Chapter 17: Let Me Die by Your Sword
Time frame: wartime
As Ragnar lay unconscious before them, Adeline's thoughts wandered, delving into the enigma that surrounded the Gamaaloths.
Contrary to the rumors that depicted them as scaly beings, Ragnar's appearance was strikingly human-like, with no scales in sight.
The realization sparked a curiosity within Adeline, prompting her to question why the Gamaaloths concealed their true physiques.
She couldn't help but marvel at the beauty of Ragnar's form, which bore a resemblance to any other human, albeit with the exception of his pale skin and prominently defined muscles.
Lost in contemplation, Adeline found herself pondering the idea of keeping her thoughts locked away, sewing up her lips metaphorically.
Uzana, acknowledging the importance of Ragnar's well-being, willingly agreed to cooperate with the healers in tending to his brother.
His only condition was that he would remain by Ragnar's side continuously, ensuring his care and protection.
With a sense of determination, Uzana diligently covered Ragnar's entire body with clothing, leaving only his eyes exposed.
He understood the significance of maintaining a clear airway for the healing process while also providing Ragnar with the necessary privacy and seclusion.
Within the confines of Lady Sophia's tent, Ragnar received the dedicated attention of the healers, separated from the prying eyes of the crowd.
Recognizing Ragnar's initial reluctance to cooperate with the treatment, the healers administered opium to induce a deep sleep, ensuring that he would be calm and receptive to their ministrations.
Uzana positioned himself by Ragnar's side, his unwavering presence a testament to his commitment to his brother's well-being.
With every passing moment, he remained vigilant, watching over Ragnar with a mix of concern and determination.
"We have some birth defects. We can't show our bodies to just anyone," Uzana explained. With utmost care, he covered Ragnar's body after Sophia and Adeline had tended to him, ensuring that his brother's privacy and dignity were preserved.
Adeline, on the verge of speaking up, had intended to mention Lady Sophia's royal status as a princess, highlighting her importance and trustworthiness.
However, Lady Sophia seemed to anticipate Adeline's thoughts and gently shook her head, discouraging any further discussion on the matter.
Ragnar lay on Lady Sophia's bed, his tall frame extending beyond the edges of the small Cescil bed.
To accommodate his size, they had placed a foam chair at the foot of the bed, providing support for his feet that would otherwise dangle off the edge.
It was clear that the beds in Cescil were not designed to accommodate the imposing stature of the Gamaaloths.
Throughout his recovery, Ragnar remained in a state of almost constant slumber. Uzana, determined to aid his brother's healing process, administered opium whenever Ragnar regained consciousness.
The sedation served a crucial purpose, minimizing Ragnar's movements and ensuring that the poison coursing through his body did not spread more rapidly.
While Ragnar never consented to this form of treatment, Uzana believed it was a necessary measure to prevent further complications and rebellion on his brother's part.
The opium-induced sleep became a refuge for Ragnar, a respite from the pain and discomfort that plagued him.
It allowed his body to rest and regenerate, enabling the healers to focus on their efforts without interruption.
Though it may have been a means of control, there was a glimmer of understanding in Uzana's actions. He, too, desired his brother's recovery.
"Is that so?" Lady Sophia spoke softly, her tone teasing.
With a mischievous smile, Lady Sophia playfully tugged at a strand of Ragnar's platinum-colored hair that had fallen onto the bed.
Before she could examine it further, Uzana swiftly snatched the strand from her hand, concealing it from sight. "That's one of our peculiar birth defects," he explained, a hint of embarrassment coloring his cheeks.
Amused by his reaction, Lady Sophia's smile widened. "A birth defect, you say?" she mused. "But I have never witnessed such a flaw as beautiful as yours in all my years. The Gamaaloths possess a unique charm with their exquisite pale skin and hair that gleams like silver in the presence of light. Are you merely downplaying your remarkable features by categorizing them as birth defects?"
