Sterlla’s heart pounded in her chest. She had never seen Linone shaken, but there was a dark edge to his expression now. Zinclair’s parting words lingered ominously in the air.

EPISODE 3
AWAKENING

Sterlla’s mind raced as she stared at Linone, his breathing labored, and his body slumped against the wall. She could feel the weight of the situation pulling her down. "Zinclair... is the man who defeated the demons when they first appeared, isn't he?" she asked softly, her voice barely above a whisper. Her eyes flickered to Linone, who nodded weakly, confirming her words. His face was pale, and the weight of the battle showed clearly in his expression, but before they could speak further, a loud burst echoed through the room.

The doors swung open with a force, and in rushed Simore, followed by the palace guards and a handful of maids. Adena trailed behind them, along with the royal family. The room, once quiet save for the tension between Sterlla and Linone, now filled with chaos and concern.

"Dear sister, Sterlla!" Simore called out as he rushed to her side, his eyes wide with fear and worry. He grabbed her hands with a firm grip, shaking them gently. "Are you alright, dear sister? Are you hurt?" His voice trembled, and his eyes glistened with unshed tears.

Sterlla smiled softly at her brother, the concern in his voice touching her. "My sweet brother, I am fine," she reassured him, though her eyes wandered back to Linone, whose wounds were still fresh, the blood seeping slowly from his side. "But please... treat Sir Linone."

Simore followed her gaze, and his face paled at the sight of Linone’s injuries. "Commander Linone," Adena said, stepping forward, her face calm but serious. "Please, follow me," she urged gently.

Before Linone could protest, Sterlla reached out and took his hand, her grip firm and warm. "You should go with her, Linone. Please," she whispered, her eyes pleading. For a brief moment, their eyes locked, and Linone seemed ready to deny her request, but suddenly, his strength left him. The world around him began to spin, and he felt the exhaustion of his wound and the drain of his magic wash over him in waves.

Without warning, he slumped forward, collapsing onto Sterlla's shoulder. His legs gave way beneath him, but Sterlla was quick to react. She wrapped her arms around him, steadying him as best she could. Simore, moving swiftly, joined her in guiding Linone toward the bed. Together, they carefully lowered him onto it, Sterlla's hands trembling slightly as she brushed his hair from his face.

Sterlla sat beside the bed, pulling a chair close to Linone’s side. Her fingers gently ran through his hair, trying to offer whatever comfort she could in this vulnerable moment. "Adena," she called softly, not taking her eyes off Linone. "Can you arrange for his treatment here? I don't think moving him is a good idea right now."

Adena, always efficient and composed, bowed her head. "As you command, Crown Princess Sterlla," she said before turning on her heel and leaving the room to make the necessary arrangements.

The tension in the room was thick, but the sound of soft groans from Linone drew all attention back to him. His skin, once full of life and vigor, was now ghostly pale, and his breaths came in shallow gasps. Serox, who had been standing silently, stepped forward, his face twisted with guilt. His broad shoulders, normally squared with confidence, were now slumped as if the weight of the empire itself rested on him.

"Please forgive me, Commander Linone," Serox murmured, his voice barely a whisper. "For I am an incompetent King."

Sterlla’s heart clenched at her father’s words. She looked at him, her sadness mirrored in his eyes. "Father..." she started, but before she could finish, Linone stirred.

With great effort, Linone began to sit up, despite the pain that rippled through him. "Linone! Please lie down!" Sterlla exclaimed, her hands gently but firmly pressing against his shoulders.

Half-sitting, half-reclining, Linone’s gaze found Serox. His eyes, despite the pain, were steady and filled with unwavering loyalty. "I, Commander Linone of the Xiones Army, present myself before the sun of the Therasus Empire, King Serox," he said, his voice strained but resolute. He attempted to bow, but his body betrayed him, and the effort nearly caused him to collapse again.

Serox winced, unable to bear seeing his loyal commander in such agony. But Linone pressed on. "You are not an incompetent King," Linone said, his voice growing weaker but his words sharp and true. "I would rather die than hear you say something like that, my King. The walls are lined with soundproof magic for the good of our queen... because you care for her deeply. You couldn’t hear anything because of that. If it is anyone's fault, it is mine... for not being aware of my surroundings." His chest rose and fell rapidly as the last of his strength drained from him. "Please... do not blame yourself... my King..."

With that, Linone’s body gave way to the exhaustion, and he slumped back into unconsciousness. Sterlla moved quickly, catching his head before it hit the pillow too harshly. She cradled it gently, guiding it back down with care.

Sterlla looked up at Serox, her eyes filled with emotion. "Father, Commander Linone is right. The situation unfolded as it did, but no one is to blame. Please, don't bear this burden alone."

Serox nodded weakly, but the guilt lingered in his eyes. He clenched his fists, trying to suppress the emotions that threatened to overwhelm him. His children needed him strong, and Linone’s sacrifice was a reminder of the weight of his crown. Still, he couldn’t shake the feeling that he had failed to protect those he cared for most.

