He truly cared for me.

It was true—I didn’t want to face Alex for a few days. After the argument we had before I was poisoned… and the way he hadn’t even cared afterward. It was Alan who sought justice for me. I didn’t want to return there, not for at least two days.

I sat on the chair, the breakfast Alan had brought placed neatly on the table before me. As I ate, my heart knew—without seeing him—that he was still outside my door, guarding my room.

After finishing my food, I stood and walked toward the door. I knew it wasn’t right, not after the argument we had, but my heart wouldn’t listen. I only wanted to see—just once—whether he was still there.

Slowly, I opened the door.

No one was there.

My chest tightened painfully, as if I had been expecting—no, craving—to see his warm smile the moment I opened it.

Just then, a middle-aged woman approached, likely someone who worked at the inn.

“Excuse me,” I asked softly. “Have you seen a tall young man around here?”

“Oh yes,” she replied with a smile. “He was here just a minute ago. But before leaving, he asked me to change his room.”

“Change rooms?” My heart skipped. “Where was he staying before?”

“Right beside yours, dear. Now he’s taken a room on the floor below.”

“Oh…” I forced a small smile. “That—that’s good.”

“If you want, I can call him for you,” she offered kindly.

“No,” I said quickly. “Let him rest. I just thought he was here a moment ago.”

She chuckled softly. “My, you can’t stay away from your lover even for a minute, can you?”

My ears burned. “N-no… he’s not my lover. He’s—he…”

“A friend?” she asked gently.

“…Yes,” I whispered, lowering my gaze.

Then, barely audible, I added, “But… not anymore.”

I returned to my room, my chest feeling unbearably heavy. I held it tightly, as if that might ease the ache. I knew I would never again see that peaceful, charming smile so freely.

*Three days passed*

Alan never spoke to me the way he used to. He only greeted me in the morning and at night, bringing my meals three times a day. I thought I could handle the distance—but every time he greeted me, I longed for him to speak to me the way he once had.

I sat by the window, the air still cool after the rain. The chill kissed my skin, sending goosebumps racing along my arms, my hair lifting with the breeze.

A knock sounded behind me.

“My lady. It’s me. I brought your breakfast.”

A smile tugged at my lips before I could stop it. “Come in,” I said, turning away and sitting on the couch.

He entered, carrying the tray himself—as always. His bright smile melted my heart just as it always did. But I hid it, keeping my expression neutral.

“Good morning—”

He stopped.

“What?” I asked, touching my face. “Is there something on my face?”

“N-no,” he said quickly. “I just wanted to ask… are you feeling well, my lady?”

“I’m perfectly fine. Why?”

“It’s been three days since we left the palace,” he replied softly. “I thought you might not feel well staying away.”

If only he knew how desperately I wished never to return there.

After breakfast, he left with the plates.

Suddenly—achoo!

I glanced at the mirror and froze. My cheeks were flushed red, my skin burning. I felt too warm—probably from leaving the windows open all night. I ignored it.

I shouldn’t have.

The fever worsened. I laid on my bed, curled my knees to my chest, clutching myself as my body trembled violently. My throat burned, my voice trapped, unable to call for help.

Then—a knock.

Hope surged through me, mixed with embarrassment.

“My lady… I brought your dinner.”

I tried to speak, but no sound came out.

“My lady?”

Another knock.

“…Perhaps you’re resting,” he murmured. “Take care, my lady.”

His footsteps faded.

I struggled to rise, desperate to call him back—to ask him to fetch a doctor—but my body failed me. I lay there for hours, thirst burning my throat. No one came.

I reached for the jug. Empty.

With the last of my strength, I threw it to the floor, praying someone would hear.

Silence.

At last, I closed my eyes, whispering a prayer—hoping someone would find me before I faded away from a mere fever.

And then…

A miracle happened.