CHAPTER 507: LADIES IN DISTRESS

Nearby, Garin, who had been observing the entire exchange with the other knights, elbowed Eli sharply in the side.

"You’d better go look after that girl. She’s about to cry," he muttered.

"What am I supposed to do?" Eli retorted, scowling at his companion.

"How should I know? You’re her escort! That’s your job, kid!" the senior knight shot back, folding his arms.

Eli exhaled heavily, glancing around at the other knights, who were all staring at him with expectant, stern expressions.

"Fine!" the young knight grumbled through clenched teeth.

He reluctantly approached the Bargesian Princess, who now stood with her head lowered, shoulders trembling.

"Lady Athillia... Perhaps you should return to your chamber first," Eli said gently after a moment’s hesitation.

"Get away from me!" Athillia suddenly shouted.

Crying, she turned and fled, running towards the courtyard, her sobs echoing faintly in the marble way.

Eli stood frozen, stunned by the outburst, and utterly clueless as he watched the Bargesian Princess disappear into the gardens beyond.

"What are you waiting for? Go after her!" Garin shouted from behind.

Eli groaned under his breath, but he had no choice. He turned and hurried after Athillia, vanishing in the same direction she had taken. Quietly, unnoticed by others, Armel followed suit.

Luke, who had been standing nearby, shook his head in exasperation.

"What a drama. I thought things had finally calmed down, but apparently not," he muttered.

"Lucky she’s not your problem," Alex replied dryly as he walked off to join the other lords, since his father was among them.

Several others, along with the Knights of Gerhard, remained at the scene as they watched things unfold. Then suddenly, Alex paused and looked around, noticing that a certain someone was missing.

"Lady Mills," he addressed Jessy, "where’s my wife? Why isn’t she here to welcome us?"

That question also struck Kiev, who looked around with growing concern.

"My Elis isn’t here either. Why didn’t she come down?" the Mederian Prince asked.

Sylvia responded to their sudden alarm.

"I was just about to inform you both," she said gently. "Lady Jarr is currently unwell. She wanted to come down, but I advised her against it. As for Her Highness Princess Elisabeth, she is now confined in her chamber."

"What??" both men exclaimed in unison, shocked by the revelation.

"What happened to Meredith?" Alex asked in panic.

"Why is my Elis confined? Who gave the order?" came other questions from Kiev.

His voice rose and was directed at Sylvia before she could answer the first.

Seeing that both men couldn’t handle their emotions, scaring Sylvia, Drystan stepped up and stood protectively by his wife, holding her close.

"There must be an explanation for this! Don’t shout at my Sylvie like that!" said the knight firmly.

"Yes. Calm down first and allow me to speak," said Sylvia.

Both men realised they’d nearly crossed the line in pressing the noblewoman, especially the Mederian Prince. They quickly apologised and fell silent, allowing her the space to speak.

Sylvia took a steady breath and used the opportunity to explain.

"Lady Meredith fell ill rather suddenly," she began. "It’s believed her condition was brought on by the constant strain... caring for Her Highness Princess Elisabeth and managing the affairs of the mansion. She’s been bearing it all quietly for some time."

She paused before continuing, her voice composed yet firm.

"I tried to help where I could. But as you know, the mansion lacks female attendants. While there are male servants, there are certain matters they simply can’t assist with, especially since we are married ladies. It wouldn’t be appropriate to have them enter our chambers for more delicate needs."

"Oh, no!" Jessy gasped, guilt washing over her. "Lady Jarr got sick because I left! She wouldn’t have been so burdened if I were still here!"

"No, it’s my fault," Rafe interjected quickly. "I was the one who called you back to the palace to keep Callis company. If I hadn’t done that, she wouldn’t have been left alone to manage everything."

"No, it should be me to blame. I stressed myself and made Rafe worry, and that’s why you decided to call Jessy," said Callis, condemning herself.

"At ease, everyone!" Kiev interjected. He paused, looking remorseful, then said, "I apologise for getting unnecessarily worked up just now. Now that I know this happened because she cared for my Elis, I feel obligated to see her. May I do that?"

"Don’t you want to see your wife?" Rafe asked, gently cutting in.

He knew just how much the Mederian Prince longed for his soulmate.

