Episode 5

''Your Majesty—'' Malis startle when the king catch her hand.

''I’m not cold,'' he murmured. ''I just… wish to relax.''

She nodded, leaving the blanket nearby and lying

quietly beside him. Candlelight flickered, casting warm golden hues across the room.

She glanced at him and saw his eyes closed and breathing calm—and the stillness made her thought he already falls a sleep.

''Do you wish to say something?'' he asked softly.

Startled, she whispered, ''I… I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to disturb you.''

Turning away, she felt his hand gently on her shoulder, drawing her back.

''You really have nothing to ask your husband, who has just returned home?''

Her lips trembled. So many questions wanted to

escape, but the words refused. She took a slow breath and faced him. ''There are many things I wish to ask… but I didn’t want to disturb your rest.''

''I’m not sleepy. Perhaps the bed feels too soft after so long on the battlefield—it almost feels strange,'' he said.

''You must have endured so much. I’m sorry I couldn’t do anything to help,'' she murmured.

''Do not apologize. It is the duty of a king. Beside You already gave a big help manage the official affairs while I'm not here. '' He said.

''It’s is my duty and there not much compared to you, Your Majesty. You work hard at the battlefield to

protected us. '' Malis said.

''It’s not that I’m there alone, many soldiers and generals were there too, we all work together so we can be strong enough protect our kingdom'' He replied, ''Until now many soldiers are still at the border to make sure that we have no threat.''

Hearing that Malis heart ached. If only I were stronger… I could help him. Should I learn to fight?

''I… I can’t sit still when you go to war.

You always respond to every threat, always fight back.

You must be tired. There were so many war until now, Does that mean you’ll never have peace?''

''That is my duty as king. I will never stand idly by while danger looms near. I must protect our land and our people. Only then can I rest.''

Tears pricked her eyes. He still the man I admire and also my husband, I care for him. Malis look at him,

''If only I were stronger, I could help you bear your burdens…''

He looked at her gently. ''You are one of my people. I need to protect you too. When you and our son are safe, my burdens feel lighter.''

Her heart trembled. To him, she was just one of his people… and yet it hurt to hear that. She shook the thought away. I should be grateful enough that he care for us. She closed her eyes trying to sleep, but then she gasp.

Malis sit up and ask, ''Your Majesty, Are you hurt

anywhere? Any wounds from the battlefield?''

''You mean… if I was injured?''

''Yes! Please, let me see.''

Suddenly the king lightly touch his right side abnormal.

Malis hurriedly untied his robes and saw the scar, she gasp, '' Your Majesty, I’m sorry I didn’t notice earlier, Are you stillll hurt.''

Earlier, the dim light had hidden much, but now she noticed a faint scar on his right side, still healing. Her hands trembled as she reached toward it, but he stopped her gently.

The King saw the worried on her face. ''Don’t worry. It’s almost healed—just a scar now.''

''Do you need new bandages or medicine?'' She asked.

''No need. It was a light arrow wound. The physician treated it long ago. It hurt for a while, but it’s fine now. I just didn’t want you to worry.'' He replied.

Does he thought I will be afraid or scared to see his wounds, Malis Thought, It could be, that he didn’t want me to touch his wound because it’s unclean. I got scared sometimes, but I couldn’t careless when he was hurt.

“Your Majesty, I am fine, I’m your- your wife, I should take care of you. I’m not afraid of wounds. I only want you well,” she whispered.

The King take a look at her, ''I’m fine now, There are other scars, but they’ve healed. You needn’t worry,” he said.

''I’m relieved… but please, allow me to help somehow,'' she murmured.

''If you wish… perhaps a gentle massage would ease my back.''

Thinking his muscles must ache from travel, she

nodded. ''Of course. Please tell me if my touch is too soft or too hard.''

Her small, warm hands moved gently across his back, careful not to press too much. '

Looking at his broad, scarred back, her eyes grew moist. Many old scar left on him. Each scar show that the sharp knift cut his skin. He never bothered by them, he care more about his kingdom.

He never bragged about this to anyone,

I can’t imagine how much he have in his mind. Knowing that he was hurt make me feel pain. I couldn’t understand why? I just want him to share all his mind with me.

''I’m sorry… I can’t do much to help you. You fight so hard for our people—it must have hurt terribly. Please, get well soon, Your Majesty''

''Also If there’s anything I can do to help, please tell me—even if I’m not strong,'' she said. '

He suddenly turned and caught her hand.

''I told you, I’m fine. It’s my duty. And you’ve worked hard too—you carry my child, raise our prince, and care for our home. That is a great duty.''

Before she could respond, he pulled her gently into his arms. Her face flushed scarlet, her heart pounding wildly.

'' Well, if you care so much about help, how about Your duty Malis, Now should we?” he whispered,

Then kissing her gently, his warmth surrounding her like a quiet fire.

My heart… it might burst, she thought, but I feel safe in his warm touch, she returning his embrace.

The night grew still, filled with candlelight and the

quiet rhythm of two hearts racing and finding peace.

A sweet, quiet night. 🌙

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