What happened next was as unbelievable as snow in the middle of July. The door burst open, and a good dozen or more armed warriors stormed into the room. Dan didn’t immediately recognize them as Queen Annie’s men. If anyone knew how to use the element of surprise, it was them.
“Her Majesty, the Queen of Lantonia, awaits Count Aaron!” declared the leader of milady’s guards in a rough, booming voice. Clarissa’s soldiers exchanged uncertain glances, unsure whose orders to follow.
“Then take him,” one of the attackers sneered.
“If anything happens to His Lordship Daniel Aaron, Queen Annie will hold Prince Robert accountable! Get out of here, or else!” The brave warriors drew their swords, charging to rescue their commander. They outnumbered Clarissa’s men two to one. Sure, the enemy weren’t greenhorns and could put up a fight, but victory wouldn’t be theirs. With a hateful spit, the leader of the attackers ordered his crew to leave the head of security and vacate the hall.
“Your Lordship,” one of the rescuers rushed to Dan, who was still lying on the floor. “How are you? What happened? Can you stand?”
“Where’s the queen? How could you leave her?” Dan asked anxiously, struggling to prop himself up on his hands and rise from the cold, blood-streaked marble.
“Her Majesty ordered us to find you. Arthur saw Prince Robert leaving this hall, so we figured out where you were,” the guard explained, helping the count to his feet.
“I forbid you from saying anything to Her Majesty, understand? Help me get to my room; I need to wash up and change. And tell milady to head to the carriage. I’ll catch up…”
Annie Wilson
“Milady, His Lordship Count Aaron requests that you head to the carriage and set off. He promises to catch up,” a guard informed me, stepping close enough to speak. I shot a quick glance at Clarissa, suspecting foul play. I don’t know, maybe it was my imagination, but for a split second, her face twisted in surprise.
“Tell him I’m not leaving without him! Where is he?” I barked, my voice echoing through the lobby as I started to lose control. I swear, if something’s happened to my Dan, I’ll personally tear this palace down!
“His Lordship is gathering his things. He urgently requests that you head to the carriage as soon as possible,” the servant said quietly.
“Keep this in mind, Your Majesty,” I hissed through gritted teeth, glaring at Clarissa as I continued my tirade. “In the capital, my mother and the cardinal have an order bearing my seal. If I don’t return home safe and sound on time, Orian will be named heir to the throne, and you and your son will be branded regicides, for which you’ll both be executed!”
The witch took note. I could see it. So, I turned on my heel and strode confidently to the carriage to wait for Dan. Of course, I hadn’t left any such orders, but no one here knew that.
Aaron didn’t show for several more minutes, and I spent that time on edge, feeling like I was sitting on pins and needles. The first snow was falling, dusting my hair, fur coat, and muff with tiny white flakes. It settled on the frozen ground, the rooftops, and my carriage, forming intricate patterns that grew more uniform, solid, and whiter with each passing moment...
I was so lost in watching the snow that I didn’t immediately notice the count striding toward me from the palace, accompanied by a few guards carrying his trunk. It was a small trunk, but they held it as if ready to prop up their commander with it at any moment. Relief washed over me. He’s alive! “Alive,” echoed my thoughts in the quiet whisper of the gentle snowfall.
Alive, yes, but something... I don’t know what seemed off. Maybe the time I spent waiting made me hyper-observant. And as I looked closer, I couldn’t help but notice how heavily he walked, as if each step took effort. How he dragged his right leg, almost imperceptibly limping. How he turned to a guard’s call not just with his head, but with his whole body. And how he bowed, almost gritting his teeth.
“Why are you standing out here freezing? Why haven’t you left yet, milady?” the count groaned, his voice far too hoarse.
“What happened?” I whispered, peering into his face with concern.
“I’ll explain later. We need to get to the barony as fast as we can. Get in the carriage,” he said in a mentor-like tone.
“Are you in pain? Are you sick?” I pressed.
“What makes you think that? Milady, please…” Dan tried again to nudge me toward the carriage. Fine, if that’s how it’s going to be, I’d resort to a little trickery. I let my muff slip from my hands, dropping it into the snow, and gave an innocent smile. Surely, he wouldn’t let me pick it up myself. Was he a gentleman or not? With an understanding nod, he bent down for it, and a grimace of pain flashed so clearly across his face. He tried hard to hide it, but he couldn’t. Nor could he keep his balance after straightening up. He swayed, grabbed the carriage for support, and exhaled heavily, squinting for a moment. Pale as death, with dark circles under his eyes betraying his sickly state. And on the hand holding the fur, red marks glistened, almost hidden by the layers of clothing from his shirt to his warm cloak.
“Into the carriage, now,” I whispered, carefully embracing my beloved and making him yield to my will. Ordering the coachmen to drive, I jumped into the carriage myself and sat on the bench beside the count.
