As I slowly opened my eyes, the first thing I noticed was the dryness in my throat. It felt like sandpaper was scraping against my skin with every movement. I tried to lift my hand, but something was holding it back. I turned my head to the side, and my eyes widened as I saw August's face sleeping beside me.
'How long was I asleep?' I tried moving my body but I feel no pain no more.
As I gazed at August, I couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions. I was happy to see him by my side, holding my hand, but I was also sad to see the toll that taking care of me had taken on him.
'August... Did you overwork yourself again?'
As I gazed at August, I couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions. I was happy to see him by my side, holding my hand, but I was also sad to see the toll that taking care of me had taken on him.
I gently tried to move my hand out of his grasp, not wanting to wake him up yet. As I did, I noticed that his grip loosened, and he slowly opened his eyes. He looked at me with a mixture of relief and exhaustion.
"Nerina?" he whispered, his voice still sleepy, it took for a while to register what he was seeing, "Nerina, you're finally awake!"
Without wasting a second, his lips crashed down on mine, and I felt a rush of emotions as I returned the kiss. It was a deep, passionate kiss that left me breathless and wanting more. I could feel his exhaustion and worry melting away as I felt a tear roll down on my cheek, his lips moving against mine with a desperation that spoke of his relief and joy.
August slowly pulled back from the kiss, his eyes still closed in ecstasy. He opened them slowly, his gaze locking onto mine. He looked at me with a mix of adoration and gratitude, his eyes shining with tears.
"My nymph," he whispered, his voice trembling with emotion. "I was so worried about you. I thought I might lose you."
I reached up to wipe away the tear that had fallen from my cheek, my fingers brushing against August's skin. "I'm okay," I whispered back. "I'm awake. And I'm sorry."
August's eyes searched mine, as if looking for reassurance. "Sorry?" he repeated, his brow furrowing in concern.
I nodded, feeling a lump form in my throat. "For putting you through this. For always putting myself for the others."
August's face softened, and he reached up to gently brush a strand of hair out of my face. "You don't have to apologize," he whispered. "You're alive, and that's all that matters. No matter what, I'll take care of you, always."
I smiled at him and was about to kiss him when I noticed my hair, it turned to my original hair color. I looked at August but he wasn't curious why my hair turned into black so with a deep breathe, "August, why aren't you questioning about my hair?"
He grabbed a strand of my hair and kissed it while staring at me, "Few days before you wake up, your brother Lysander came here to treat you and explained everything about you. I'm sorry that you need to worry about this but my feelings haven't changed and besides black is a beautiful color."
I felt a flutter in my chest as August's words touched my heart. I couldn't help but laugh at his adorable response.
"August, you're ridiculous," I said, shaking my head in amusement.
August's eyes sparkled with mischief. "What? I'm just stating the truth. Black is a beautiful color on you, and I'm not just saying that because I'm biased. You don't have to drink those hair color changing potions anymore. I love it just the way you are."
I was still a bit worried, "what if the people and nobles question why my hair color changed?"
"You don't have to worry about that, that matter has already been discussed. Now go to sleep, I wanted to show you something after the treaty ended but 'that' accident happened so tomorrow I want you to go somewhere with me."
I was happy but then grumbled, "Sleep again? I don't want to. I've been asleep for so long, I just want to cuddle with you." I proceeded to hug him tight.
August's eyes lit up with a warm smile. "Ah, I like that idea," he said, pulling me closer to him. "I've missed cuddling with you too." He wrapped his arms around me, and I felt a sense of comfort and security wash over me.
"I want to spend time with you too," I said, snuggling into his chest. "But what's this thing you want to show me tomorrow?"
August's expression turned mischievous. "That's a surprise," he said, his voice low and husky. "But trust me, it'll be worth waking up for."
I raised an eyebrow, intrigued by his secrecy. "Okay, fine. But if it's not worth waking up for, I'm blaming you for being a tease," I said, poking him playfully.
August chuckled and pulled me closer. "I wouldn't dare," he whispered, his warm breath sending shivers down my spine.
As we stood there, wrapped in each other's arms, I felt a sense of contentment wash over me. Before I knew it, I drifted off to sleep again.