Chapter 19: Conflicted Emotions
I watched with a mix of confusion and irritation as Damien excused himself, leaving me to rest in the infirmary. Something about his manner had set my nerves on edge, though I couldn't quite place my finger on the reason.
As the physician tended to me, checking my vitals and murmuring soothing words, I found my gaze repeatedly drawn to the doorway where Damien had disappeared. A part of me yearned for him to return, to offer some explanation for his peculiar behavior. But another, more stubborn part, was angry - angry that he had seemingly abandoned me in my time of need.
When Damien eventually reappeared, I fixed him with a cool stare, my lips pressed into a thin line. I had expected some sort of explanation, and I was determined to hear it.
"My lady," he began, his voice low and measured. "I... I owe you an apology."
I raised a brow, unsurprised by his words. "An apology? Whatever for?"
Damien let out a heavy sigh, his gaze dropping to his hands. "For my behavior earlier. I fear I may have... unsettled you, and that was not my intent."
I studied him for a moment, the tension gradually easing from my posture. "Unsettled me? How so?"
He met my eyes then, a flicker of vulnerability passing across his features. "The physician has revealed... certain things about your condition that have left me... concerned. And I fear my concern may have come across as something else entirely."
Ah, so the physician had discovered something unusual about me. I felt a spark of curiosity, but I kept my expression neutral. "Concerned? What exactly has the physician told you?"
Damien hesitated, his jaw working as he seemed to weigh his response. "I... I do not wish to alarm you, my lady. But the physician believes there is more to you than meets the eye. Something... extraordinary."
I nodded slowly, unsurprised by his words. "Extraordinary? What do you mean by that?"
"I'm afraid I cannot say for certain," Damien admitted, his expression apologetic. "But I give you my word that when you have recovered, I will explain everything to the best of my knowledge."
I studied him for a moment, my mind already whirring with possibilities. "And why would you not tell me now?"
Damien reached out, his fingers gently brushing against the back of my hand. "Because you need to rest, my lady. Your health and well-being are my utmost priority. The revelations can wait until you are stronger."
His touch sent a spark of electricity through me, and I found myself momentarily disarmed by the sincerity in his gaze. Exhaling slowly, I nodded in acquiescence.
"Very well, Lord Damien. I shall await your explanation." I paused, a hint of my earlier irritation creeping back into my voice. "But do not think for a moment that I have forgotten your abrupt departure."
A faint smile tugged at the corners of his lips. "I would not dream of it, my lady. I shall make it up to you, I promise."
As he took his leave, I found myself once again alone with my thoughts, the questions swirling in my mind like a tempest. What did the physician know about my "extraordinary" condition? And why did Damien seem so unsettled by it?
Closing my eyes, I willed my body to rest, determined to regain my strength. For I knew that whatever revelations awaited me, I would need to be at my absolute best to face them.