𝐍𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐑 𝐄𝐍𝐃𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐒𝐔𝐌𝐌𝐄𝐑 ↷ kinich

iii.

it had been three days since the rescue, three long days since anyone had seen you. the whispers about the princess's condition had spread through the castle like wildfire, each one more exaggerated than the last. every time kinich passed by, snippets of worried conversations reached his ears.

"her fever hasn't broken," someone murmured behind him, their voice hushed but urgent. 

"she’s still too weak to sit up," another added, their tone tinged with worry.

kinich’s jaw tightened as he strode past, the words clawing at his already fraying nerves. he could still see it clearly—the storm, the rain-soaked night, and the way your body had felt too light and weak in his arms. his hands clenched into fists at the memory, the phantom sensation of your shallow breaths against his chest haunting him.

at your door, the guards had started to grow used to his presence. he was a constant presence since you’ve been bedridden, not allowing guests. he’d been pacing, waiting, hoping for news. 

"kinich," one of them said, his voice hesitant, "you should rest. you’ve been here since—"

"don’t wanna," kinich cut him off, his voice low but resolute. he leaned against the cold stone wall, arms crossed, his exhaustion evident in the slump of his shoulders. but even with the ache in his muscles and the persistent sting of his injuries, the thought of leaving you alone was unbearable. what if something happened while he wasn’t there? just like last time.

"sir tenoch is mad," ororon’s teasing voice cut through the tension as he appeared around the corner, flanked by kazuha and heizou. 

"kinich," kazuha said softly, holding out a loaf of fresh bread, "you haven’t eaten, have you? you're no good to anyone like this."

heizou chimed in, his tone half-joking but with an edge of concern. "yeah, the princess is gonna wake up and scold you for starving yourself on her account."

kinich wanted to argue, but the three of them were relentless, practically dragging him away from the door.