All the hesitation that Alerone felt earlier was gone when he heard Elycia's low voice that was barely hearable. He quickened his pace though the room was very small that only a very few steps were needed for him to reach the bed.
Crown Prince Alerone pulled a chair which was nearby and sat beside the bed. Even then, Elycia was only looking at him with her barely opened eyes. She didn't utter a word but... he could tell that she had many things to say.
At least, she didn't give him the cold shoulder. That was already a relief for the Crown Prince who came there without expecting much. Then he finally hear her voice.
"You shouldn't have come here, Your Highness."
Once again, her voice was so low and lifeless that it hurt him. "Elycia -"
"This is not a place for you," she interrupted him with her weak voice, and like always, he was reminded of how she often dared to do that. She was the only one who dared to do that apart from his family.