Hestia began her day by checking on Rylynn who was still recovering from her illness and she was relieved to found Raymond by his sister's side, his expression somber.
"Its better that way" she suddenly said.
"Huh?" He sounded.
"I mean you taking care of your sister"
"Oh! I don't want to cause trouble again and I'm sorry for the last time" he sounded guilted.
"No ! Don't be" she reached his hand gently. "Just take care of Rylynn" she said softly.
A lavish lunch awaited them in the adjacent room and they ate from the spread with relish. She savored the Flavors grateful from a Small comforts. After the lunch she bathed and dressed simple yet practical, her intense copper red hair braided into its usual plaits.
The rest of the morning passed quietly spending precious time with Raymond and Rylynn. Later the afternoon a servant arrived with invitation from the king.
"The king requested Hestia's presence in the courtyard" the servant announced.
Curious. The servant escorted her to courtyard, upon her arrival king and prince Ezekiel and other princes if she guess right.
"Hestia" the king called out. "We discussed about your experience with your brother Raymond. I am eager to validate and substantiate its accuracy through evidence or further exploration."
"Your majesty ,may I inquire about your esteemed opinion on the matter at hand?"
He waved his hand and bow and quiver were handed to her.
Without hesitation she took the bow and quiver her hands instinctively checking the tension and balance. She selected an arrow, notched and raised the bow. She could feel their gaze burning her skin but she focused on her target her breathing steady. She released the arrow and it soared straight to the bullseye.
"Impressive!" King said.
Ezekiel's gaze lingered on her, his expression unreadable.
"Again" the king commanded.
Hestia repeated the feat several times each shot landing with precision.
"Your accomplishment is truly remarkable and deserves all the praise it receives" king said "I have a task in mind that requires your unique abilities."
"What task, father?" Ezekiel's eyes narrowed.
"Are you questioning my actions and decisions now?" King's gaze set upon him.
"I dare not your majesty." He said.
"We should discuss the details with our huntress."
"Hestia the sacrifices I spoke of earlier they are not what they seem."
"What do you mean, your majesty?"
"please your majesty grand me the privilege of resolving this."
"Ezekiel are you sure?" King narrowed his gaze.
"Yes, your majesty."
"You have words" king said. "You may leave" he told him.
Ezekiel turned to Hestia his eyes locked onto her and he smiled mischievously. "Would you walk me to the garden" he offered.
Hestia hesitated, why would he want her to walk him? What was he going to resolve? Something doesn't feel right but though she managed to nodded. It was Even an opportunity to ask him everything she wants that seemed mystical.
They walked into the garden the evening sun casting a long shadows.
"Your highness may I ask?" She suddenly said.
"Sure, feel safe to share your thoughts with me"
"What are the sacrifices king mentioned earlier?"
"Don't worry I'll handle it " he said with reassuring smile.
"Handle what? You can't just...."
"Never ask again" he said turning to her. "Just trust me" his eyes moves softly with illuminating.
Hestia gaze in his eyes searching for any deceiving but his gentle expression hide everything beneath. Likewise she couldn't shake off the feeling of unease. How could a prince show such kindness to a mere survivor. That was not her concern! She wasn't doing this for herself. Rylynn's fragile health and innocent smile drove her forward. She promised herself once her sister was stable, she would slip away unnoticed with her family leaving the castle's secrets and dangers behind but she couldn't afford to trust anyone.
She took breath stealing her mind from thoughts ."your highness, what about my sister?" She voiced calm.
"Tonight you will receive the finest physician in the land , courtesy of me. I will come with him to ensure everything proceeding as it should." His eyes clouding with thoughtfulness.
He paused his gaze piercing as he awaited her response.
"Tell me more about her sickness" he urged his voice softening. "Her age, the duration of her illness...... every detail is crucial."
Hestia's wariness ebbed replaced by gratitude. No one had ever shown such genuine interest in Rylynn's well-being.
"Her name was Rylynn" she spoke her heart melting by his concerning. "Rylynn is eighteen winters old" she began her voice spilling forth. "Her sickness started eighteen years ago with fever and fatigue that wouldn't abate. Some days she is full of life but others...." She paused suddenly.
Ezekiel gently grabbed her both shoulders. "She will be fine" his voice low and smooth.
She nodded determination swirling in her eyes.
"Some days it is as if her very essence is drained."
He dropped his hand from her shoulder quickly as her gaze drifted to her shoulder where his hand rested.
"Have you noticed any patterns? Any remedies that brought relief no matter how brief."
Hestia recounted every detail from the ineffective potions to the desperate prayers. Ezekiel listened intently his expression growing more somber.
Ezekiel!
He is a prince but he doesn't act superior, he treated her with kindness and respect his demeanor gentle and considerate. Yet, his eyes betrayed a deeper sentiment a mix of awe , reverence and a hint of trepidation. She also noticed the fear that lingered in his eyes and the king's whispered words about sacrifices echoed in her mind. Hestia pushed aside her curiosity. Her priority remained Rylynn's recovery and their swift departure. She didn't want to get entangled in the mysteries surrounding prince or the kingdom's sacrifices.
Pushing her thoughts aside and joined Rylynn and Raymond who were chatting happily. As they noticed her arrival Raymond asked.
"What happened?",
She downplayed her experience saying "just an ability test nothing significant." She turned to Rylynn. "the physician will arrive tonight."
Rylynn's face lit up, a gentle smile spread across her face. "Really?" Her voice trembled.
Hestia nodded smiling by her reaction. "Yes Rylynn prince promised"
"Thank you Hestia you are always there for me."
Hestia felt her own heart swell. She squeezed Rylynn's hand reassuringly. "I will always be here for you, you are not alone."
"Finally a chance to recover"Raymond exclaimed. " Maybe this physician can help Rylynn overcome her illness." His voice filled with hope "we're truly blessed to have you Hestia, thank you so much"
Her face flushed as she shook her head. "No, don't be you're my family I would do anything for you."
Rylynn reached out her hand trembling."Hestia you're more than just family. You're my everything."
"And you're mine too!"
