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Chapter 29

This time, I wake up in the infirmary. At my bedside is the last person I expected.

"Sara?"

She looks alarmed.

"I'm so happy you're awake."

I laugh even though it hurts. "That's surprising to hear."

She presses a button to signal for the nurse.

A man in a white coat enters instead.

"Dr. Tilly." He's our family physician. "Do you work here now?" I ask.

He smiles. "Nice to see you still have a sense of humor."

I suddenly remember Arin. "Where is he? Is he..."

"Mr. Hames is fine. He's resting in the other room. He hit his head pretty badly." The doctor checks my vitals on the system. "You, on the other hand, passed out from exhaustion. It must have taken a lot of energy to take out that Rypper."

I chuckle blithely. "Not like it's my first time."

He doesn't comment. "You look fine. You can leave in a few hours."

I find my phone on my bedside table. It's five o'clock on Sunday."

I curse. "Almost 24 hours."

The doctor nods. "Like I said, a lot of energy."

He leaves the room and Sara hangs at the foot of my bed. "I wasn't lying," she says. "I'm happy you're fine."

"Thanks," I take a long breath. "Did anyone else come to visit?"

"They all did. Michelle, Axel, Ryan, Paisley, even Derek." She laughs.

"Anyone else?"

"Tristan was here. The whole night. He left to get food about ten minutes ago."

"Oh."

"Your brother and cousin were also here."

I nod and check my phone. There are multiple texts from Seb. He says he wants to come visit but he's away for work and he can't cut his trip short.

My throat goes thick. Wow, not even for his daughter's near-death attack.

There's only one text from aunt Freya. It says congrats.

The door opens and Tristan walks in. He relaxes when he sees me.

"You're awake." He drops his food on the chair. "I was so worried."

I eye the food. "Is that for me?"

He shakes his head. There's a small smile on my face. "I see you're as good as ever."

The door opens and two people walk in. It's Dent and a guard.

"Princess Cassandra, we're happy you're awake." He beams.

"Dent." Is all I can say.

He clears his throat. "Do you mind giving us a moment?" He says to Tristan and Sara.

"Of course, I'm so sorry." Sara fumbles and rushes out of the room.

Tristan takes his food with him.

When they're both gone, Dent smiles at me

"Your aunt wants you to know she's very proud of you. The publicity and public flood of support have been astounding."

"That's what I love about you, Dent. You always look on the bright side."

He nods. "Yes. Unfortunately, news about your altercation over New Years break was also released. A bereaved family member of one of the guards. The public think you were still in Aldean. Just at a different royal residence."