Uzana stumbled over his words, his face turning a deeper shade of red. The Gamaaloths, despite their covered faces, had expressive eyes that conveyed their emotions.
Lady Sophia found it endearing how their eyes revealed so much, even amidst the concealment.
In that moment, Lady Sophia couldn't help but find Uzana's bashful reaction utterly adorable, causing a warmth to spread in her heart.
Adeline suppressed the urge to let her smile bloom fully as she glanced downward. Lady Sophia's own smile remained, her eyes flickering with a gentle warmth.
Observing Uzana's towering and robust figure, Adeline couldn't help but notice how easily he seemed to be swayed by even the slightest compliment.
The thought of embracing him in an affectionate manner crossed her mind, but she quickly dismissed it.
Realizing her fleeting moment of distraction, Adeline discreetly cleared her throat and let her smile fade away, returning her focus to the present situation.
"Isn't Uzana quite charming, Adeline?" Lady Sophia playfully teased Adeline.
Adeline, taken aback by the question, responded with a hint of confusion, "Why do you seek my opinion, my lady? What significance does my perspective on the people of Gamaaloth hold?"
Lady Sophia's voice softened as she explained, "Your opinion is incredibly important to me, Adeline, more than anything else at this moment."
Adeline, still perplexed, couldn't fully grasp the underlying meaning behind Lady Sophia's words. She assumed Lady Sophia was simply speaking out of exhaustion from attending to Ragnar and Qedren, both of whom were in unfavorable conditions.
However, she acknowledged that Ragnar's health held a greater urgency due to his prominent role as a warlord.
General Pindale and his army were in a dire state, weakened and lacking the resources to continue the fight. Cescil had been depleted of its troops, leaving King Reinald desperate for new alliances to turn the tides of the war.
The kingdom's hopes now rested heavily on Ragnar's recovery, as he was their last bastion of strength. However, as Ragnar lay in Lady Sophia's tent, his healing process slow and uncertain, Lady Sophia herself was beginning to show signs of deteriorating health.
The weight of caring for both Ragnar and Qedren, along with the immense pressure of their situation, took a toll on her well-being. She grew visibly thinner and more exhausted with each passing day.
The healer girls, observing Lady Sophia's declining condition, became increasingly concerned. They could see the toll that the dual responsibilities were taking on her.
As the intricate task of neutralizing the poison proved to be a complex and challenging process, the weight of the burden on Lady Sophia's shoulders grew even heavier.
Adeline tirelessly experimented with various antidotes, desperately trying to find a solution to neutralize the poison afflicting Ragnar and Qedren.
However, all her attempts proved futile, leaving them entirely dependent on Lady Sophia's healing abilities and their own endurance.
In the midst of this struggle, Adeline took charge of organizing the healing efforts for the troops and assumed the responsibility of managing the kitchen duties.
Every now and then, Uzana would visit the healer's tent, bringing with him a strange and bitter-tasting potion.
Surprisingly, consuming the potion brought instant refreshment to their weary bodies, including Lady Sophia's.
When the healer girls inquired about the recipe, Uzana remained tight-lipped, revealing nothing.
"Probably Gamaaloth's urine," Helvis babbled.
Her wild guess stemmed from the belief that Gamaaloths possessed a remarkable physical allure, reminiscent of Qymemis, the God of Beauty.
While others still clung to the notion that Gamaaloths had scaly or snouted features akin to lizards or boars, deep down, both Lady Sophia and Adeline began to find themselves inclined to agree with Helvis.
They couldn't help but notice the striking symmetry and proportionality in the Gamaaloths' facial and bodily features.
Even beneath the thin cloth that partially concealed Ragnar's face, the contours of his nose and lips were discernible, revealing their well-defined and strikingly attractive features.
The absence of his iron face shield allowed others to catch a glimpse of his captivating countenance, which exuded an air of strength and allure.
The healer girls couldn't help but steal glances at him as they moved about the tent, their eyes drawn to the handsome face hidden beneath the fabric.
