At that mont, Aaron stepped forward. Without a word, he grabbed Lucian’s coat and shirt, pulling them aside with a quick, firm motion. The wound on Lucian’s shoulder was exposed, a raw mark evident beneath the fabric.
Lucian stared at Aaron, stunned, as Aaron inspected the injury. After a mont, Aaron released his grip and turned toward Rina with a composed expression.
"It’s just a scratch," Aaron assured her. "It’ll heal quickly. Nothing to worry about."
Erin didn’t dare look at Aaron as she was sure he wouldn’t know she was the one to give that wound to Lucian.
Rowan sitting nearby had already got the glimpse of it before Aaron covered it back.
"Why does it seem like soone had bitten you?" Rowan asked, "Did you go on hunt and ca across a tigress who bit you and left you wounded?"
Erin swallowed hard to think what Lucian would say. Her heartbeats at peak. It was not a proper thing for a lady to do. She bit the man like this, that surely implied sothing embarrassing.
"Hmm, sothing like that," Lucian didn’t deny it, as Rowan was the kind who wouldn’t give up.
"You better hunt that tigress or I will capture her and take her back to the capital with ," Rowan teased.
"You can’t. She belongs to north-east," Lucian countered. "You find your own tigress sowhere else."
Others understood who they were talking about. It was defiantly about Erin and she had hurt Lucian.
Erin felt her palms turn sweaty. These days her brother and this Lucian were making her walk on this glass, worrying her what both of them would do or say.
’What does he an by I belong to North-east?’ Erin wondered, ’Didn’t he say I can’t marry Aaron?’
"We have to leave in a while," Aaron spoke, seeing the awkward air around. "Better get at it."
"I will be there later, Nathaniel said, "I have so important matters to take care of."
"Make it soon," Arthur said to Nathaniel, "I am leaving for the capital soon. It’s been long since I have been to my ho."
Nathaniel agreed.
-----
Within the next hour, everyone was ready to depart for Wynters and Rainier.
"Achoo!"
Rina sneezed again, her face pale and weary.
"Looks like a little has caught a cold," Arthur remarked, glancing at her with concern.
"She’s taken her dicine. She should be fine," Nathaniel assured him.
Lucian had bundled her in warm clothes and carefully carried Rina to the carriage. "Just one more hour, and we’ll be ho," he whispered gently as he settled her inside and wrapped her in a thick blanket. "If you don’t feel well, call for ."
Rina nodded, snuggling under the blanket. "Lady Erin will be with . Don’t worry."
Lucian turned to Erin, who had to climb into the carriage as well. He extended his hand in silent offer. Erin hesitated briefly but placed her hand on his leather-clad arm, accepting the support and climbed the carriage.
Once Erin was seated inside, Lucian spoke quietly, "Cover yourself too. It’s colder today than usual."
Erin gave a small nod and reached for the extra blanket. Lucian leaned in to help her drape it over her shoulders. Seeing his concern for his sister, Erin chose not to mock him or brush off his kindness.
"I’ll take care of her. Don’t worry," Erin assured him softly.
Lucian gave her a brief nod before closing the carriage door. He turned to Aaron. "We should leave now. The sooner we get there, the better for Rina."
Aaron nodded in agreent and signaled the group to move. The two brothers mounted their horses, riding on either side of the carriage to keep watch over their sister.
The entourage—comprising the Lords of the Northeast and several knights—left Nathaniel’s estate. Imbert and Rafal, leading the way, rode at the front of the group. Arthur and Rowan stayed at the rear, following behind the carriage where Erin and Rina sat, accompanied by more knights
Lucian and Aaron kept glancing into the carriage from ti to ti, both worried about Rina’s condition. Erin also monitored the little girl closely, making sure she stayed warm and checking her temperature whenever necessary.
About half an hour into the journey, Rina stirred in her sleep. She groaned softly, mumbling, "Brother..."
Erin, now fully alert, leaned closer to Rina. "Rina, do you need sothing? Are you feeling unwell?" she asked with concern, placing her hand on the girl’s forehead. Rina’s temperature had risen noticeably, and she was shivering, still mumbling her brother’s na.
Lucian and Aaron both noticed Erin’s urgency.
Opening the glass window of the carriage, Erin called out to Lucian. "She doesn’t seem well."
Aaron quickly ordered the group to halt. Lucian dismounted his horse and climbed into the carriage without hesitation.
"Her temperature is high," Erin inford him as Lucian settled beside Rina.
Lucian gently gathered his sister into his arms as she whispered his na, her voice weak and her eyes barely open. Reaching into a small pouch, Lucian pulled out so dicine. "Rina, open your mouth. You need to take this."
Rina obeyed, and Lucian helped her wash down the dicine with so warm water.
"It’s so cold," she mumbled faintly, her body trembling.
"I’m here. Don’t worry," Lucian whispered, pulling her closer against his chest. His steady presence seed to comfort her, and she buried her face into him, relaxing slightly.
"Sleep now," he whispered softly as if coaxing a baby. Rina closed her eyes, lulled by the warmth and security of her brother’s embrace.
At the carriage door, Aaron leaned in, his expression filled with concern. "You should stay in the carriage," he suggested. "We’ll continue the journey."
Lucian nodded in agreent, and Aaron inford the group that Rina was fine, allowing the entourage to resu their travel.
Seated opposite Lucian, Erin silently observed him. His expression was serious, his attention entirely on his sister. Every few monts, he would glance down at Rina’s face or place a hand on her forehead to check her temperature. Though outwardly calm, Erin could see the worry beneath the surface.
The way he cared for Rina reminded Erin of how her own brothers cared for her. In that mont, she realized that Lucian’s bond with his sister was just as deep, perhaps even stronger, than many blood-related siblings. No one could ever claim they weren’t true siblings at heart.
Lucian noticed Erin watching him and t her gaze. "Are you feeling cold?" he asked quietly.
Erin shook her head. "It’s bearable."
Lucian gave a soft hum in acknowledgnt, then returned his attention to his sister.
===
A/N- Last few hours of final round of the character event is left. Make sure to vote your points or coins to Oriana.
If Oriana wins the final, there will be 5 ChapterS MASS RELEASE with Oriana and Arlan back in the novel along with other characters.
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