Chapter Twenty-Six

Celeste woke again to silence.

Gentle morning sunlight filtered softly through thick curtains, illuminating the unfamiliar yet comforting space around her. She blinked slowly, her mind gradually sharpening, clarity replacing the haze of lingering dreams.

She pushed herself carefully upright, wincing slightly at the stiffness that protested her movement. The room, elegant and spacious, was completely foreign, polished stone, rich fabrics, and delicate, intricate carvings decorated the walls. Wherever she was, it was a far cry from any place she'd known at Redstone.

How long had she been asleep?

The memory of waking briefly, murmuring Lilly’s name, and meeting those dark, compelling eyes flooded back to her. The Alpha King, his gaze, that silent moment of connection, it replayed vividly in her mind.

A soft knock pulled her attention to the door. She instinctively tensed, but relaxed as a gentle woman stepped inside, carrying a tray of tea and broth. She wore a calm, reassuring smile, her movements purposeful and careful.

“You’re finally awake,” the woman greeted warmly, setting the tray beside the bed. “I’m glad. You've had us worried.”

Celeste eyed her cautiously, voice still rough. “Us?”

The woman gave her a kind smile as she sat on the edge of the bed, carefully checking Celeste’s pulse at her wrist. Her touch was gentle, practiced, soothing in its confidence. “I'm the medic. The Alpha King sent for me immediately when he sensed you'd woken last night. You've been unconscious for nearly a month.”

“A month,” Celeste echoed softly, stunned. “I've really been asleep for that long?”

“Yes,” the medic confirmed gently, giving her hand a comforting squeeze before releasing her. “You needed the rest. Your body needed to heal, and the Alpha King made sure no one disturbed you.”

“The Alpha King...” Celeste murmured, uncertainty flickering in her eyes. “He’s been here?”

“Every day,” the medic admitted quietly. “Though mostly in silence. He was very clear no one else could enter this room without permission. You've been carefully protected.”

Celeste glanced around slowly, taking in the elegant furnishings, the grandeur of the room. A faint anxiety threaded through her voice as she asked, “Where exactly am I?”

The medic smiled gently, as if expecting the question. “You're in his personal chambers. The Alpha King insisted on it, saying it was the safest place in the city.”

Heat rushed to Celeste's cheeks, embarrassment mingling with confusion. “I’m in his bed?”

“Yes, though he hasn’t used it since you arrived,” the medic reassured her calmly. “He's been sleeping elsewhere, giving you the privacy and peace you needed to recover. It was a matter of protection, and respect.”

Celeste’s heartbeat quickened. Her fingers absently traced the luxurious bedding beneath her, the realization that she had been sleeping in the Alpha King's own bed leaving her unsettled and strangely vulnerable.

Yet beneath her embarrassment was something else, a quiet comfort. He had protected her, watched over her without expectation. This wasn’t about obligation or power; it was about care, and something deeper she couldn't quite name.

The medic stood up slowly, smoothing her skirts. “Drink the tea, eat slowly. Your strength will return. The Alpha King will see you soon, but only when you're ready.”

“Thank you,” Celeste whispered sincerely, feeling a sudden wave of gratitude for the woman’s kindness and steady reassurance.

The medic nodded warmly, retreating toward the door. “Rest now. You're safe here.”

The door closed softly, leaving Celeste alone once more, but her heart no longer felt heavy with dread. Instead, a cautious warmth began spreading through her chest.

She took the cup of tea, its warmth soothing her throat as she reflected carefully on everything she'd learned.

She had slept for an entire month. She had been protected, guarded, and cared for by a king whose true face she barely knew. He had known the exact moment she’d awakened, even without a single word exchanged between them.

His silent gaze returned to her mind, strong and profound. It was a look unlike anything she'd ever experienced. A look that had shaken her to the core, one filled with recognition, intensity, and something more, something far beyond the mate bond she'd once thought would define her life.

Celeste leaned back against the pillows, eyes drifting closed, a small, fragile sense of hope finally breaking through the pain she'd carried for far too long.

Maybe, just maybe, this was a beginning rather than an ending.

**

Outside the Alpha King's chambers, the medic found him waiting patiently, standing quietly with a guarded expression.

“How is she?” he asked softly, his voice calm but with an undercurrent of concern.

“Awake and doing well, Your Majesty,” the medic replied gently. “She’s strong, though still fragile. She needs time to adjust, time to heal. But she’s stable.”

The Alpha King nodded thoughtfully, relief briefly softening his normally stern features. He seemed to consider something, his gaze distant, thoughtful. “She has endured much,” he finally said, almost to himself. “Ensure she has everything she needs. Every comfort, every reassurance.”

Before he could elaborate further, rapid footsteps echoed urgently down the hallway. Victoria appeared around the corner, breathless, her face flushed and anxious, her eyes wide and searching.

“Is she awake? Please tell me she’s awake,” Victoria demanded, her voice edged sharply with urgency as she hurried towards them. Her desperation filled the air, tangible and raw.

“Yes, she is awake,” the Alpha King replied calmly, his voice steady as he moved subtly but deliberately between Victoria and the chamber door. “But she needs rest, Victoria. Now is not the right moment for visitors.”

Victoria’s brows furrowed deeply, her frustration quickly evident. “Rest? She’s been asleep for an entire month! Do you understand how long I've been waiting, how worried I've been every day, every hour? I have to see her, I need her to know she’s not alone.”

The medic stepped forward gently, her presence calm and reassuring. Placing a comforting hand on Victoria's shoulder, she spoke softly, hoping to soothe the princess’s obvious distress. “Princess Victoria, I understand your feelings, I truly do. Celeste has faced severe trauma, both physically and emotionally. Her recovery is delicate. We must allow her to regain her strength without overwhelming her.”

Victoria stepped back slightly, her gaze shifting desperately between the medic and the Alpha King. Her voice trembled noticeably with emotion. “I’ve been patient, I’ve waited every day, each moment, praying for her to wake. Isn’t that patience enough? Can’t I just see her for a moment, just to tell her myself that she's safe?”

The Alpha King's expression softened further, though his voice remained firm and steady. "Victoria, it is not about patience, nor about your intentions, which we all know are sincere. This is about Celeste's well-being and her own right to decide when she is ready to see anyone. After everything she has endured, we owe her the dignity of choice and space."

Victoria’s shoulders dropped, her breath releasing slowly, a mix of resignation and sadness crossing her features. Her voice quieted, losing some of its previous urgency but none of its sincerity. “I understand. I just…I need her to know she's not alone. Please, at least tell her I’ve been waiting for her every day. Let her know that I'm here and that I won’t stop waiting until she’s ready to see me.”

“We will,” the medic assured her warmly, nodding with genuine sympathy. “We will let her know immediately. It will be her decision, and as soon as she feels able, I'm sure she’ll reach out.”

Victoria took another hesitant step backward, her gaze lingering longingly on the closed chamber door. With a quiet sigh, she turned away slowly, walking back down the corridor, her shoulders bearing the weight of her disappointment.

The Alpha King and the medic exchanged a quiet glance, a mutual understanding passing silently between them.