Healing Wounds

The tent was filled with the scent of herbs and the faint sound of murmuring voices as the healer tended to the wounded. Thomas was laid on a makeshift cot, his armor removed, revealing the deep gash on his side, the blood slowly seeping from the wound. The healer moved with practiced efficiency, cleaning the wound with gentle hands, but Thomas's attention was focused on Alexander, who stood nearby, his expression a mixture of concern and frustration.

“You shouldn’t have fought so hard,” Alexander murmured, his voice low but filled with intensity. “If I hadn’t distracted you with my arrogance, you wouldn’t be in this position.”

Thomas shook his head, the pain radiating through his body making it hard to focus. “You did what you had to do, Alexander. We needed to end this.”

“I know,” Alexander replied, running a hand through his hair in exasperation. “But I can’t help but feel responsible. You were injured because of me.”

“Stop it,” Thomas said, his voice firmer now. “You’re the king, and I’m your knight. This is my duty. I chose to fight.”

The healer finished bandaging the wound, glancing between the two men. “You’ll need to rest, Sir Thomas. The wound isn’t fatal, but it will take time to heal.”

Thomas felt a surge of gratitude toward the healer but was more focused on Alexander. “I’m not leaving you to deal with the aftermath alone. You need me by your side.”

Alexander stepped closer, kneeling beside Thomas's cot. “You’re more important to me than any crown, Thomas. You need to prioritize your health. We can handle the kingdom together, but only if you’re well.”

As their eyes locked, Thomas felt a weight lift from his chest. The bond they had forged in battle now felt stronger, more profound. He nodded slowly, allowing himself to accept Alexander’s concern.

A Fragile Peace

As night fell over the camp, the sounds of celebration echoed through the air. They had defeated Sebastien, but the tension of the past weeks still loomed over them. Thomas could hear laughter and cheers from the knights who had fought valiantly, but all he could focus on was the warmth of Alexander's hand resting lightly on his shoulder.

“You need to eat something,” Alexander insisted, rising to fetch a bowl of broth from a nearby table. “You’ve lost a lot of blood.”

“Not hungry,” Thomas admitted, fatigue weighing heavily on him. He closed his eyes for a moment, letting the soothing darkness envelop him.

Alexander returned with the broth and gently urged Thomas to take a sip. “You need your strength,” he said, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. “Besides, I can’t have my knight passing out on me.”

As Thomas swallowed the warm broth, he felt the tension in his body ease. “Thank you, Alexander,” he murmured, his gaze steady. “For everything. I wouldn’t have made it without you.”

The king’s expression softened, a vulnerability flickering in his eyes. “And I wouldn’t have made it without you either. You were always my strength, Thomas.”

Thomas’s heart raced at the admission. “I’m just doing what any knight would do.”

“No,” Alexander countered, his voice firm. “You’re more than just a knight to me.”

The atmosphere shifted, and Thomas felt the weight of Alexander's words. He could sense the unspoken feelings hanging in the air between them, the tension crackling like electricity.

An Unexpected Confession

As the night wore on, Thomas began to feel drowsy. The pain had dulled, and the warmth of Alexander's presence was soothing. But just as he was about to succumb to sleep, Alexander’s voice broke through the haze.

“Thomas,” he said, hesitating as if searching for the right words. “There’s something I need to tell you.”

Thomas opened his eyes, looking directly into Alexander's. “What is it?”

“I’ve loved you for a long time,” Alexander confessed, his voice barely above a whisper. “Even before Julie’s illness, I admired your strength, your kindness. But when she made me promise to take care of you, it was then I realized just how deep my feelings ran.”

A flood of emotions surged through Thomas—surprise, warmth, and a surge of hope. “I… I didn’t know.”

“I never meant for you to feel trapped by this,” Alexander continued, his gaze intense and sincere. “I thought you would resent me for forcing you into this marriage, but I couldn’t let you go. Not after everything we’ve faced together.”

Thomas’s heart raced. “I’ve struggled with my feelings, too. This bond we share—it’s complicated.”

“I know,” Alexander said, his voice softening. “But I believe we can find a way through this. Together.”

A Shared Future

The vulnerability in Alexander’s voice resonated deeply within Thomas. He realized he didn’t want to fight his feelings anymore. They had come too far to ignore what was growing between them.

“Together,” Thomas repeated, allowing the warmth of Alexander's hand to envelop his. “I want that, too.”

Alexander’s expression shifted, hope glimmering in his eyes. “You’ll heal, and we’ll figure this out together. I promise to stand by you, no matter what.”

Thomas felt a smile tugging at his lips. “And I promise to be by your side as your knight, as your partner. You’re more than a king to me.”

In that moment, amidst the chaos of the world around them, they found a fragile peace. It was a new beginning, one built on trust, shared pain, and the undeniable bond they had forged in the fires of battle.

As the stars twinkled above them, Thomas knew that their journey was just beginning. Together, they would face whatever challenges lay ahead, not just as king and knight, but as something much deeper.

To Be Continued...

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