When Alina woke up, it was already evening. For a few seconds, the room felt unfamiliar to her. Then all the memories came rushing back: the fall, the pain and the whispers. Her shoulder and ankle still hurt. She tried not to wince, aware of Austin sleeping beside her. But when she turned around, he was already watching her.
He sat up and helped her sit. His one hand supported her back while the other adjusted the pillows behind her injured shoulder. Then he poured her medicine and held the cup to her lips.
While drinking the medicine, Alina noticed the injury on his hand.
"When did this happen?," she asked, setting the cup aside, and taking his hand.
Austin looked down at his hand, then back at her.
"You fell off a horse," he replied.
Her expression softened. She lifted his hand and kissed it softly. But the moment was shattered by a sudden knock at the door.
Austin opened the door and a palace servant entered carrying a sealed letter on a silver tray.
