Mr. & Mrs Meropide

Chapter Nine: A Time to Heal

The next day, Clorinde awoke to the soft light filtering through the window, feeling the dull ache of her injuries. She had spent most of the previous day resting, following Sigewinne's advice. The events of the trial still lingered in her mind, but she was beginning to feel a sense of recovery—both physically and mentally.

Wriothesley had returned to the Fortress of Meropide early that morning. As much as he had wanted to stay, his duties demanded his attention. The fortress needed its Duke, and Wriothesley knew that being absent for too long could have consequences. Before he left, he made sure Sigewinne was well-prepared to continue caring for Clorinde, trusting that she would keep him informed of her progress.

In the late morning, the door to Clorinde's room opened quietly, and Chevreuse stepped inside. The head of Fontaine's law enforcement was a familiar presence, her demeanor calm and reassuring. She approached Clorinde's bedside with a gentle smile, carrying a small bouquet of flowers—an unexpected but welcome gesture.

"How are you holding up?" Chevreuse asked, her voice soft but firm, as she placed the flowers on a nearby table.

Clorinde shifted slightly, propping herself up with some effort. "I'm recovering," she replied, her voice still a bit strained but steady. "It's taking time, but I'll be fine."

Chevreuse nodded, her gaze assessing. "You've been through a lot, Clorinde. Not just the duel, but everything leading up to it. It's important to give yourself time to heal."

Clorinde offered a small smile, appreciative of the concern. "I know. Sigewinne's been making sure I don't push myself too hard."

"Good," Chevreuse said, a hint of amusement in her tone. "I've heard she can be quite insistent when it comes to her patients."

"She is," Clorinde agreed, her smile widening slightly. "But it's what I need right now."

There was a brief silence as Chevreuse took a seat beside Clorinde's bed, her expression turning more serious. "I wanted to talk to you about the trial," she began, her tone gentle. "What you did... it couldn't have been easy."

Clorinde's smile faded slightly, her thoughts returning to the previous day. "It wasn't," she admitted. "But it had to be done. There was no other way."

Chevreuse nodded, understanding the weight of Clorinde's words. "You handled it with strength and honor, as you always do. But remember, you don't have to carry that burden alone."

Clorinde looked at Chevreuse, appreciating the support. "Thank you," she said quietly. "It means a lot."

The two women shared a moment of quiet companionship, the unspoken understanding between them deepening. Chevreuse's visit, though brief, was a reminder that Clorinde was not alone in her struggles. She had allies, friends who understood the sacrifices she made and were there to support her.

After a while, Chevreuse stood up, preparing to leave. "I'll let you rest," she said with a smile. "But if you need anything, don't hesitate to call on me."

"I will," Clorinde replied, her voice filled with gratitude. "Thank you, Chevreuse."

With a final nod, Chevreuse left the room, leaving Clorinde to her thoughts. The visit had been a welcome distraction, and as she lay back down to rest, Clorinde felt a renewed sense of resolve. She would recover, she would continue to serve Fontaine, and she would not be alone in doing so.

As the day went on, Clorinde allowed herself to rest fully, letting her body heal. The memories of the trial and the duel still lingered, but they no longer felt as heavy. With friends like Wriothesley, Sigewinne, and Chevreuse by her side, she knew she had the strength to face whatever challenges lay ahead.