I WILL FIND YOU.

Chapter 93: Worry

Kai was serious about Minda getting rest. The moment they reached the camp Kai tore off Houtian's robe and washed away the mud and lake water from Minda's chilled body.

"Honey, there's so much work to do before we leave tomorrow. At least let me help prepare dinner for everyone." Minda said as Kai prepared the bed for him.

"Gen has everything under control. What you need to focus on his your own health. We can't afford for you to get sick right now."

"Sorry, if only my body was healthier I..."

Minda's voice went quiet. There was so much he wished he could do but couldn't because of his body. As he contemplated his inadequacies Minda squeezed his knee in frustration. It had healed to a point where he could walk around camp without difficulty as long as he had his cane. A feat the imperial doctor said would be impossible considering the damage done to his body. Yet with Kai's meticulous care he was able to walk again. Despite being able to do more than he could ever hope for it still wasn't enough. It would never be enough.

"I'm too greedy and selfish." Minda thought.

Kai didn't need to be able to read his mind to know Minda was feeling down. He picked him up and gently placed him on the bed. He then lay down next to Minda and hugged him tight.

"Honey, don't you need to help prepare for tomorrow?" Minda asked.

"I'll help after dinner." Kai said as he kissed Minda's forehead. The sensation of Minda's forehead on his lips felt warmer than usual.

"He's running a fever." Kai thought as he pulled up the blanket to fully cover Minda's thin body."

"Will the General be okay with this?" Minda asked feeling unsure.

"That isn't an issue. He gave us permission to go to the lake until dinner there is no reason for him to be upset if we use the time to relax in the carriage." Kai explained. Not that it really mattered. If Minda needed him, he would stay with him. Even if General Lei ordered him to prepare for the upcoming battle.

Minda was satisfied with Kai's answer and closed his eyes to rest for Kai's sake.

...

After a short nap Minda woke up feeling great. Kai was also awake and sitting on the bench sharpening his sword next him.

"Did I wake up in time to help with dinner?" Minda asked.

"Don't worry about that and go back to sleep."

"I'm not tired."

"You..."

"I don't have a fever either. I feel great and I need to help."

"MinMin, your health is more important right now."

"I don't get it, when we were at the estate you were always helping me do things even when Auntie Feifei wanted me to rest. Now, it's the opposite. All you want me to do is rest." Minda complained.

"That was different."

"How was it different?" Minda asked genuinely confused.

"At the estate, if you got sick or hurt you could rest in a warm bed with nutritious food and a calm safe environment. We could also call for the doctor if things worsened. None of that is possible now so we need to be more cautious." Kai explained.

Minda stared at him for a long time. He understood what Kai was saying and had to agree with his reasoning. Even so, he still wanted to help more.

"I'll be more careful but I won't lay here and rest when I feel perfectly fine. I'm going to help cook dinner." Minda stated with determination. Kai raised his hand to touch Minda's forehead to check for himself. Minda didn't mind and let him do what he wanted until he was satisfied.