👑 The Prince's Heart ❤

☆The Treasure Within Reach☆

(Izana's POV)

Hours slipped by like grains of sand through my fingers, the relentless passage of time marked only by the sound of Evelyn's soft, ragged breaths. The healer worked diligently, a focused intensity in her movements, but my mind struggled to find solace. I knew I should be strong, but weariness clung to me like a heavy cloak.

The room was dim, lit only by the flickering candlelight that cast shadows dancing across the walls. The air was thick with the scent of herbs and medicines, a blend of warmth and healing, yet my heart felt icy with fear. I could not bear the thought of losing Evelyn, not after everything we had endured together.

I made the decision then, inspired by the memory of my mother's gentle insistence during my own moments of vulnerability. I settled beside Evelyn on the small bed, careful not to disturb her, and allowed my head to rest close to hers. In that moment, I wanted nothing more than to feel her warmth against me, to share my strength, however feeble it might be.

As I lay there, I began to drift into a light sleep, lulled by the rhythmic sound of her breathing. My mind wandered to distant memories, the warmth of my mother's embrace, the way she would hum softly as she rocked me to sleep. I longed for that same comfort now, the kind that could chase away the darkness threatening to envelop us both.

But as I lay beside Evelyn, I could feel her presence—fragile, yet undeniably strong. I brushed my fingers over her hand, feeling the coolness of her skin, a reminder of the battle she was fighting. "Stay with me, Evelyn," I whispered, my voice barely a breath, as I squeezed her hand gently.

In the silence, I watched her face, illuminated by the soft glow of the candlelight. Her features were delicate, her brow slightly furrowed as if she were lost in a dream. I couldn't shake the feeling that she was my treasure, a precious gem in a world filled with chaos and darkness.

"You are my treasure," I murmured, the words slipping from my lips without conscious thought. It felt right, a nickname born of love and admiration. It was as if I were declaring to the universe that she held a value beyond measure, far surpassing any crown or riches.

As the hours slipped by, I couldn't help but think of everything we had overcome together. I recalled her laughter as we explored the castle gardens, her spirit shining even in the darkest of times. I wanted to shield her from the cruelty of the world, to ensure that she would never feel the loneliness that had once consumed me.

I gently brushed a strand of hair away from her face, tucking it behind her ear. The tenderness of the gesture warmed my heart, and I felt a renewed sense of purpose. "I will protect you, Evelyn," I promised softly, my resolve hardening with each passing moment. "I'll keep you safe, no matter the cost."

With my head resting beside hers, I closed my eyes, letting the exhaustion of the past few days wash over me. I didn't dare to fall into a deep slumber, but I allowed myself to drift in and out of consciousness, knowing that I was right where I needed to be.

As I lay there, I listened to the healer's quiet murmurs as she continued her work, a soothing rhythm in the background. I could feel the warmth radiating from Evelyn's body, and I focused on that, drawing strength from her presence.

"You are my treasure," I repeated in my mind, a mantra that anchored me to the moment. Each time I whispered those words to myself, I felt the connection between us grow stronger, a bond that transcended the darkness we had faced.

In the stillness, I felt my eyelids grow heavy, the weight of exhaustion pulling me under. I resisted, determined to stay awake, to keep vigil over her as she fought for her life. But the warmth of her presence wrapped around me like a soft blanket, lulling me into a light sleep.