A Traveler's Curse

Chapter 39- Healing

It has been nearly a week since my rescue, and I find solace in the presence of only one person - Caspian. Despite his busy schedule attending to royal responsibilities, he dedicates every night to staying by my side in the infirmary, comforting me through my nightmares. While some of my physical wounds have begun to heal, there are scars that will remain etched on my body forever. The burn mark on my left forearm, the deep cuts on my inner thighs, and the emotional trauma that may never fully mend.

Reluctantly, I have finally agreed to see Celestia, who approaches me cautiously, taking a seat beside me. She speaks softly, her voice filled with remorse, "Kyla, I am deeply sorry for everything you have endured. You didn't deserve any of it, but know that you are a strong woman who will eventually find healing."

Doubt clouds my response as I avoid making eye contact. "I'm not so sure about that. During my ordeal, I heard a voice urging me to stay alive. Do you have any knowledge of its origin?"

"It was one of the members of The Bray. They played a crucial role in locating you through their magical abilities," Celestia reveals, hoping to shed light on the situation.

Gratitude swells within me as I express my appreciation, "Thank you for rescuing me, as well as Sin and Caspian. I fear they were planning to end my life." The memories of my confinement within that dreadful cage inside the cave send shivers down my spine.

"Celestia tells me that Sin wishes to see you. Will you grant him that opportunity?" Her mismatched eyes implore me earnestly.

My response is hesitant, my voice barely audible, "I... I cannot. I am not ready yet. Sin confessed something to me before my abduction, and I am simply not prepared to face him."

"He loves you, Kyla. He has loved you for months. However, he will not pressure you, especially after all that you have been through," Celestia reveals gently, her hand reaching out to give mine a tender squeeze.

With a heavy sigh, I avert my gaze, acknowledging her correctness. "Let him come in. But only for a brief moment."

She tries to conceal her smile, but her excitement is evident as she leaps off the bed and hastily exits the room. A few minutes later, the door creaks open once more, revealing Sin.

He dons a casual white wool shirt and black trousers, his dark hair neatly tied back in a low ponytail. Pausing at the threshold, he offers me a melancholic smile. "How are you feeling?"

"I'm feeling slightly better... Trying to cope," I fib to him. "I apologize for not seeing you earlier."

"Don't worry about it. You've been through a lot. I blame myself for not being there to prevent it. If I hadn't confessed my feelings, kissed you, and disturbed you, you wouldn't have ventured outside and ended up getting kidnapped," he says, taking slow steps towards the bed and cautiously settling next to me. I appreciate his respectful distance.

"Sin—" I start, but he raises a hand to halt me.

"It's alright. You don't have to say anything. I know you don't reciprocate my feelings and that you love Caspian."

"Caspian? What are you talking about?" I inquire, finally locking eyes with him since his arrival.

"It's crystal clear. The way you sought solace in his arms on the night of our rescue mission, I could tell. And your refusal to see anyone else this past week only confirmed it. Even if you deny any romantic involvement, the profound emotions you both share are apparent to everyone but yourselves," he speaks softly and unhurriedly.

Deep within my gut, I concede his accuracy. I realize that I've harbored feelings for Caspian ever since he mended my wounded shoulder after the battle. But I didn't want to confront that truth. I didn't want to admit that I could develop an affection for anyone other than Rowan.

"I still care about you, a lot," I finally admit, my gaze dropping as I break our eye contact. There's no point in denying it any longer.

"I know," he smiles at me. "And the woman meant for me is still out there. But for now, you need to get your ass out of this infirmary and reintegrate yourself into society as a princess. As royalty."

"I can't—"

"You can and you will," he interrupts firmly. "You have people who deeply care about you. People who are genuinely concerned. What you endured was horrific, but those men are gone now, and you need to emerge stronger than ever."

I know he is speaking the truth, and I rise to my feet, him following suit. "You're right. It won't be easy, but I must reclaim control of my life. I am Kyla Aspen Viena, Princess of Lakespire and Time Traveler. I am stronger than this."

A wide grin spreads across his face, revealing his charming dimples, as he extends his arm towards me. I hesitate for a brief moment before accepting it, allowing him to lead me out of the infirmary and back into society.