When Beauty Destroys The BL World

To Her

Arriving at a village, Irene and Arlo continue their journey. Many people in that small village. In the crowds, some people bump into them. Arlo protect Irene from the crowds, as he used his body to shield her. In that close distance, she saw his back was bleeding.
"You were hurt!"
Arlo saw that Irene notice his injuries, try to dismiss it as something not worth concerned about.
"It's nothing." He said.
"We have to find someplace to stay." She suggested.
"No need, let's just go."
"No, I won't leave, until we get you treated." She insisted.
Arlo could only agree. They finally find an inn to stay in that village.
"We want one room, please." Hearing her word, Arlo was surprised.
The owner of the inn then show them the room on the 2nd floor.
In the room, Irene put down her stuff. Luckily, her stuff still in a good condition. She turn to see Arlo stiff posture.
"Take off your clothes." She said unabashedly.
Arlo was flustered with her word.
"It's not proper..." Arlo said, like an innocent young lady.
"What's not proper? We need to treat your injury. No time to waste." Irene who didn't seem to notice his discomfort urge him to take off his clothes.
Arlo tries to calm his heart, as he took off his clothes. Irene was shocked to see his injuries on his back. It was a mark from being whipped.
"Wha....what happened?" There were many slashes on his back. The marks of an unforgiving whip were left all over. It was so gruesome to look at.
"It was my punishment. For failing to protect the high priest." Arlo said calmly, as if it was normal.
Irene feel pity towards the second male lead.
She carefully tend to his injuries while both of them sitting on the bed. Remembering how he still came to save her in his state, Irene heart feels heavy.
"You shouldn't treat yourself this carelessly. Be sure that there will be no next time." She said.
Hearing that, Arlo heart swelled with joy. This just shows how much kinder she is.
"Umm..." Arlo nods his head.
Irene wants to blow the wound after finishes tending to it. But she stops herself. Knowing how that will affect a man. It was one of the scenes in the book, where the male protagonist tugs the poor second male lead feeling with his gesture. Irene didn't want to arise such feelings whatsoever.
She then put back her stuff.
"We should find us something to eat." She suddenly feels hungry.

Fortunately, in the inn there's a restaurant. Irene and Arlo have their dinner there.
Just as their food were serves, Irene put some of the food in front of Arlo.
"Here, have some beef. You need your strength. And...here some ginger chicken soup to replenish your blood."
Seeing Irene behaviour, the owner couldn't help but compliments her.
"How lucky you are, to have a doting wife. Young lad, you need to love and appreciate your wife. It not easy to find such a wife these days." Hearing that, Arlo grin widely.
"But I...." Irene wants to refute, seeing that Arlo didn't deny it. But the owner cuts in.
"Young lady, you don't need to be shy. It normal to be a dutiful wife to your husband."
The owner then left Irene speechless. She suddenly feels awkward. Arlo chuckled seeing her reaction.
"Thank you for the food." Arlo then said as he eat. Acting like nothing had happened.
Irene could only do the same, but is annoyed by her sudden behaviour. She had accidentally bring spring in the second male lead heart.
That night, Irene tidy up some pillow and cushion below the bed.
Arlo came in seeing this.
"You're a patient... So you sleep on the bed. I sleep on the floor." Irene told him, as she wants to lie down.
"No, I'm fine on the floor." Arlo stops her.
"But I'm not fine. My concise couldn't let people who is hurt to sleep on the hard floor. I'm not some fragile lady. I'm fine sleeping on the floor. So just listen to what I said." Irene sternly stated.
Therefore, that night...Irene slept on the floor while Arlo on the bed.
Arlo couldn't fall asleep. He turn to look at Irene, who is sleeping soundly.
He reminiscing back how she tends to his wound and the way she treated him. His heart couldn't contain it anymore. Before he might think that he just wants to repay his gratitude. But now, he realises.
He is in love with her. The woman who he supposed to hate. The previous her is no longer in his memory. All he can see is how good, kind-hearted, brave and beautiful person she is.
Arlo carefully hold her hand as he caressing it.
Then he brought it to his lips.
He make a promise to himself. That what ever happened, he will protect her. He's willingly to sacrificed himself, as long she is alive and safe.