged with pain.
King Aric stepped closer, his expression thoughtful. "You have risked much for my daughter. For that, you have my gratitude. But I would like to know what province are you from?"
Bowen, still holding his injured arm, replied, "Lin Province." It was the only province he could remember from the numerous things Collias had told him.
The king narrowed his eyes. "You don't look like someone from the Lin Provinces."
Bowen stiffened slightly. "That's because I am not a full fairy."
The king studied him for a moment, then nodded. "The bravery you showed is very admirable. I want you to be my daughter's personal guard."
Bowen looked at the king, considering his words carefully. Meanwhile, my heart raced. I wanted him to be my personal guard, but I didn't want him to feel pressured. Being my personal guard meant he had to be at my beck and call, and I was sure someone like him would not like that kind of life.
I spoke up, my voice tinged with hesitation. "I don't think he would want to be my guard."
But to my surprise, Bowen said, "I agree, my king."
His response caught me off guard. Our eyes met, and I saw a mixture of determination and something else in his gaze. "Are you sure about this? You don't have to do it if you don't want to."
He smiled, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "I think it will be an interesting job. Someone has to keep an eye on you."
I couldn't help but smile back. "Well, thank you."
He glanced at his injured arm, which was still healing slowly. "Do you have any healing herbs or something that could help this along?"
Unknown pov
I watched as the princess inspected the togiculo that was killed. I hated the smile on her face, how could anyone be happy when there was perpetual darkness residing in me, I hated it.
With the arrow I took from that useless lord who couldn't target even if his life depends on it, I shot at the princess whose smile hurt me.
I was here to spy on the land but her smile was so beautiful and happy that I wanted to steal it away but that stupid guard blocked it and I had to run away before my presence was noticed.