Concern

Wystan made a million assessments to confirm I had returned for good. He asked my name, Papa's name, my recent memory but never his name not our relationship.

It was when I called out his name does he was finally convinced. He gave me a bear hug and squeezed the daylight out of me. Not that I mind. It was comforting enough to know I have someone.

The only issue was I could feel his hot body against the cold air that kissed my exposed legs. I could feel the bodily contact between mine and his. In a state of disbelief, I decided to look down and how I regret it. Thought it was just some nightmare but here it was, the living proof that it did happen.

I was indeed topless! Now that the danger is out of the way and survival instinct is no longer in action, my face turned beetroot red. All the blood pooled around my head, warming up my face and ears, goodness knows what hole I could hide myself in.

I could not even lift my head. I was not sure whether I should hug him tighter so he could not see it. But then he could feel me. Perhaps I should screech out of embarrassment and shift his attention. But he already felt me. Was I slightly perturbed that he did not seem to be affected by this all? Well, yes. Yes, I do. My womanliness felt attacked.

Oh, how conflicted I feel! In the end, I slowly pulled his cloak to the front and covered the gaps with my pinches. After all, this was my first 'exposure' as a wife to him.

But Wystan being Wystan, the gentleman that he is pulled the cloak more and helped in covering myself up. Once secure, Wystan thanked me for staying alive and persevere with the pain I was given.

Not that I wanted some action but my oh my, at least show some reaction, you silly husband!!

Wystan carried me with utmost care towards his vehicle.

"Will you be alright to stay seated alone?" He asked as he placed me gently on the front seat.

I hastily grabbed his hand, "Are you going to leave me alone again?"

He rubbed my head and held my hand. His face wore that same sad smile the previous night. Instinctively I felt fear creeping in once more.

"I'll be by your side, holding onto your hand while I drive. But for now, allow me to let go for a moment and walk to the other side, alright?"

I nodded. I monitored his every move. Right when he closed the door to him walking on the front all the way to his side of the 4WD. Never once my eyes strayed. Never once I blinked. And true to his word, he held my hand and drove off.

* * * * *

"Are we not going back to the Palace?" I asked after noticing the roads were getting familiar.

"Not tonight."

"Will we be returning to the Palace tomorrow?"

His silence answered my question.

"What about Papa? Will I be seeing him soon?"

Again, he answered by being quiet.

"Did something happen?"

I saw his chest rose. I guess he did not want to talk about it then. But I could not stand it. I wanted him to talk. Because that's the only way I know he's there with me. Not just some silly illusion created by dreams. That his warm hand holding mine isn't just anybody else but his.

"Are your people safe?"

"Our people are safe, yes." He squeezed my hand as he emphasised the word 'our'.

"That's good. That's good, then."

Eventually, we reached the treehouse. I got off on my own but Wystan insisted to carry me up the ladder. Said I need to save up my energy. I sighed with all my might but I knew there was no point in arguing.

Wystan ushered me to shower and then, sat me down so he could put on some ointments. It was rather anti-climatic, to be honest. I was just annoyed he talked more when I was unconscious than when I was awake. I thought we were already comfortable and opened up to each other. So why is there awkwardness in the air?

Fed up with the mood, I turned to face him. Why should I wait for him when I could confront him myself? But my oh my, how shocked was I to see tears lining down his cheeks.

He wiped it with the back of his hands ever so swiftly. Pfft. Too late, husband! I saw it!

"What's wrong? Did something happen?"

I doubt it was something major, considering his people are safe. I mean, OUR people are safe.

Then it struck me. My eyes widened in shock and my mouth agape. Was this why he said I should conserve my energy? It couldn't be, could it? But he's the Warrior King. He's undefeatable! Surely it's not possible, right?

"Did the other side win??"