CHAPTER 51:HESITATION..

The wind grew colder at dusk. The setting sun painted everything orange. Sloane sat beside the young girl's bed. Her head buried in her arms which rested on her knees. Azriel regretted not having time to spare for his bedridden daughter who was breathing heavily trying her best to survive.

The temple priest and royal physicians reassured them of her health. The servants pitifully looked at their lady.

-"Yulia. Please, please don't leave me."She looked up and stroked her hair exposing her forehead, on which she gave a gentle light kiss.

On her way out she found the two boys standing in the hallway impatiently waiting for her.

She turned away from them not bothering to make eye contact.

At this moment everything around her looked gloomy and miserable.

The sun hiding from the world. The flowers hung their heads and so were the trees.

"My lady. Please do not worry. The young lady will eventually regain her health."

She glanced from her shoulder unsure of what to say.

"If that is what happens, then all's well."

Her voice trembled.

"Please reconsider my proposal."

Nine was about to speak up when Jack pulled him back.

–"What?"He whispered.

The boy shook his head.

"Now isn't the time." They looked at her walking slowly to the training grounds.

-"As usual. She will take out her frustration through sparring."

The night drew in while Sloane changed into her nightgown after a bath. Her body ached from all the training. She had pushed herself to the point where her wrists were hurt damaging the tendons.

"My lady, why are you hurting yourself like this? It isn't your fault." Cecile tried to convince her but all was useless when she was in a state of depression.

"Sigh*Please rest well milady." She left the room after lighting the fireplace.

Moments later she heard a knock on the door.

-"Who might come late at this hour?"She opened the door and found Jack standing in front of her.

"Jack? What's wrong? It's already nine at night."

Jack didn't look up. He partially felt guilty for coming late at night.

"I apologize my lady. But seeing you like this made me feel restless."

She was astounded by how worried he was.

"I know you are worried about Yulia. I am too. So let's pray for her recovery. Please do not wear yourself out. Nine is worried too you know." He smiled meekly.

"He is just as restless as you and I are. Right, Nine?"

Someone appeared from the shadows. Yes, Nine was there.

"How did you know that I was here?is what you are thinking about." Jack teased him.

"The answer is I have a keen sense of hearing."

"You caught me." He shrugged.

"Thank you for being there for me." Sloane smiled tearfully.

------------------

A week later, Sloane visited Yulia with Jack. Nine woke up earlier and headed to the training grounds to polish his archery skills.

The girl lay on the soft bedding unconscious from the world.

Their family physician checked on her and reassured them that she was only in deep slumber.

They went back to the training grounds.

"Did you think about my proposal Jack?"

She asked not looking at him.

"I received Nine's answer last night. But I am waiting for you."

"I apologize my lady. But I am still unsure of it."He was troubled enough by the entire situation and the scar from her mother's death was still fresh on his heart.

I will take you somewhere after the training. For now, let's focus on the training.

" I...understand."