บท 27: His Princess
While eating, Ethan recounted how he had encountered Peter at the restaurant near the horse market. He obviously showed his anger to Peter who left Helena alone in the Silverwood forest. Helena couldn't help but feel sorry for Peter's misfortune, having to face Ethan before managing to hide at his house.
"I was the one who asked him to leave," she said, defending the poor young knight. "He looked so scared hearing my plans. I couldn't bear seeing his trembling face."
Silence fell between them. Peter was right though. It was better for him to leave to keep his head on the neck.
"You met Pegasus on the way?" Helena inquired, her eyebrows furrowing as she noticed her warm clothes now in Ethan's possession, the fabric cradled in his hands.
"Yes, I retrieved your belongings from him," Ethan replied, a faint smile playing on his lips. He proceeded to narrate how he had found Helena along the treacherous journey, his words painted with a mix of relief and concern.
After the satisfying meal, Ethan gently removed Helena's bandages, revealing the delicate pinkish skin underneath. With practiced hands, he skillfully applied the herbal powder once again, a cloud of fine particles swirling and settling on the wounds, imbuing them with a soothing touch.
"What kind of powder is that?" Helena asked curiously, her gaze fixed on the mystical substance that seemed to possess a subtle shimmer. "It seems highly effective, almost magical in its healing properties."
"I always carry it with me ever since Baron Stevenson ordered—" Ethan jolted, stopping himself mid-sentence. He had forgotten that he was the baron's foster child. He nearly revealed the secret of his enslavement.
"My father used to take me hunting. So, I always bring this powder," Ethan explained finally, ensuring his words aligned with the truth. In reality, it was a medicinal powder often used by soldiers to treat wounds during the war. His mentor had taught him how to make it.
"I hope the magic tower can create something similar but more potent by adding magic," Helena remarked. She truly admired the effect of the powder. Her wounds got better even faster than she thought it would.
Ethan's eyes widened. Ah, that's right! He had never purchased magically infused items like magic salt, considering it a luxury for the wealthy. He was even unaware that magic could be stored within objects. He only knew how to manipulate things using his magical abilities, which he primarily used to aid with household chores and carpentry, like starting fires and gathering wood.
However, in the magic tower, there would be many sorcerers with various talents, including healing magic. If they could effectively incorporate their magic into the herbal powder Ethan created, it would undoubtedly enhance its effectiveness.
"That would certainly be incredibly helpful," Ethan responded. A glimmer of regret crossed his handsome face. He smiled a little, not sure about what he was about to say. "But unfortunately, only the wealthy would likely be able to afford it."
He stopped talking for a while. "It's always like that," he whispered in a regretfully bland voice.
Helena's ears tingled with electricity upon hearing Ethan's words. He spoke as if he were a commoner. Baron Stevenson might not be extremely rich, but his child certainly wouldn't make such statements because they were not destitute.
"Should we continue our journey?" Ethan inquired. "I think we should stay here until your wound fully heals. It should be better in three more days."
"No!" Helena replied swiftly. Three more days? And she would be cuddling with Ethan every night to keep warm?
"Then, can you force yourself in your current condition?" Ethan asked again. "Your fever hasn't subsided. I'm afraid pushing yourself might only make you sicker."
Helena admitted that Ethan had a point. She checked her body temperature, which had risen again after briefly subsiding.
Meanwhile, Ethan felt unsure. If they rested in the forest, was there a guarantee that Helena's condition would improve? It would probably be better to head to the nearest town for proper medical treatment.
"What if I carry you?" Ethan suggested, his voice tinged with concern.
Helena was taken aback by the proposal. However, she quickly realized that she had already spent the night snuggled up against Ethan, finding comfort in his warmth. Being carried by him now wouldn't make much of a difference, except for the added physical support.
"I guess that's the best option," Helena relented, mustering a small smile of gratitude.
"I'll carry you until we reach where I tied Onyx," Ethan assured her, his determination shining through.
"Onyx?" Helena inquired, curious about the mention of a new name.
"He's the horse I recently bought," Ethan explained, a hint of excitement in his voice.
After carefully packing their belongings, Ethan gently lifted Helena into his arms, her weight cradled against his chest. With renewed determination, they resumed their journey, the forest path guiding their steps.
Helena couldn't help but feel a glimmer of hope as she nestled in Ethan's arms. She gazed up at him, grateful for his unwavering support and the warmth of his embrace.
Ethan carefully navigated the path, his steps steady and purposeful. With each stride, Helena could hear the rhythmic beat of Ethan's heart, a soothing cadence that reassured her and fueled her determination to get better. She closed her eyes briefly, finding solace in the comforting sway of his movements.
"Hey! This feels awkward. Don't carry me like a princess," Helena said, breaking the silence with a hint of amusement.
"But you are one," Ethan replied, his tone teasing as he adjusted his hold on her, his eyes twinkling with lightheartedness. "I promise myself to treat my wife as a princess."
"My outfit doesn't quite match this scene," Helena retorted, a soft chuckle escaping her lips as she glanced down at her attire, a mix of a torn shirt and dirty pants that seemed out of place in their current situation.
"Well, what should we do then?" Ethan asked, his voice filled with curiosity as he continued to bear Helena's weight, displaying his undoubtful strength.
"Just carry me piggyback," Helena suggested, her voice laced with mischief, a playful smile adorning her face as she leaned closer to Ethan's back, ready to embark on their unconventional journey together.
Ethan adjusted his stance, his strong arms securely holding Helena as he prepared to give her a piggyback ride. The rays of sunlight filtered through the canopy of trees, casting dappled patterns on their figures.
Helena's legs wrapped gently around Ethan's waist, her body leaning against his broad back for support. As they began to move, the rustle of leaves under Ethan's footsteps provided a soothing soundtrack to their unconventional journey.
Helena's long blonde hair cascaded down her shoulders, lightly brushing against Ethan's back with each step he took. The forest air carried the scent of earth and greenery, mingling with the faint fragrance of wildflowers. A gentle breeze danced through the trees, causing the leaves to whisper gossip about Ethan and Helena.
As they approached the spot where Onyx was tethered, the sound of the horse's neigh reverberated through the trees, echoing with a mix of curiosity and excitement. It was as if Onyx sensed their presence and eagerly awaited their arrival.
However, as they neared Onyx, they realized that Onyx's neigh was not a welcoming one. Instead, the horse struggled and tried to break free from its tether, sensing a looming danger ahead—a dragon.
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