Even in his unconscious state, Ragnar's innate charm seemed to emanate from within, leaving a lasting impression on those who beheld him.
Sophia, while busy with her tasks, found her attention occasionally drifting to Ragnar's face. Her gaze lingered on the contours and the subtle play of light and shadow that highlighted his masculine beauty.
She couldn't deny the allure that emanated from him, even as he lay in a state of vulnerability and dependence.
As Uzana was out attending to Qedren, Lady Sophia remained seated at the edge of Ragnar's bed, her delicate hand gently caressing his face as she spoke in a soft murmur.
"He is so incredibly handsome," she whispered, her words carrying a mixture of admiration and wonder. "Even in this state, with his features hidden, his beauty still shines through. Is Gamaaloth unaware of their own exceptional allure?"
The rise and fall of Ragnar's chest, accompanied by the soothing sound of his steady breaths, brought a sense of solace to Lady Sophia amidst the uncertainty that enveloped them.
Adeline nodded in agreement with Lady Sophia's words, but she made sure to keep her thoughts hidden from Uzana. He was already enough of a handful without realizing his own striking appearance.
"What do you think, Adeline?" Lady Sophia continued, her voice filled with curiosity. "Don't you find their physiques incredibly beautiful? Even when they try to conceal it, one can still discern the superior physical advantage possessed by the Gamaaloths."
Adeline pondered the question. She understood Lady Sophia's fascination with the Gamaaloths, but she couldn't fully comprehend the depth of it.
Their exceptional physical attributes seemed to captivate Lady Sophia in a way that surpassed mere admiration.
"Among them, who do you like the most, Adeline?" Lady Sophia inquired, her voice tinged with a hint of playfulness. "Is it Uzana? He appears to be a kind-hearted individual, perhaps the finest among them. He possesses a friendly demeanor and an acute sense of situational awareness."
Adeline's eyes widened at the unexpected question. She hesitated for a moment before responding, choosing her words carefully. "Why do you ask, my lady? While I do desire to find love and establish a fulfilling relationship, it doesn't mean I would automatically be drawn to any man, especially the Gamaaloths who have never married and treat women with such disregard."
Lady Sophia's voice caught in her throat, her tone now laced with vulnerability. "Because...," she choked out, "once the war comes to an end, the healers may become a prize for the Gamaaloth army."
Adeline's heart sank at the realization of Lady Sophia's concerns. The weight of the impending reality weighed heavily upon them both, overshadowing any lighthearted thoughts of romance or personal preferences.
They were confronted with the stark truth of their circumstances, where their future as healers hung in a delicate balance.
**
Time frame: after the war
At that moment, Adeline remembered how broken she was. But as broken as she was, Lady Sophia seemed even more broken.
She was a good and honorable woman. She tried desperately to carry out Lady Severa's life purpose - bringing the Healer clan a better life.
But the whole world seemed to be against her noble ideals. She was always the most broken among others.
She inherited her mother's trait of sacrifice for the sake of others. It was hard for her to be one of the reasons her clan became the mistresses of the Gamaaloths.
But this time, in front of the King and the crowd, Gamaaloth openly rejected the concept of mistresses and instead asked for the sacred bond of marriage.
It was unexpected.
Their perfect physique was also unexpected. They could not even be categorized as perfect. They had already entered the category of god-level good looks.
Lady Sophia looked at Prince Ragnar silently. The entire palace was silent and tense, waiting for Lady Sophia's decision.
Would she divorce Sir Arthur in favor of the handsome Prince Gamaaloth?
Lady Sophia looked down, slowly bent her knee, and knelt before Ragnar.
"Then, Your Majesty, allow me to die by your hand for presumptuously refusing the request of His Highness the Crown Prince of the Kingdom of Gamaaloth far to the North. Let me die by your sword, Your Majesty."
Oh, damn, they didn't consider Lady Sophia's hardness of heart.
***
Gifts
-- Gift
received Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone