Naseria slowly regained her senses, adjusting her eyes to the dim light around her. She heard a gasp and saw a girl rush out of the room. Moments later, a man in a white coat entered, approaching her with a professional air.
He examined her with practiced ease. "She’s stable. Her pulse is back to normal. She just needs a bit more rest. I’ll provide some medicine to help her recover."
"Thank you, Doctor," the man said from somewhere nearby, his voice low and steady.
As the doctor prepared the medicine, Naseria drifted back into a light sleep, the herb still strong, and she succumbed once more to the darkness.
She woke again, this time to the sound of hushed voices.
"Are you sure she woke up?" King Theon's voice was tight, almost anxious.
"Yes, sire," a man replied.
King Theon sighed heavily, a sound filled with frustration. "You shouldn’t have shot her."
"Sorry, sire," the man said, his tone apologetic.
Naseria stirred, blinking against the soft light as King Theon took a seat beside her. She stared at him, her mind racing with confusion and lingering anger. His expression shifted to one of surprise as he recognized that she was awake.
"You’re awake? Do you need anything?" King Theon asked, his voice softer than before, betraying a hint of concern.
Naseria rolled her eyes, feeling the tight restraints around her wrists. "Not only did you burn my home, but you also tied me down?" She sighed heavily, a mix of frustration and exhaustion washing over her.
The king signaled to the man, who hesitated but eventually approached her to untie the ropes. As the bindings fell away, Naseria sat up, feeling dizzy from the lingering effects of the potion. She rubbed her sore arms, took a sip of water.
"I really do apologize for everything," King Theon said, his tone sincere. "But I truly didn't burn your house. I sincerely wanted to talk to you. The Harrowsouls are using this tactic to fuel your hatred and desire for revenge against me and the kingdom. They thrive on your emotions, making themselves stronger with your pain."
Naseria furrowed her brow. "What do you mean?"
"The Harrowsouls have been attacking my people relentlessly," King Theon explained, his expression serious. "There have been numerous assaults on the kingdom, and my people are terrified. The Harrowsouls are manipulating that fear to keep attacking."
"And why is that?" Naseria pressed, curiosity mingling with skepticism.
King Theon took a moment, his gaze distant as if searching for the right words. He sighed, glancing out the window as if hoping for inspiration from the view beyond. "It's because the sea is slowly dying. The overfishing, pollution from the industries, and the disregard for nature have devastated our waters. The balance has been disrupted, and the Harrowsouls thrive in chaos."
Naseria burst into laughter, the sound echoing off the walls. "Grandma, Madam Dalhia, have you seen this? Karma has finally hit the kingdom!" She leaned closer to King Theon, her expression a mix of amusement and defiance. "That’s what you get for mistreating Elaria!"
She stood up, ready to leave. "Good luck on saving your kingdom."
King Theon, in a surprising turn, stood up and knelt in front of her, his demeanor shifting to one of humility and desperation.
"Sire!" the man exclaimed, clearly taken aback.
"I, Theon Caelestis Armisted, King of Cascadea, took an oath to protect my people and provide them with the life they deserve. I also believe in your motto, 'Veylath of Kharan, Aelus'ra of Velyndor.' Naseria Aelith Gaheris, I beg you, please save the kingdom," King Theon pleaded.
