The Royal Engagement

Chapter 9

After five more agonizingly slow days of bed-rest for recommended recovery, Amy was approaching her last hour before her release. Many people who'd caught ear of the news of her miraculous awakening had come to personally or curtly visit her. She's even made close acquaintances with the red-haired Lady she'd met after she'd woken up. Pyro's sister from another mother... She was the Princess, the daughter of the Sirium king's first wife. Hestia was her name.

Lovely company to have when days became dull and solitary. Of course, Amy didn't dare mention the entire story of Pyro once Hestia asked. It would only anger Pyro more if Hestia confronted him about it.

Sometimes, the girls she'd met at the ball had come by to give their reliefs as well. It was jovial to have knowledge that there were some people who cared enough to genuinely visit her in The Sirium Empire. Even Pyro's friends Shizuki and Xernes had been kind enough bring some treats.

But, of course, there was one person she'd been awaiting the arrival of since the day she had awoken. Yet he never came once. Hours, she would stare emptily at that door, exciting herself whenever someone entered, only to receive a bitter arrow of disappointment once she realized it wasn't him.

She was happy to have anyone walk through but, it hurt that he didn't bother to visit even, once...

A weary sigh escaped her lip as she nestled further in the pillow. 'It's possible he's busy. Maybe, he didn't hear of my awakening yet,' any positive thoughts to drown away the misery she had from his absence.

But, as her last hour in the infirmary were mere minutes away from coming to an end, she began to lose hope for his sudden arrival. Maybe, she had to face the painful truth that he didn't value her enough to see if she was well. Even if that did contradict his decisions to befriend her and save her from her death. There was just no other conclusion she could come to.

A heavy and empty sigh came from her mouth when the doctor pushed through the door and into her room whilst looking at some papers. He drew a warm and comforting smile upon seeing her.

"Well, Princess, it appears you should be back to acceptable health to be released from the infirmary. Please be sure to take care and not strain yourself into any activities for the next few days though. Your body is still fatigued and your still quite malnourished. If you have any concerns of your wellbeing, please feel welcome to console me about it anytime," he softly instructed.

Amy smiled gratefully and bowed her head in comprehension. "Thank you for your care, doctor. I'll be sure to do as you say," she returned. The doctor nodded and walked over to the bedside to assist her to her feet.

She gently took his large hand and carefully pulled herself out of the comfort of the bed. Admittedly, her bones, muscles and joint ached and screamed at the sudden effort after a large lack of use, but she clenched her jaw through the pain.

Once she'd stood up and balanced herself, the doctor slowly led her towards the door until he was sure she was capable to walk by herself. Her body naturally re-adjusted to walking and she soon steady her body and let go off the doctor, sending him a thankful smile and nod before following awaiting maids to be dressed into more appropriate attire.

They quickly bathed, dressed and styled her hair, informing that the king has allowed the rest of the afternoon to have for herself. She nodded and thanked the maids before strolling through the hallways, pondering for an activity to entertain her. It wasn't a surprise that her feet absentmindedly led her to a peaceful palace garden, only occupied by the occasional friendly gardener that greeted her respectfully.