“I should be riding on horseback. I need to keep watch,” he murmured, while I, ignoring his protests, began unbuttoning his coat and rolling up his sleeves.
“Your Majesty, what are you doing?” he asked, bewildered.
“Clearly, you’re not going to tell me anything yourself, so I’ll have to take matters into my own hands,” I replied, reaching for his neck and already peeling back his coat. He just sighed—a long, suffering sigh. He grabbed my hand, brought it to his lips, and kissed it gently. Lucenia tactfully pretended to be engrossed in the view out the window.
“Milady, I just tripped and fell, but I’m fine. There’s nothing for you to worry about. I’m okay…”
“Where did you fall from?”
“Down the stairs. I tripped. But it’s my own fault, no one else’s. I’m fine. It’ll heal before the wedding,” he joked, completely out of context. Remembering his fiancée, I abandoned my quest for the truth and pretended to believe him.
“I hope so,” I smiled weakly and moved to the bench opposite with Lucenia, spending the rest of the ride gazing at the scenery. Dan sighed heavily and mumbled something unclear before asking to be allowed to lead the convoy. But seeing how even sitting seemed to take all his strength, I sharply forbade him from bringing it up again and turned away. Look at him, so eager to leave my company.
We reached the barony fairly quickly. His Grace, despite being under Robert’s jurisdiction, was loyal to the crown and greeted us warmly on the palace steps.
I jumped out of the carriage first and hurried toward my subject, who was rushing to meet me. After listening to his speech about what an honor it was to welcome me to his home, I made my request:
“I ask you to lend me your troops to escort me to the capital. There’s news of some unrest, but I can’t say more…”
“Of course, milady! It’s a great honor to serve you!” he chirped like a nightingale. After dismissing him to gather the guard, I wanted to return to the carriage. My heart was restless over Aaron’s condition. I could see something was wrong with him.
He wasn’t in or near the carriage.
“He went that way,” Lucenia informed me, nodding toward the gazebos in the baron’s garden. Trusting my heart as my guide, I hurried to the spot she indicated. But what I saw there shattered me.
Bent over, Dan was scooping up the first snow with his hands and pressing it to his neck and chest, which he left exposed to the cold. His fingers were red from the chill and blood. That blood seeped from a wound, dripping in small beads onto the white, frost-covered ground, staining it a deep crimson.
“Dan, darling, what is this?” I couldn’t stay back. I rushed to him, dropping to my knees beside him. With trembling hands, I reached out to help, but in my panic, I couldn’t figure out how. The wound on his chest was horrific. It looked like a massive bruise on his ribs with a hematoma and external bleeding… or maybe not bleeding. I’m no doctor. But the skin was broken, and blood oozed from the gash. I didn’t know why Aaron was pressing snow to it, but the snow melted instantly, trickling down as dirty red streaks under his shirt, where I suspected there were more wounds like this.
He looked at me… so bitterly and with such guilt. I barely held back tears, knowing I had to stay strong.
“You shouldn’t see me like this,” he sighed, lowering his gaze to the ground. He tried to stand but couldn’t.
“You didn’t fall down the stairs, did you? Was it Robert? For what? How dare he?” I whispered, fumbling to button up his cloak while brushing my hand against his cheek. It was so hot, burning with fever.
“His men. They wanted to kill me, but your guards, the ones you sent to find me, arrived in time to save me. I asked them not to tell you; this sight isn’t fit for your eyes. Please, leave me…” he said, leaning his cheek into my hand. “You need to head to the palace immediately.”
“Why did he do this?” I asked, barely audible.
“Because I betrayed him, and traitors are dealt with differently. He should’ve made sure I was killed. That would’ve been right. Annie, you need to know he’s a monster. You can’t trust him. Yes, there’s no proof that everything that’s happened to you was orchestrated by Robert and Clarissa, but you must be cautious,” he said, his voice growing weaker, and it became harder for me to listen.
“By betraying him, you became loyal to me. I’ll never forget that. It’s my fault we came here. If it weren’t for me, you wouldn’t have been hurt… Danny, you’re strong. Get up, we’ll get you to a doctor. They’ll help you,” I whispered, embracing him and trying to help him stand. I couldn’t lift him, but my efforts gave him moral support.
The mighty lion I’d always admired could barely get to his feet now. I wrapped my arm around his waist, slung his arm over my shoulder, and carefully led him toward the palace.
“Everything will be okay. Slowly… like this. I’m here. I won’t leave you…”
“You should,” he replied sadly. “You’re more important than my life. One Dan or a thousand could die, as long as you live…”
“Nonsense. You’re my friend; you’re not just any Dan. Don’t you dare give up. I need you. I really need you,” I added, noticing his surprised look. But we didn’t have time to sort out our feelings. The baron came running toward us again.
