Mikhailis blinked as the morning sunlight filtered into the room, painting everything in a gentle gold. He felt the soft weight of his glasses on his nose, the familiar voice of Rodion still echoing in his mind. He had just returned from an intense and thrilling experint, one where he had transferred his consciousness into the Skullborne Ravager. But all of that felt far away now, like a dream fading in the face of reality. His gaze shifted, and he noticed Lira, still beside his bed, her head resting on her folded arms on the mattress.
Suddenly, her eyelids fluttered open, revealing her strikingly clear eyes, and she blinked as if trying to focus. Her gaze imdiately fell on Mikhailis, and within a second, a mix of surprise and relief washed over her face. She quickly sat up, her mouth slightly agape as she stared at him.
"Your Highness!" she exclaid, her voice trembling slightly.
Before Mikhailis could react, Lira threw her arms around him, her body pressing against his. Her embrace was tight, almost as if she feared he might disappear if she let go. Mikhailis could feel her trembling, her heartbeat pounding against his chest. He blinked, slightly taken aback, but then let a soft smile curl onto his lips as he slowly wrapped his arms around her.
"I was so worried," she whispered, her voice breaking.
"We were all so worried. I thought... I thought I lost you."
Mikhailis felt her fingers clutching the back of his robe, her body shaking as she held onto him. He didn't know how long he had been out, but it was long enough to make her feel like this. He gently patted her back, his eyes softening.
"Hey, hey... I'm alright, Lira," he said softly, his voice almost a whisper.
"I'm here now. See? Nothing to worry about."
Lira pulled back just enough to look at him, her eyes shimring with unshed tears. Her lips quivered, and she swallowed hard, trying to hold back her emotions.
"Do you have any idea how scared I was? I... I found you lying on the floor, and no matter what I did, you wouldn't wake up. It was like..." Her voice caught in her throat, and she shook her head, her grip tightening.
"I'm sorry," Mikhailis whispered, his gaze locking onto hers. He could see the worry and the pain in her eyes—and beneath that, a deep sense of care. A care that she tried to hide beneath her sarcasm and composed deanor, but one that shone brightly now.
Lira sniffled, her eyes searching his face. She took a deep breath, calming herself before speaking again.
"I wasn't the only one worried. The entire palace was in a frenzy, Your Highness. And..." She hesitated, her brows furrowing as her voice took on a more serious tone.
Mikhailis arched an eyebrow, curiosity flickering in his gaze.
"And?"
She sighed, her shoulders slumping slightly.
"There have been rumors, Your Highness. Nasty ones. So of the nobles, even so servants... They're saying that you were pretending to be ill to get Her Majesty's attention."
Mikhailis's eyes widened slightly before a chuckle escaped his lips. He leaned back against the pillows, his gaze playful.
"Oh, really? I never thought I'd be the kind of guy who fakes an illness just to impress the queen."
Lira's eyes narrowed, her lips pressing into a thin line.
"This isn't funny, Your Highness. These rumors... they're harmful. They're saying you're just seeking her attention because you're jealous of her duties. That you're an irresponsible prince consort." Her voice trembled with frustration.
Mikhailis sighed, his playful deanor fading as he looked at her.
"I'm sorry, Lira. I didn't an to make light of it. I know these kinds of things can be... complicated." He reached up, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear.
"But, I promise, everything will be alright. I'll handle it, in my own way."
Lira nodded slowly, her eyes downcast, her voice softening.
"Also, there's more... The Queen, Earl Vaelis, Lady Serelith, and Lady Vyrelda left the palace last night. They went north to subjugate the Goblin Apostle. They haven't returned yet."
Mikhailis's heart skipped a beat, though he kept his expression calm. Of course, he knew that already. He'd seen everything that had happened, been a part of it—albeit as a goblin. Still, it was strange hearing it from Lira, like a reflection of his secret life.
"They haven't returned?" he repeated, his voice steady, his eyes watching Lira carefully.
She nodded, her gaze still on the floor.
"Yes, but don't worry, Your Highness. They will return victorious. Her Majesty is strong, and she has powerful allies by her side. I'm sure they'll co back soon." She smiled, trying to reassure him, though her eyes held a hint of worry.
Mikhailis smiled, a soft chuckle escaping his lips as he reached up, stroking her head gently.
"You're right, Lira. I believe in Elowen. She's strong—stronger than anyone I know."
Lira looked up at him, her eyes widening slightly as she felt his gentle touch. Her lips parted, and for a mont, she simply stared at him, her emotions swirling beneath the surface. Then, she blinked, and her eyes filled with tears once more. She let out a soft sob, her shoulders trembling as she hugged him again, burying her face in his chest.
"I'm so sorry," she whispered, her voice muffled.
"I should have been there for you. I should have watched over you more closely. It's my fault that I didn't notice you were fatigued. I forgot that this place is different from your original world and you might get affected to an unknown region's conditions..." Her voice broke, and she let out a shaky breath.
Mikhailis's heart ached at her words. He wrapped his arms around her, holding her close, his chin resting on her head.
"No, Lira. None of this is your fault. I was reckless. I'm the one who should apologize." His voice was gentle, filled with sincerity.
It's kind of conflicting for him, as he's not in a coma, more like his soul got transferred into a goblin's body. But he couldn't say it to her, isn't he?
Lira shook her head, her tears wetting his robe. She weakly punched his chest, her voice cracking as she spoke.
"No... you don't get to say that. You scared , Your Highness. You scared so much."
Mikhailis closed his eyes, his hand stroking her hair, his heart heavy with the weight of her emotions. He could feel her genuine care, her fear of losing him. He swallowed hard, his voice barely above a whisper.
"I'm sorry, Lira. I promise I won't scare you like that again."
For a long mont, they stayed like that, holding each other. Lira's sobs slowly subsided, her breathing evening out. She pulled away, wiping her tears with the back of her hand, a small, embarrassed smile playing on her lips.
"I must look like a ss," she said, her voice cracking slightly as she tried to laugh.
Mikhailis shook his head, a warm smile on his face.
"You look perfect, Lira. Just... perfect."
Lira let out a small laugh, her eyes shimring as she looked at him. She stood, straightening her dress and taking a deep breath.
"Alright, enough of this emotional display. It's ti for breakfast, Your Highness. You need your strength."
She turned and walked towards the door, her movents graceful as always. Mikhailis watched her go, a smile on his lips, his heart feeling lighter. He leaned back against the pillows, closing his eyes for a mont.
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