Chapter 372: When the Mighty King Falls Ill
Primrose squeezed his hand back, her voice breaking into a soft whimper. "But it hurts me too, seeing you suffer like this!" Her eyes shimmered with tears as she whispered, "I love you just as much, Edmund ... and I don’t want anything bad to happen to you either."
Yet deep down, she knew there was no easy choice.
To protect their child, both of them had to give up their comfort and strength. Primrose carried their baby in her womb, while Edmund poured his magic into her every day to keep them safe.
If even one of them refused to endure this burden, then everything they hoped for ... could be lost.
Edmund tightened his hold on her hand, his thumb brushing against her trembling fingers. "Wife ... don’t cry," he whispered, his voice hoarse but gentle. "This is nothing compared to what you’re carrying for us. You’re the one who deserves to be protected."
Primrose shook her head firmly. "No, Edmund. You’ve given just as much as I have. We’ve been protecting our child together."
Dr. Celdric, who had been quietly watching their tender exchange, finally cleared his throat. "Both of you are right, Your Majesties. This responsibility cannot rest on only one side."
Before either of them could respond, he added more firmly, "But I must be clear, Your Majesty." His gaze softened as he looked at Primrose, who seemed on the verge of tears. "His Majesty will be fine after a full day or two of proper rest."
[Maybe even half a day would be enough,] Dr. Celdric thought wryly. [They make this small fever look as if His Majesty were lying half-dead on the battlefield. The maids and soldiers were right, their love shines so brightly, it almost blinds anyone who looks too closely.
But her poor husband really did look like he was on the verge of death. His face was pale, his lips dry, and he seemed as though he could wither away at any moment!
"Are you sure?" Primrose asked nervously, her voice trembling. "You’re certain it isn’t something dangerous? Something that could drain his magic and then ... then take my husband away from me?"
[Take His Majesty’s life?] Dr. Celdric muttered inwardly, almost rolling his eyes. [His body is immune to poisons and illnesses alike. There’s no way something that simple could kill him.]
"I am completely certain, Your Majesty," Dr. Celdric said firmly. "I will give him medicine to reduce the fever, and after that, I strongly suggest His Majesty take proper rest for at least one full day."
"I have ... many things to do today," Edmund muttered, stubborn even in weakness.
In his mind, he added, [I even promised Sir Callen that I would conduct the royal guard’s test today. He might be disappointed if I cancel it suddenly.]
"No, you’re not!" Primrose cut him off firmly. "I’ll ask Sir Dorne and Sir Leofric to handle your duties. The only thing you need to do right now is rest!"
"Her Majesty is right," Dr. Celdric said to Edmund. "If you force yourself to work, your fever will only get worse, and there’s a chance you won’t be able to channel your magic to Her Majesty. That would put her and your future heir at risk."
Edmund’s face grew even paler in an instant. For him, risking himself was one thing. But risking his wife and child? That was enough to silence his protests.
"Then, I won’t work today." With dramatic flair, Edmund crossed his arms over his chest and lay back flat on the bed as if he were settling into a coffin. "I’ll take a very good rest."
[Actually, this isn’t so bad ...] Edmund thought, his mood shifting instantly. [I don’t have to deal with those uncivilized beasts today. And I get to spend the whole day in bed with my wife. Maybe I should even pretend to be sicker, so she’ll tak—]
Edmund stopped mid-thought the moment he realized his wife could hear his wicked little plan.
He slowly turned his head toward her, but since Primrose didn’t show even the slightest trace of anger on her face, he spoke again in his mind. [I won’t fake my illness, my wife. I’m already sick enough.]
His wolf ears drooped at once, making him look less like a fearsome king and more like a scolded puppy begging for forgiveness.
His reaction was exactly like what she had always imagined!
Primrose couldn’t hold back a small laugh, her heart melting at how adorable he looked. For all his power and pride, her husband was now reduced to a pair of twitching ears and pitiful eyes, and it made her want to hug him even tighter.
"That’s good to hear, Your Majesty," Dr. Celdric said with a small smile, clearly relieved that the stubborn king had finally agreed to rest, if only for a day.
He placed a small vial of medicine on the bedside table. "Have His Majesty drink this. It will lower the fever and help restore his energy. The rest will depend on proper sleep and meals."
Primrose nodded quickly, her hands still protectively clasped around Edmund’s. "Thank you, Doctor." Then, after a pause, she added softly, "But please ... make sure no one hears about His Majesty being sick. Just say that I’m unwell, and he’s taking a day off to care for me."
Her eyes filled with worry. The thought of anyone knowing her husband’s weakness made her chest tighten. If word got out, there would always be people ready to take advantage.
After all, it was rare to hear that the mighty Lycan King could fall ill.
Dr. Celdric nodded his head in understanding. "Of course, Your Majesty. I’ll keep this matter between us. No one else needs to know."
Relief washed over Primrose, and she gave him a grateful smile. "Thank you, Doctor. I truly appreciate it."
With a respectful bow, Dr. Celdric gathered his things and quietly left the chamber, leaving the couple alone once more.
As the door closed, Primrose couldn’t help but immediately pull her husband into her embrace. "Husband, this fever must be making you suffer so much," she whispered.
Her fingers brushed gently through his damp hair, caressing him tenderly. Soon, however, her touch wandered to his fluffy wolf ears, those soft, twitching ears that had stolen her attention from the moment she first saw them.