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Chapter 13
So, Don’t Get Sick
“Uuung…”
Belladonna’s weak moan grew louder. Her eyebrows furrowed.
Escallion moved, startled. Should he wake her up?
But before he could, Belladonna suddenly opened her eyes with heavy, quick breaths.
“Haah… Haah…”
Her blue eyes searched for focus, blinking.
Tears glimmered as she looked up at the ceiling, then slowly her breathing calmed.
Escallion sat frozen, watching her.
After a moment, Belladonna turned her head.
The wet towel on her forehead fell onto the bed.
Her blue eyes followed the towel—then met his eyes.
They stared at each other.
“Are you awake?” Escallion asked, finally looking away.
He took a deep breath as if holding in anger.
“You had the flu. A high fever. Why didn’t you say you were sick?”
Flu…? Belladonna slowly looked away.
So it really was a fever, not just a feeling of heat…
Escallion stood up from his chair and leaned over her, arms on both sides, trapping her gently.
“Is it because you can’t talk that you didn’t say anything?”
Belladonna frowned a little.
What kind of question is that…?
“If you feel bad, show it. If you’re uncomfortable, let me know. If you don’t want something, say so… If you can’t speak, write it. Like you did on my hand before!”
Why is he angry…?
Belladonna looked at him, confused. She was the one sick, but he looked even more upset.
Escallion realized it too.
He tried to calm himself, breathing heavily, then leaned in close.
Thud.
Their foreheads touched.
“Damn, you’re still burning up. Not just a little fever…”
He picked up the towel and wet it again, then squeezed out the water.
He placed it back on her forehead. The coldness spread.
So cool…
Belladonna blinked at him, dazed.
“You’re the weakest person I’ve ever met.” Escallion muttered, bending closer.
“It’s because of the cold sea wind a few days ago, right?”
He cursed quietly, blaming himself.
He’d known she was wearing thin clothes, had thin wrists… Yet he’d dragged her out anyway.
At that moment, Belladonna lifted her hand and put it on his.
Her hand was hot, and Escallion looked at her.
Belladonna forced a small smile.
I’m okay!
Her smile made his eyes shake with emotion.
“You…”
Well, what can you do. The journey was long, the sea wind was cold, and this body is weak.
But compared to her last life, this was nothing.
Belladonna shrugged and smiled again.
Escallion sighed, then bent his head.
She stroked his hair gently.
Whatever it is, cheer up, you dummy.
“Who’s comforting who, here…” Escallion muttered.
Was he reading her mind? Belladonna froze, but before she could pull away, he grabbed her hand and kissed her fingers.
“Don’t get sick.”
“I’ll take better care of you from now on.”
“If you can’t talk, if you can’t even write… then just stay still. I’ll pay more attention.”
His lips on her fingers tickled her.
Strangely, her heart tickled too.
“So, don’t get sick.”
Belladonna quietly met his intense golden eyes.
She couldn’t read all his feelings, but she knew one thing—he was truly worried about her.
She slowly nodded.
“Ma’am, how are you feeling today?”
Cindy came in, opening the curtains and letting in bright light.
She opened the window for air and came to Belladonna’s bed.
Belladonna slowly sat up.
The cool breeze felt good.
Cindy checked her forehead and looked relieved.
“Ah, the fever’s almost gone! Are you thirsty? Would you like some warm water?”
Belladonna nodded.
Cindy quickly left, then came back with a tray and a steaming cup.
“Here you go!”
Belladonna smiled shyly and nodded.
It felt awkward, almost disappointing, that it wasn’t Escallion.
“Aren’t you hungry?” Cindy asked, handing her the cup.
Belladonna shook her head.
She wasn’t hungry, and her stomach still felt heavy.
“You should eat a lot to get well soon! The more you eat, the faster you’ll recover!”
Belladonna quietly sipped the warm drink.
Her stomach felt better.
Cindy watched her from a chair.
“You need to get healthy soon, so you and our lord can… wear rings together.”
“Pfft—cough!”
Belladonna choked on her drink.
Rings…?
“Oh, are you alright? I’m sorry, ma’am! I shouldn’t have said that…”
Belladonna wiped her mouth, embarrassed.
She remembered: after the wedding night, couples in the Empire exchanged rings as a sign of real marriage.
But she had no plans to do that with Escallion.
Cindy apologized, looking sad.
Belladonna smiled gently and patted Cindy’s arm to say it was okay.
They looked out the window together.
“Winter is coming soon… It’s very harsh and cold here. You might find it much harder than in warm Astanya.”
“I’ll ask for extra thick blankets for you.”
Belladonna looked at Cindy gratefully.
“But the warmest thing is a husband’s embrace! If you get cold, just sleep with our lord more often!”
Ugh, never mind.
Belladonna turned away, tired.
It seemed Cindy’s nagging would be another challenge for the next three months.
