Chapter 2

Darian was shaking with suppressed laughter beside us. He leaned in and whispered in Aldric's ear, "Aldric, she's here to keep you in line."

Aldric didn't get mad. Instead, he quietly scooted a little closer to me, his voice soft and gentle, all the bravado from before gone. "Alright. I won't drink anymore. I'll do whatever you say."

I kept my eyes down, hiding the smile in them, and kept my voice cold. "Lord Aldric, you'd better. If you misbehave again, I'll report back to the Vance family and stop looking after you."

Aldric panicked at that, grabbing my sleeve gently, afraid he'd upset me. His eyes were full of a boyish panic and dependence. "No. I'll be good. I won't run off or drink anymore."

I saw the real panic in his eyes, and my heart melted, but I kept my face calm. I gently pulled my sleeve back. "Let go. It's improper for us to be this close."

Aldric's ears turned even redder. He let go obediently, but his eyes never left me, like a lost puppy who'd finally found his person.

At that moment, it was like I was the only one in his world.

Back in the clinic, I grabbed the medicine bowl just like the doctor said. The thick brew gave off a faint, bitter aroma.

I handed him the bowl and said, "Drink up."

Aldric stared at the dark, murky medicine and wrinkled his nose.

He never used to flinch at medicine, no matter how bitter. But now, he looked up at me with a hint of youthful petulance in his eyes. "It's really bitter."

I purposely put on a stern face. "Doesn't matter how bitter it is. You have to drink it. No going out until you're better."

Aldric pressed his lips together, didn't argue, and took the bowl. He tipped his head back and downed it in one go.

As he swallowed, his whole face scrunched up. He looked so pitiful and cute at the same time.

I couldn't help but smile as I pulled a piece of candy from my sleeve.

I was about to feed it to him, but then I hesitated, pulled my hand back, and set it on the little table by the bed. "This is to help with the bitterness."

Aldric's eyes lit up instantly. He grabbed the candied fruit and popped it into his mouth.

As the sweetness spread on his tongue, he looked at me, his smile soft and unguarded, eyes curved with happiness. "You're so kind."

I turned my face away, not wanting to meet his clear eyes, and teased him on purpose, "You've got to drink this bitter stuff for five more days."

Aldric's face fell instantly, looking so pitiful, like a kicked puppy.

I had to admit, Aldric at fifteen was impossibly cute.

After that, Aldric was practically glued to my side.

Whenever I sat reading, he'd quietly lean against the headboard, never taking his eyes off me.

When I changed his bandages, he'd nervously clutch the sheets, his ears turning bright red.

And if I got up to leave, he'd immediately grab my sleeve and whisper, "Can you stay a little longer? Please don't go."

Aldric did everything he could to figure out my name, constantly bugging Darian with all sorts of sneaky questions.

But since I'd already told Darian to keep quiet, he didn't dare breathe a word.

It was a perfect afternoon, sunlight streaming in as I sat by the window, mending his torn uniform.

Aldric edged over, carefully taking a seat beside me. He hesitated for a long moment before finally blurting out, "So... what's your name? I can't just keep calling you 'hey' forever, can I?"

I didn't look up, my hands busy with the needle and thread. My voice was calm and distant. "Lord Aldric, that's not something you need to know."

Aldric grew anxious, gently tugging at my sleeve, his voice soft with a hint of grievance. "But I really want to know.

"I've never cared about anyone this much before, and not even knowing your name... it just makes me feel awful."

I looked up and met his eyes, so honest and full of nervous excitement.

My heart was a puddle, but I still teased him, "Got so invested? Just a few days ago, you were all about being wild and free, saying you hated being controlled."

Aldric's face went bright red, totally flustered. "That... that was before. Before I met you.

"Now that I've met you, freedom doesn't matter to me anymore. If you're the one keeping me in check, I'm more than happy to let you."

I watched him, all flustered and sweating, and couldn't help but let a sly smile curl at my lips.

Setting aside my needle and thread, I leaned in a bit closer, lowering my voice with a mischievous lilt. "You really want to know my name?"

Aldric nodded instantly, his eyes brimming with starlight, shining so bright it was like the whole night sky was reflected in them.

I watched him, so nervous he was practically holding his breath, and finally spoke in a gentle voice. "Aldric, my name is Calanthia Thornwood.."

Calanthia. The girl he loved.

As soon as Calanthia left, Aldric practically bounced off the bed.