The Queen's Guard

Chapter 18

Carina remained on strict bed rest. Though the initial danger had passed, her wound still required careful attention. Her strength gradually returned, yet the trauma had been significant, and the path to full recovery was uncertain.

One morning, the chief healer, a usually composed man, nervously fiddled with his hands, an action entirely unlike him. He was clearly apprehensive about delivering his news to the queen. He had first broached the topic with the chancellor, who had then taken over to relay the information to Carina.

Ben entered the room, his expression grave and filled with concern. "Your Majesty," he began softly, "I do not wish to involve anyone you don't want, but I will call for the commander if you do not wish to process this news alone."

The furrow in Ben's brow and his offer to bring Maya in made the situation feel even more dire. Carina's heart pounded with anxiety. Maya was already feeling so guilty; Carina didn't want to burden her further.

Carina took a deep breath, steeling herself. "You can tell me."

Ben nodded, respecting her decision. "The healer has done his best to stabilize you. The spear missed your major organs, but the wound was severe. They managed to stop the bleeding and are optimistic about your recovery, but there's a concern."

Carina's eyes narrowed, fear creeping into her heart. "What concern?"

Ben hesitated, choosing his words carefully. "There's a possibility that the injury may have impacted your ability to bear children. It's too early to be certain, but the healer felt it was important to inform you."

Carina's face remained stoic, but inside, a storm of emotions raged. She nodded curtly, dismissing her chancellor. "Thank you, is that all?"

Ben stood silently, watching as Carina's facade crumbled. He saw the queen's stoic mask begin to crack, revealing the vulnerable woman beneath. "Your Majesty..." he began softly, his voice filled with concern. But seeing her shutting down, he knew he had to step away. However, he also knew who could reach her.

Maya was in the middle of a punishing workout when the summons came. She had been pushing herself harder than usual, trying to escape the guilt and worry that still plagued her thoughts. The message from Ben was brief and devoid of specifics, but it was enough to make her heart race. She plunged into the pool, washing away the sweat and grime, before heading to the queen's chambers, her mind swirling with possibilities.

Carina had anticipated Ben's actions. For months, he had tried to maintain a professional distance between her and Maya, but the severity of the situation had finally made him relent. As the door opened and Maya peeked in, Carina took a deep breath, steadying herself.

"Are you all right?" Maya's voice was filled with worry as she rushed to Carina's bedside.

"Yes, yes, I'm fine," Carina assured her, feeling the warmth of Maya's touch. But Maya wasn't convinced. Her eyes scanned Carina's body, searching for any sign of her condition worsening. When their eyes met, Maya's frantic gaze softened, but then she noticed the tear stains on Carina's cheeks.

"What's wrong?" Maya asked, her eyes a deep blue, filled with concern. Carina knew Maya would blame herself if she told her the truth, so instead of saying something, she let the tears flow freely while Maya comforted her, holding her close.

The room was wrapped in silence, save for the occasional sniffle from Carina. After what felt like an eternity, Carina broke the quiet. "Will you bring me outside tonight?" she asked, her voice trembling.

"Carina..." Maya responded, worry evident in her tone.

"Please... I need to get out of this room," Carina pleaded, on the verge of tears again. Maya, unable to deny her queen anything, relented.