“Please, call a doctor! Count Aaron is in bad shape; you have to help him!” I pleaded with the voice of my heart, taking on my beloved’s pain as my own.
The guards helped support Daniel; he could lean on the strong men better than on me, but I kept walking beside him, nervously giving orders. It felt like that day, for the first time, he looked at me differently. Not as a queen, not as an untouchable milady.
The baron provided us with a spacious guest room on the first floor, with large windows and comfortable furniture in warm, light tones. Dan was laid on a wide, soft bed, and a respected doctor named John began the examination, asking me to step out.
I left, but my soul stubbornly stayed by the count’s side. The baroness, a beautiful dark-eyed woman with a high hairstyle adorned with pearls, tried to distract me, but she wasn’t very successful. Her chatter about fashion irritated me, and I successfully tuned out her story about her hat collection, sending prayers to the heavens for my valiant protector’s health. At some point, I realized I couldn’t imagine my life without Dan. I needed him. Even if he’d be happy with someone else, as long as he lived. As long as he was near.
“Your Majesty,” the esteemed doctor called me in a soft, velvety voice. “I’ve finished the examination.”
“How is he?” I asked curtly, dreading the answer.
“He’s in bad shape. There’s hardly an untouched spot on him, milady,” the man said somberly, but he quickly tried to reassure me. “Fortunately, his life isn’t in danger, but there’s a rib injury and severe bruising. In short, treatment is necessary, or the pain and external inflammation won’t heal without consequences. Right now, His Lordship has a high fever. I’ve given him a sedative, and he’s sleeping.”
“Can he travel in a carriage? We can’t stay here,” I asked, holding my breath. Hearing that Robert’s dogs had left no part of Dan unscathed was horrifying. Now, the priority was to get to the palace as quickly as possible, where it was safe and where I could ensure he got the best care.
“It’s not advisable. He should be lying down…” he said, shaking his head in disagreement.
I thanked him sadly and rose gracefully from the chair, heading to the room where my beloved lay. I had to see for myself how he was.
Dan was indeed asleep, lying on his right side, facing the door. Covered by a blanket up to his chest, he convulsively clutched the corner of a pillow in his fist and groaned through clenched teeth. His clothes were neatly folded on a chair, and his body was wrapped in white medical bandages. The sight made me feel sick; my heart raced in my chest, and a veil of salty tears blurred my vision.
“Shh,” I whispered tenderly, brushing a blond curl that had fallen over his forehead. “Hang in there, everything will be okay…”
I should’ve headed to the capital, entrusting Daniel to the baron. Once recovered, the head of security could’ve come on his own. But no, I couldn’t leave him. Without me, he’d be in danger here. Though, truthfully, I wasn’t sure if I could protect him… But at least I’d try. I’m the queen, aren’t I?
Several hours passed, filled with worry and anxious thoughts I couldn’t escape.
“Annie,” he whispered through a sleep that refused to release him from its grasp.
“I’m here,” I replied softly, approaching the bed. I so hoped to see his eyes open, filled with any emotion, but no—Dan was just delirious. Delirious with my name. Mine, not Magdalena’s. And wasn’t I a fool, finding some advantage in my beloved’s illness? Yet, even now, jealousy poisoned my life. It was already poisoned enough…
I touched his hand, and feeling the warmth, he grabbed my finger, then my whole palm, pulling it closer to him while mumbling something incoherent.
I smiled. I had no strength for it, but I couldn’t help smiling as I sat beside him on the bed, letting him hold my hand if that’s what he wanted. I remembered how Orian, as a child, couldn’t fall asleep without holding our mother’s thumb. Or mine… I was a pretty responsible sister, quite grown-up. I was four when my brother was born, so I was a little helper to Mom, and no reason could keep me away from the baby. Later, in my teens, I didn’t love spending time with my younger sibling as much, but as kids, we were inseparable.
Lost in thought, staring at the blizzard dancing outside the window, I didn’t notice my hand being pulled closer. I only felt hot lips pressing kisses to my fingers.
“You’re finally awake,” I said with a sad smile, meeting his half-open, sleepy brown eyes.
“I was asleep?” he asked… hoarsely… exhaustedly…
“Under the influence of medication.”
“Where are we?” he asked weakly, looking around and not recognizing the room. How could he, when he’d never seen it before, except for the few minutes during the doctor’s examination, and I doubt he was in any state to take in the surroundings then.
“At the baron’s estate…” I informed him quietly.
“In Robert’s duchy, still in Logan?” Now Dan stopped playing the part of a wax figure. He jolted, widened his eyes, and tried to get up, but it clearly caused him excruciating pain, evident from the grimace on his face and how he collapsed back onto the pillow. Unwilling to accept defeat, he gripped both my hands this time, pressed them to himself, and rattled off:
“How many hours? Why are we still here? We need to leave immediately to spend the night closer to the capital, where it’s safer!”