Kiev offered a faint, wistful smile, though the worry hadn’t left his face.

"I do," he said softly. "But I feel I owe this to Lady Jarr. I won’t be at ease until I see her condition myself."

"She’s not as bad as you imagine, just a bit tired and pale. I already checked on her this morning, and she’s currently resting in her quarters," said Sylvia. "As for permission to visit her, I believe that decision rests with Sir Jarr, since he’s her husband."

"Let me come and check on her," the healer offered immediately.

"I want to go too!" Jessy chimed in.

"Me too!" Callis added.

All of them were eager to see Meredith, now that they knew the lady-in-waiting had been covering for them and handling the mansion’s affairs so diligently.

"Let’s go!" Alex said, wasting no time.

"Do you need my help, Mr Amares?" Ayden asked politely.

Rafe quickly raised a hand and shook his head.

"There are too many of us already. You’re dismissed," the healer decided.

Ayden nodded. The group then hurried toward the married couple’s quarters.

Meanwhile, the assistant healer turned to his betrothed with a grin.

"I guess we have some time for ourselves now," he said. "Care to join me? I could tell you about what happened at the palace. I’m sure you’d love to hear it!"

"Oh, yes! Definitely!" Clara exclaimed.

The two linked arms as Ayden guided the knightess away. Annoyed by the display of affection, Luke pulled a face.

"I think I’ll go in and join the lords. Anyone coming with me?" he asked.

"Count me in," Damon replied.

"Me too," added Garin.

"I think we’d better go too," Sylvia said. "Lord Grey must be wondering where Mer is. And Uncle Aaron is here. He might want to see us."

"You’re right. Let’s go!" Drystan agreed.

"You all go ahead," Noah said, moving toward Emily. "I’m going to spend some time with my wife."

"Yeah, yeah! We know you’ve got more important things to do," Garin teased, grinning as he followed the others.

Soon, everyone had gone, leaving just the couple behind.

Noah turned to his wife with a wide smile.

"Did you miss me?" he asked playfully.

"Oh, Noah..." Emily couldn’t hold back the emotions she’d been suppressing. She rushed into his arms, hugging him tightly.

They had only been apart for a few days, but it felt like much longer to her. The longing had been so intense that now, in his embrace, she couldn’t stop the tears from falling.

Noah heard her soft sobs. Gently, he held her shoulders and leaned back to look into her face.

"What’s wrong? Why are you crying?" he asked, puzzled. "You weren’t like this before."

Emily sniffled. Tears trickled down her cheeks.

"I don’t know! I just missed you so much! Huu!" she cried, burying her face in his chest again.

Noah laughed softly and pulled her close, wrapping her in a comforting hug.

"Don’t cry," he murmured, patting her back. "I was only gone a few days, not months! You know I have to follow my duties."

"I know... but I can’t help it! Huu!" she said through her sobs.

Noah chuckled again. Since when had Emily become so emotional? She had always been resilient and cunning, so different from how she was now.

"You’ve heard the news, haven’t you?" he asked suddenly. "That the charges against me have been dropped? My name and the honour of the Knights of Gerhard have been cleared."

"I heard. I’m so proud of you, my love," she said, still sniffling but smiling through her tears.

"Now, no one will look down on us anymore! Everything is finally turning around," he said, his voice full of hope.

Emily looked up at him, sharing his happiness. But something in her face made him pause. She looked paler than before.

At first, he thought it was just the strain of their time apart. But now... something didn’t feel right.

"Emily, are you all right?" he asked, concern growing in his voice as he steadied her.

"I... don’t feel so well, Noah," she admitted softly.

Suddenly, her legs wobbled beneath her. She felt weak, her body drained of strength. Thankfully, the knight caught her before she collapsed.

His brow furrowed. Clearly, something was wrong.

Rafe had just left with the Mederians to see Meredith, which meant only Ayden was nearby.

"Let’s get Mr Norman to examine you," Noah said quickly.

Without hesitation, he swept her up into his arms. Emily didn’t resist. Her body felt heavier by the second, the exhaustion catching up with her all at once.

Maybe the sleepless nights, or caring for Athillia, had worn her down more than she realised. But she had handled hard labour back in Ardel when she’d been just a maid. So, why did it feel so much worse this time?