As the night fell into a hush, Adena returned, this time with over a dozen medical professionals and the royal physician in tow. They moved swiftly, their faces set in grim determination as they assessed Linone’s condition. With gentle insistence, they asked everyone to leave the room, allowing them the space they needed to begin his treatment. Sterlla, Simore, and King Serox reluctantly withdrew, leaving the room heavy with unspoken concern.

The night passed in a blur of quiet urgency. Nurses buzzed around Linone, their hands steady and efficient as they tended to his wounds. The soft glow of lanterns lit the room as the royal physician barked orders in hushed tones, guiding his team through the long hours of treatment. Bandages were wrapped, potions were administered, and slowly, under their careful hands, Linone was stabilized.

Morning came as swiftly as the night had passed. Gentle rays of light filtered through the window, casting a soft golden hue across the room. Linone stirred, his senses gradually coming alive. His body felt heavy, and when he blinked his eyes open, the unfamiliar weight of bandages wrapped around his torso and face made itself known. He shifted slightly, his gaze falling on the chair next to the bed, where his bloodstained shirt and armor lay in a haphazard pile.

His eyes darted around the room, and he immediately recognized his surroundings. Sterlla’s room. Panic shot through him, and Linone forced himself to sit up, wincing as pain flared in his side. He swung his legs over the edge of the bed, determined to leave before his presence caused any offense. But just as he was about to stand, the door creaked open.

Sterlla stepped into the room, her presence commanding yet serene. She wore a flowing blue gown, its fabric shimmering softly in the morning light. The gown was elegant in its simplicity, the bodice hugging her frame before cascading into delicate layers of chiffon. The sleeves were sheer, embroidered with silver threads that glittered like stardust, and a soft train followed behind her as she moved. A silver belt cinched her waist, accentuating her regal bearing. Her long, dark hair fell loosely down her back, framing her face, which was calm yet filled with quiet concern.

"I knew you’d try to run away as soon as you woke up," Sterlla said with a hint of amusement, closing the door behind her.

Linone, still sitting on the edge of the bed, immediately bowed his head, guilt rushing through him. "Apologies for my indolent behavior, Crown Princess Sterlla. I will take any punishment for my offense—sleeping in your room and driving you from your own bedchamber." His voice was low, laden with shame, as he lowered his head even further.

Sterlla let out a soft chuckle as she walked toward him, her footsteps light against the floor. "Our commander is quite the man—apologizing for something no one is even holding him accountable for," she said with a playful tone, though her eyes betrayed her genuine care.

She placed the tray she was carrying on the end table beside the bed, right next to the chair where Linone’s discarded armor rested. There was a bowl of steaming green liquid on the tray, and a silver spoon gleamed in the morning light. Sterlla dipped the spoon into the bowl, stirring the contents gently before bringing it to Linone’s lips.

"Please drink this medicine. Three spoons every morning," she instructed softly.

Linone’s face turned crimson with embarrassment. "I couldn’t possibly, my lady. You are the Crown Princess—"

"And what of it?" Sterlla interrupted, raising an eyebrow as she met his gaze. "We are friends before anything else, Linone. I care about you, and I want to take care of you. Now drink up, commander."

There was a firmness in her tone, one that left no room for protest. Linone, ever dutiful, relented. "As you command, my lady," he said, lifting his head slightly as he opened his mouth.

The bitter liquid hit his tongue immediately, but Linone kept his expression neutral, his military discipline preventing any sign of discomfort from showing on his face.

Sterlla smiled, a small, knowing smile. "It must be terribly bitter, yet your face doesn’t betray even a flicker of the taste, Linone."

"I can hold back, my lady," he replied, his voice steady despite the bitterness that lingered.

Sterlla chuckled again. "Always the stoic soldier." She brought another spoonful of the green liquid to his lips. "Here, one more."

Linone drank the second spoonful without complaint, and then a third. Once it was done, Sterlla wiped the remnants of the medicine from his lips with a soft white cloth from the tray. Her movements were gentle, careful not to disturb the fresh bandages that covered his wounds.

As she gathered the tray and prepared to leave, Linone’s voice cut through the silence, low and hesitant. "Crown Princess Sterlla... forgive my insolence for asking this, but... what was it about dying for the ninety-fourth time that you were mumbling?"

The tray in Sterlla’s hands froze. Her body stiffened, and though she did not turn around, Linone could see the tension in her shoulders. Her fingers tightened around the tray, gripping it with enough force that her knuckles turned white.

"Where did you hear that, Linone?" she asked, her voice trembling ever so slightly, the fear and uncertainty clear in her tone. She didn’t turn to face him, and Linone could feel the weight of her question hanging in the air between them.

"You spoke of it in your sleep, Crown Princess," Linone explained, his voice soft, cautious. "I know it’s not my place to pry, but... is there something I should know about your condition?"

Sterlla stood still, her back to him, her breathing shallow. "What condition?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Linone hesitated, choosing his next words carefully. "The fact that you’ve been attacked multiple times, yet you don’t seem to show fear, pain, or any of the emotions one might expect."