Royal Rogue [Book 2: Royal Series]

Chapter 23

♛ Cameron's POV ♛

I instantly shoot up when I hear a gasp. A gasp from Arianna. I hover over her, not knowing what to do. Her eyes shoot open and I'm greeted by the beautiful sight of it. A breathless chuckle leaves me and I couldn't help but grin like a fool.

My princess was alive and awake.

Her eyes slowly focus on me and my heart sky rockets as I see a lazy smile graced upon her face. "Arianna." I whisper, not believing that she was actually awake. My hand hesitantly reaches up to her face, gently caressing her cheek. My wolf howls with joy as our mate leans into our touch, her eyes briefly closed. I wanted to just wrap my arms around her and it physically hurt not being able to so. I didn't want to hurt her in any way though.

My mates parched lips open and I anxiously wait for what she has to say. Instead of words, coughs come out of her mouth and my eyes widen. I quickly retrieve the bottle of water that was left for me and unscrew the lid. Her coughs have subsided slightly and I grab the remote from the table with my other hand, pressing a button to make the bed rise. I bring the bottle to her lips and she drinks the water, stopping when the bottle was half empty.

I put the bottle and remote on the table besides the bed before sitting back in the chair, moving it as close to the bed as possible. My mate watches me the whole time. I take her hand in mine and she smiles. It was silent for a while, both just taking the other in and not really knowing what to say. I mean, what do you say in a situation like this?

I missed you?

Why did you leave?

I can't believe you're back?

It's good to have you back?

"You look awful."

I blink, taking in my mates words. That was not what I was expecting to hear. My mouth opens and closes, not being able to think of a response. Arianna chuckles, my heart swelling at the sound. I haven't heard it in a long time. It doesn't last long though and is soon replaced by a look of concern.

"Have you been taking care of yourself, Cameron?" She asks, raising an eyebrow. "Of course." I lie. I didn't need my princess to worry. She rolls her eyes, looking absolutely adorable despite her weak state. "You know you can't lie to me." She states and I look down, ashamed to be caught lying. I didn't do it often. She sighs, her head resting against the bed. "How are you?" She murmurs. "I should be asking you the same thing. It's not like I was the one who was poisoned." I say, trying to keep the bitterness out of my tone.

"I am fine." She says and I don't say anything. I was fuming inside. The reminder of my mate being hurt had my blood boiling. "Do you need anything?" I ask after a couple seconds. She hums. "I need you." She states rather boldly and my eyes widen. "What do you need me to do?" I ask her. "Lay down with me and hold me." She says, shifting her body to make room for me.

I don't even think about it and I get in the small hospital bed after taking off my shoes. I'm careful to not squash my princess. I lay beside her and I open up my arms. She grins and comes into them, resting her head against my chest. Half her body was on me.

My wolf growls appreciatively within, and I couldn't help but silently agree. It was good to have my mate back. Arianna snuggles into me and I respond with tightening my hold. "Am I hurting you?" I ask, concerned. She shakes her head, making a ruffling noise against my shirt. "I am mostly recovered." She murmurs. I kiss the top of her head, trusting her word for it. "What time is it?" She mumbles, her words so soft that I could barely hear it. My eyes go to the clock above the door. "It's only four thirty in the morning." I say, feeling exhausted.