Three weeks passed by in a blur of palace duties and responsibilities. Aurelian tried his best to cover up Draven's works but it wasn't enough. He was only able to perform these duties under the title of royal consort. The weeks were hard on Aurelian and there was Draven who still hadn't woken up. He was still in a coma but at least he wasn't dead and Aurelian was grateful for that.
The grand duke and Drusilla also heard about Draven's condition. Drusilla was not just sad about what happened but she was angry —that the assassin her father hired couldn't fulfil his purpose. She made sure to make her presence known in the palace by visiting everyday but she wasn't allowed near Draven. Security wasn't just tight, no one was allowed into his chambers apart from his husband —Aurelian and his parents along with the royal physician.
The grand duke on the other hand, made sure that the incident could not be traced back to him. However, the assassin was sentenced to death by beheading. Aurelian had personally seen to it but he couldn't get the assassin to say who hired him.
Aurelian was attending to some court matters when they informed him that Draven had woken up. He abandoned what he was doing and rush to the chambers. Upon entering, he saw that the physician along with Draven's parents were there already. Aurelian quietly walks to the conscious Draven and he whispers, "... Draven", barely audible, his voice cracking. Draven didn't reply, he just stared at Aurelian. Aurelian turned to the physician, "what's going on?" he questions. "Your Grace, the crown prince is currently suffering from emotional inhibition as the side effect", the physician paused then continued,"which means he is emotionally numb". Aurelian looked at Draven who was still staring at him. "Is...there anything we can do physian?" He asked, "I'm afraid there isn't, your Grace, we just have to hope for the best", the physician replied looking genuinely sorry. Aurelian glanced at the royal parents, the physician had informed them before Aurelian arrived. King Malric stood, motionless staring into nothing while Queen Calista cried silently at the corner. Aurelian's gaze drifts back to Draven,"Draven...how are you.. feeling?", Draven sat up,"I don't have time for this, I have important duties to attend to", he says. Everyone visibly panicked at Draven stressing himself, "Crown Prince, it's not advisable for you to do that right now", the physician says. "What do you know? Out of my way", Draven stands up, wincing in pain but not backing down. Aurelian panic flared and he blocks Draven's way,"You're not leaving, Draven", he mutters, spreading out his arms. Draven looked him up and down, his expression unreadable. "Lay back down, son or I'll ask the guards to tie you down", King Malric threatened. Draven's eyes snapped to his father,"You can try but you know I won't back down without a fight", he responded. Aurelian gently placed his hands on Draven's chest,"you took those arrows for me, so I won't let you damage your health more by stressing yourself, Recover first." Aurelian coaxes. Draven looked at him for a while before reluctantly sitting back down,"this doesn't mean you've won", he says stubbornly before laying back down. Queen Calista looks at Aurelian like he grew a second head,"you convinced... him?". Aurelian himself is surprised he was able to convince Draven.
Soon after, Draven fell asleep after the royal physician gave him so sleeping sedative to calm him down. They all exited the room to allow Draven to rest but Aurelian remained. He looked at the sleeping man like he was trying to memorize his features. "You're confusing me Draven", he whispered into the silent chambers, the air carrying the weight of those words like a secret to unfold. Aurelian runs a hand through his hair, he was glad Draven survived but at the same time it hurts that he has such side effect. Aurelian watches Draven,"why did you listen to me earlier? Do you...do you still feel.. something?" He questions and physically recoiled at how desperate he sounded but at the same time he couldn't have but hope and pray that this doesn't end up worse.