His Defiant Amaryllis (Hinley Manor Book 2)

2: Touch

"I would burn for all eternity to feel your touch once more."

-Ranata Suzuki
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Lydia's persistence led her to finally set foot on Damian's chambers. Despite Oscar's pleas to flee to her room and spare herself the dreadful scene, she had turned them all away and insisted she look after her husband.

It was a kind gesture, one that was expected and respected. However, she felt neither.

When she saw him lying on the bed, unconscious but alive, she did not know what to feel. So she went to his side and tried not to disturb his limbs. Her eyes examined what appeared to be injuries and assessed which ones are fatal and not. But being raised without knowledge to medicine, she could not tell what state Damian might be in.

The doctor arrived moments later and she was forced to step aside. Another man came with him, one that she was unfamiliar with. She found a place not far from the bed. With her back against the wall, she fidgeted anxiously.

"Can anyone tell me what occurred?" Asked Cavenaugh as she tried to feel Damian's pulse.

"He was visiting the Northeast fields, sir." Ivo began, "And we got this massive boulder blocking the water source. His grace decided to help us break it. We were taking turns when someone slipped their hands and an axe came flying at his head."

"How big was this boulder?"

"About Macormey's house?" He assumed that it was that tall at least. "Its the first house you see when you enter the market."

Cavenaugh nodded. "I know of it. And if the duke tried to smack his head against it then he is in deep trouble."

"Will my husband be alright?" Lydia asked.

The doctor did not turn to her and began to assess the damages on Damian's body. But he replied while his hands moved, "I know not yet of his condition, duchess. I suggest you move out of here and we shall send word for you."

"I prefer not."

Ivo and the doctor stiffened. Their eyes locked and exchanged a silent meaningful look: she is impossible.

"Would you like to stay while I tend to your husband?" The doctor asked. "I may get blood on me."

Lydia raised her chin. "If you fear I would swoon doctor, then you are in luck. I never swoon or have ever fainted my entire life. I am not afraid of the human body and its components."

"Very well, you may stay back. If you feel nauseous or anything, you are out of here. Understood?"

She nodded her head like a good girl.

"And you cannot make any noises to distract me. Is that clear?"

"Yes doctor."

"Fine. Now, let me do my work."

Lydia kept her promise and remained quite. Both Ivo and Cavenaugh worked as if no one else was in the room. She saw them move Damian every now and then and each time her heart would skip a beat. Is he alright? Did they find anything fatal?

Finally, the doctor exhaled and turned to her. "He seems to be stable for now, duchess."

"T-thank you, doctor." She managed to say despite her knees buckling beneath her. "Did you find what was the matter with him?"

"Yes." He looked at Ivo, gestured for him to leave, then turned his eyes back to her, "If I may speak with you privately?"

"Of course. Let us go to my husband's study."