𝐑𝐄𝐆𝐀𝐋 𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐒 | REMARRIED EMPRESS X WMMAP

54: Echoes in the Night

Within the shelter of the cave, Navier found herself seated on the cool ground, her gaze directed downward, lost in contemplation.

Her thoughts, like the rain outside, were a ceaseless cascade, as she wrestled with the enigma of who might be responsible for the ambush.

'I am uncertain...' she mused internally, her brows knitting together in a display of intense introspection. 'Was this intended for me, or has the emperor been targeted? Though it's plausible that the ambush was meant for the both of us.'

Resting her head atop her folded arms, a gesture of frustration and fatigue, she grappled with the mystery while her mind remained adrift.

A shiver passed through her as she felt the chill of the damp atmosphere seep into her being. The inclement weather conspired to rob her of warmth, her dress offering little protection against the cold's relentless advance. Her fingers instinctively sought to clutch the thin fabric tighter around her frame.

Amidst the symphony of rain, the soft cadence of footsteps reached her ears, coaxing her gaze to lift from the ground.

The entrance to the cave framed the figure of the Obelian emperor, his appearance disheveled from the rain, his attire and hair glistening with moisture. In his grasp, he held a lifeless animal, a silent offering from the elements.

"Your majesty..." Her words emerged in a hushed murmur, tinted with a blend of surprise and curiosity, her gaze lifting to meet his.

He regarded her briefly, the weight of his scrutiny palpable, before gracefully descending to his knees. The lifeless animal was placed upon the cave floor, Navier's attention riveted to his actions.

Arching a questioning eyebrow, she inquired, "What is that for?" Her curiosity could not be contained, despite the solemnity of their circumstances.

His focus remained on the animal before him as he began to dismantle it, his movements methodical.

"We require food," he elucidated, his tone devoid of embellishment. "The slice of cake you provided is insufficient to sustain us."

Her bewilderment tinged her features as she processed his response. The prospect of consuming a deceased creature in such a manner felt strange to her sensibilities.

"Very well," she acquiesced, her gaze shifting away. "Perhaps someone will come to rescue us soon enough."

Amidst their exchange, Claude's gaze remained fixed on his task, his demeanor a testament to his resolve. However, a wince of pain shattered his composed facade, interrupting his speech.

Her eyes widened in concern, trained on his form as he grappled with the discomfort of his injury. "Your wound is still there, your majesty."

The immediacy of her observation prompted him to meet her gaze, his response measured.

"I'll be fine."

Her doubt was evident, a soft sigh escaping her lips as she watched him begin to prepare a campfire. The flickering light cast elongated shadows within the cave, illuminating their shared space.

Her inner turmoil spurred her into action, propelling her gently to her feet. A cautious approach brought her closer to him, her movements deliberate as she knelt beside him, her intention clear.

"I am not unfamiliar with this task," her voice resonated softly, her hand mimicking the motion of rubbing wooden sticks together, and a spark emerged, blossoming into a flicker of fire.

A shared silence enveloped them as they stared at the nascent flame, the subdued glow casting warmth across their faces.

In the midst of their vigil, Navier's gaze inadvertently fell upon the crimson stain that marred his clothing, a stark reminder of the wound that lay beneath.