“There’s not an inch of you that’s not hurt. You can’t travel. You need to lie down,” I countered calmly. I had no energy left for arguments. I felt emotionally burned out after the past day. Now that my count had come to, I couldn’t even properly rejoice in it, as if all my feelings had been drained from me.
“Then you’ll go alone, with the guard, of course,” he insisted stubbornly.
“I’m not leaving until I’m sure you’re okay.”
“But milady…”
“Don’t argue with your queen,” I scolded gently and rose proudly from my seat, announcing that I was going to fetch the doctor.
John examined the count’s condition, and I don’t know what they discussed, but he told me this:
“His Lordship is doing better. Traveling in a carriage won’t harm him.”
However, what my eyes saw was the complete opposite. Daniel struggled immensely to get out of bed, and when he put on his shirt, I nearly cried. Clearly, every touch of the rough fabric irritated his skin, which was blue-purple with red splotches. What a sight!
But crying was forbidden by my majesty, so I folded my hands in front of me and glared at the two men with a stern look. That’s where all my energy went right now.
“You’re suggesting we take him to the capital in this condition? Admit it, were you sent by the dowager queen? Now she wants to finish off the count with my help?”
The doctor didn’t know how to respond. He didn’t have to: Daniel asked us to leave him alone with me. And when John left the room, the count, barely standing, approached me, gently took my hand, and whispered:
“Your Majesty, you know it yourself. You’re in danger staying here, right under Clarissa’s nose. And I’m not in a state to protect you. We need to head to the capital. Don’t worry about me; I’ll endure the journey. You’re what matters. You can’t imagine how many lives I’d give for you. Please, don’t argue. I’m still the head of security…”
I had no counterargument. Shrugging, I sighed heavily and said quietly:
“You’ll travel lying down. We’ll take pillows for your comfort.”
He just smiled. Over the next hour, as they prepared the baron’s large carriage for our injured passenger (my smaller one wasn’t suitable for lying down) and assembled a now sizable guard for departure, Dan’s bruises were bandaged with some miraculous ointments, and he was dressed for the road. He walked to the carriage quite briskly, though they still couldn’t bring down his fever.
For my own peace of mind, I invited the doctor to travel with us. So, on one bench, we sat together: me and the esteemed John (Lucenia stayed in my carriage). Opposite us, on a cushioned mattress, lay Aaron. But as it turned out, there were only enough pillows to make the bed soft, not to prop up his head properly. So, leaning on his elbow and twisting into a spiral, he dozed for a while, trying not to show how uncomfortable he was. But every pebble or pothole the carriage wheel hit made him wince and bite his lip to stifle a groan of pain.
Finally, I couldn’t take it anymore. I asked the count to get up and carefully positioned myself on the bench beside him, sitting as close to the window as possible. Only then did I gently try to ease my beloved toward me. He looked into my eyes, stunned, and shook his head in protest:
“What are you doing, milady? Who am I to… No, I’m fine as I am…”
“Danny, why do you always argue with me?” I huffed, feigning annoyance, and placed a pillow on my lap. I gently touched his shoulder with my hand, pulling him closer. He reluctantly agreed and lay down, resting against me and settling more comfortably on the mattress. I carefully let my hand rest on his forearm, while with the other, I softly stroked his golden curls, smiling faintly to myself. The doctor was looking out the window anyway.
“Thank you, Your Majesty,” he whispered (the count, of course, not the doctor), gently covering my fingers on his arm with his hand. And so we traveled: he held my hand, and I played with his hair.
“More comfortable?” I asked quietly.
“Next to you, even a board full of nails feels like a soft featherbed,” he replied with a smile, but glancing at John, he added, “It’s comfortable now.”
The next stop, a few hours later, was for rest and dinner. The doctor examined Dan again, concluding that I had a good influence on him (though I suspect the real reason for the slight improvement was the medication). Afterward, he expressed a desire to travel to the capital in the carriage with Lucenia and said to call him if needed. He probably felt uncomfortable with us. So, when the carriage set off again, leaving us alone, an awkward silence settled in.
“Lie down,” I said softly to the count, taking my place again.
“This time, it’s your turn to sleep, and with your permission, I’ll sit for a bit,” he gently objected, casting a look at me filled with… something I couldn’t quite decipher, a kind of admiration. However, I was indeed tired, so I didn’t argue. I arranged the pillows to create a backrest for him to make it more comfortable, and then, lying down on the other bench, I continued to gaze out the moonlit window until sleep overtook me. Unfortunately, I couldn’t sleep for long. A few hours later, Dan’s quiet, hoarse voice woke me up.
End of Chapter Two