It had been one full day since she collapsed in my arms, her body weak, the poison slowing her heartbeat. One full day of watching her lie still, hr skin pale, her breath uneven.

And I had never felt so helpless in my life.

I had fought wars, defeated armies, ruled over kingdoms, and struck fear into the hearts of my enemies. But none of it mattered when she was lying there, motionless, refusing to wake up.

The antidote had saved her, but it hadn't worked fast enough. Some of the poison had already spread before I could act.

So, in desperation-

I sucked the remaining poison out myself.

The taste of her blood, warm and metallic, had lingered on my lips, but I hadn't cared. If it meant saving her, I would have done far worse.

The healers had done everything else-bandaged her wound, given her medicines-but she had remained unconscious, silent.

And it tore me apart.

Princess Kavitha had been grounded, locked away in the palace dungeon. If Aranya had died, I would have done more than just imprison her-I would have burned Ranshara to the ground.

But none of that mattered now. I just needed her to wake up.

I had been sitting beside her bed, watching over her, when I felt her fingers twitch.

I shot up instantly, my heart hammering in my chest.

Then, slowly-so painfully slow-her eyes fluttered open.

For a moment, she blinked, confused, her gaze unfocused. Then, her brows furrowed slightly, and her lips parted as she spoke-her voice hoarse but steady.

"Did we get the shard?"

I froze.

She had almost died, and the first thing she asked about was the damn shard?

I narrowed my eyes, leaning closer. "Really? That's your first question?"

She gave me a weak smile. "Well... did we?"

I exhaled, shaking my head. "Yes. We got the shard. And if you ever scare me like that again, I'll throw it into the ocean just to spite you."

She chuckled softly, though it quickly turned into a wince. "Ouch. That hurts."

I smirked, adjusting the pillows behind her. "That's what happens when you get stabbed."

She groaned. "Ugh. Can I at least get a 'Welcome back, my dear Aranya, the bravest woman alive'?"

I arched a brow. "No."

She pouted. "Rude."

I let out a slow breath, my amusement fading as the reality of everything hit me again. She had been so close to slipping away, and the thought alone made something in my chest tighten painfully.

Before she could say anything else, I pulled her into me-hugging her tightly, my arms wrapping around her like I was afraid she'd vanish.

I felt her stiffen for a second, clearly surprised. Then, slowly, she melted into me, hugging me back.

I closed my eyes, inhaling her scent, grounding myself in the feeling of her against me.

"Don't ever do that again," I muttered against her hair.

She exhaled, her voice soft but teasing. "Which part? Getting stabbed or making you worry?"

I tightened my hold on her. "Both."

She chuckled, her fingers gripping the back of my tunic. "Noted."

I pulled back slightly, my hands still on her waist, my eyes searching hers. She was still pale, still weak, but she was here. That was all that mattered.

She blinked up at me, tilting her head. "Wait a second... Did you cry?"

I scoffed. "Absolutely not."

She grinned. "I think you did."

I rolled my eyes. "You were unconscious. You didn't see anything."

"Ah, but I have instincts," she said, tapping her temple. "And my instincts tell me you got all emotional."

I huffed. "Your instincts are wrong."

She narrowed her eyes playfully. "Mhm. Sure. Whatever helps you sleep at night, Maharaja."

As she regained more of her strength, she sat up properly, looking around the room.

I handed her a cup of warm honeyed water, and she took it without complaint, though she gave me a mischievous look.

"So... how long was I out?" she asked.

"A day," I said simply.

She nodded. "And in that day... how many times did you dramatically stare out the window in silent despair?"

I glared at her. "I hate you." No , I Don't .

She grinned. "No, you don't."

I sighed, pinching the bridge of my nose. "I saved your life, and this is how you repay me?"

She gasped, placing a hand over her heart. "Oh my god, he admitted it."

I groaned. "Aranya."

"I knew it. You love me," she teased.

I smirked. "I should have let the poison kill you."

She gasped. "Wow. Toxic."

I chuckled, shaking my head. "You're insufferable."

She grinned, taking another sip of water. "And yet, you haven't left my side."

I didn't respond to that.

Because she was right.

For the rest of the evening, I stayed by her side, making sure she ate, drank, and rested.

When she tried to stand up too fast, I caught her before she could fall.

When she winced from the pain of her wound, I was the one to redress it carefully.

When she tried to joke about almost dying, I simply gave her a look that shut her up.

But the thing that truly got to me?

The way she looked at me.

Like I was home.

Like I was safe.

I wondered- Was I really going to let her leave?

Because if I did...

I wasn't sure what would be left of me.