Arthur's Point of View

???????

Everything felt heavy. “Mordred?” A familiar voice called out. I tried to look around but was unable to. “Did you enjoy your time at the banquet?”

“Mara…” My voice sounded heavy and slurred.

“Yes?” There was a sound of rustling. “Were you looking for me?” Footsteps were all I heard before she called again. “Mordred?!” Her voice sounded surprised as I heard a little more rustling.

Elincia's Point of View

Dwardew

I gently placed my hand on Arthur’s forehead as he slept. “May I ask a question?” Queen Ventari inquired.

My eyes never left Arthur. “You do not need my permission.” I told her.

He had gotten much better after the last two days. His complexion had improved, his breathing wasn’t as ragged, and he looked somewhat peaceful. Arthur was still sweating, but that was to be expected. Thankfully, his wounds had been healed. They were no longer leaking blood, which told me his energy was returning more promptly. Unfortunately, though, that poison was still in his body, and none of us knew how to remove it.

“General Kheri stated that when you were injured, Sir Arthur handled you with great care.” The Dwarven Queen stated, and I looked over to Kheri, who quickly averted her gaze. “She said he moved you with an extreme amount of gentleness that seemed like there might be something more there.”

“Did she?” I asked back before turning to the Queen. “What are you wanting to ask?”

“Do the two of you have a relationship of sorts?” She inquired.

All the women present seemed very interested in this, and Typhon gave me an expectant look. Each and every one of them looked hopeful to an extent. My eyes drifted back to Arthur’s prone form, and I frowned.

“No.” I replied. “Maybe he was gentle with me, and he has been incredibly forgiving, but you have seen how he acts. Can you really call his offhanded comments affection?”

“Forgive me, Priestess, but you are one of the few people I know that will openly fight with Sir Arthur.” Kheri pitched in. “Maybe it appears that he is tolerating you, yet given how he treats others who do the same, I think perhaps he does have some manner of feelings for you. Arthur isn’t as quick to forgive others as he is you.”

My frown deepened. “Arthur doesn’t love me.” I said more firmly.

Typhon moved beside me. “But he could! You two clearly are close enough to fight and make up! Isn’t that what relationships begin with?” The youngest Delmaris stated.

That amused me. “Are you saying that for me or because you’d like it if Arthur moved to the Temple?”

He smiled. “Why not both?” Typhon replied.

A chuckle escaped my lips at that before my frown returned. “I think there are several who are close enough to him that know the truth.” Many eyed me at that. “I believe Arthur holds another in his heart, and I assure you it is not me.”

Almost as if on cue, Arthur mumbled in his sleep. “Mara…”

My eyes softened as I looked at him. “Someone who was very dear to him.”

“With all due respect, Priestess, I know what I saw.” Kheri chimed in. “He cares for you.”

“He also cares for Typhon, Cassidy, and Lucia.” I responded. “Do not make more out of this than what it truly is.”

Lady Turiel cut in. “I do not know who Cassidy or Lucia are, but I can tell there is a difference between how he acts with you and Typhon.” She gave me a smile. “Although, I do not know him well enough to give good enough advice.”

“I doubt anyone knows him well enough to give such advice.” My hand moved some of his hair off his face. It was weird seeing him without his ponytail. “He kept so much from us, and I have no doubt he is keeping even more secrets. There are very few who could make me feel like a child, but Arthur is definitely one of them.”

Kheri sighed as Typhon spoke. “Well, both parties’ feelings must be considered. So, if you don’t feel anything toward him, this is all a moot point.” He then stepped around to the other side of the bed by Lady Turiel and smiled. “It’d be nice if Arthur would come to the Temple more without getting into fights.”

I smiled at that. “He is incredible, isn’t he?” Queen Ventari asked rhetorically. “I’m very thankful for him.”

“We all are.” Lady Turiel added before looking at him. “I just wish we could help him how he helped us.”

“His energy is returning.” I explained. “Slowly but surely. Given another day or two, Arthur will likely awaken.”

The room nodded. “Then we’ll prepare to move then.” Ventari informed us. “If he stays asleep much longer, we’ll have to leave before he wakes up.”

“Arthur will understand.” I told her.

“Maybe so, but I still owe this man a great debt, and I would like to discuss it further.” She then sighed. “My son also wishes to speak with him.”

“Have you two come to a decision then?” I inquired. “Will he be the King of Dwarves and Druids?

The two women eyed each other. “There are some complications,” Turiel started. “But we are trying our best to be honest with each other. Many of our people seem to be rather excited about this prospect.”

Kheri pitched in. “A new alliance, new king, and new kingdom are all things to be excited about. Not everyone gets the chance to see moments like this. Especially not from the other side of a war.”

Not much anyone could say to argue that. “Mara…” Arthur cut in once more.

All of us turned to him for a moment, but the conversation seemed to die with that.