A Knight's Devotion (On Hold)

Chapter 4

“…Mmmnn…”

I slightly open my eyes, and for a moment I’m unsure of where I am. It’s dim in here… Bumpy rocks everywhere.

It’s a cave… But why? Am I still half asleep?

For some reason, Lute’s cloak is draped over my body.

What’s going on?

*crackle, crackle*

I hear the sound of firewood burning. I turn in the direction of the sound, and see someone with his broad back turned to me, naked from the waist up. The flames illuminate his profile as he tosses more wood onto the fire.

“Lute…”

“……Princess?” He turns around. And immediately runs to my side. “You’re awake! I’m so glad!”

I can sense his relief from the look on his face and the sound of his voice.

“I’m so glad you are safe, milady,” Lute said.

“And I’m glad you’re safe too, Lute,” I replied.

“Are you all right?”

“My back and my arm hurt a little…”

“Probably from the impact when we fell into the river. I am drying your clothes right now. Princess. Please make do with my cloak for now.”

“Thank you… I mean, wait!”

My clothes are drying?!

I peek under the cloak and am shocked.

I’m not wearing any clothes! I’m just in my underwear!! Does that mean he saw me?!

I wrap the cloak tighter around me and try to regain my composure.

Calm down, calm down… I remember we were being chased by the bandits, and Lute saved me… And then we jumped off a cliff! So that’s why I’m dressed like this…

“What’s wrong, Princess?” Lute asks me in his usual smooth voice.

It seems as if I’m the only one embarrassed by this situation. My face feels hot. I can’t bring myself to look Lute straight in the eyes. I draw his cloak up to my face.

“I had my eyes closed, so please do not worry,” Lute implied.

“Oh…”

Lute gazes at me with a smile.

I just have to trust him. He has his eyes closed and didn’t see anything. I’ll just leave it at that!

“Princess, I am deeply sorry to have put you in such a dangerous situation,” he apologized.

“We jumped off the cliff into the river, didn’t we?”

“Yes. No matter what, I could not let the enemies have you, milady.”

Lute gazes right into my eyes and I…

“To do something that desperate…”

“Are you stunned?”

I shake my head and smile back at him. “I’m just glad we’re okay.”

“It’s all because you trusted me, Princess. I will go to any lengths necessary in order to protect you, my Princess. Now, and forever.”

Lute smiles gently, and I see strong resolve deep in his eyes.

“I’m sure it was difficult to swim with me when I was unconscious,” I commented. “Thank you so much.”