22 Chapter 22: A Love That Just Won’t Fade

Aurelius paced back and forth in the dimly lit infirmary, his nerves frayed and his mind consumed by worry. Every passing moment felt like an eternity as he watched the healers and magicians work tirelessly to save Marcella's life. His thoughts were a chaotic whirlwind of guilt, fear, and desperation, each emotion threatening to overwhelm him completely. 

He couldn't shake the feeling of helplessness that gnawed at him from within, the weight of his failure to protect the woman he loved bearing down on him like a suffocating blanket. How could he have let this happen? 

As the minutes stretched into hours, Aurelius's anxiety only grew stronger, his heart aching with the agonizing uncertainty of Marcella's fate. All he could do was stand there, a silent sentinel of hope, praying for her to wake up and be alright. In that moment, nothing else mattered but her well-being, and he would do anything to see her open her eyes once more. 

The head physician stood before Aurelius, his voice a reassuring balm amidst the storm of worry that raged within the king's heart. "We've done all that is within our power," he announced, his tone steady despite the weariness evident in his eyes. "The Queen is out of immediate danger, Your Majesty. We've successfully neutralized the poison coursing through her veins and tended to her wounds. However, she's suffered significant blood loss and is currently battling a fever. She needs rest, but rest assured, she will awaken soon."

As the physicians departed, Aurelius remained at Marcella's bedside, his heart heavy with a mixture of relief and remorse. Gently taking her hand in his, he pressed a tender kiss upon her skin, his lips lingering with a silent plea. "Please awaken soon," he whispered, his voice barely above a breath. "There are countless words left unspoken, apologies left unsaid. I need you, Marcella. More than ever."

Theodore and Magnus entered the infirmary, bearing flowers as a token of their support. Placing their hands on their friend's shoulder, they offered silent solidarity, understanding the weight of his worry. Together, they stood by Aurelius's side, a silent presence of comfort in the midst of uncertainty.

Magnus's words sliced through the tense air of the infirmary like a cold wind. "Alexa is in the dungeon, and the Evergreens are behind bars," he reported. "Max is taking care of planting the rest of the evidence. He'll also notify King Raphael about his wife's condition."

Aurelius's jaw tensed, a surge of jealousy sparking within him like a sudden blaze at the mention of Marcella's current husband. "Must we inform him?" he inquired, his voice laced with a mixture of resentment and uncertainty. 

Theodore's words pierced through the cloud of Aurelius's emotions, a reminder of duty cutting through the haze of personal turmoil. "Protocol," Theodore's reminder landed heavily, injecting a dose of reality into the heated moment. "We must prioritize the needs of both realms, Aurelius," he continued, his tone tinged with understanding but firm in its resolve. "I know you still care deeply for Marcella. It's evident to all who see. However, she's now married to another, and that's the stark reality we face."

Aurelius nodded in reluctant agreement, his inner turmoil simmering beneath a facade of acceptance. Despite the ache in his heart, he understood the necessity of letting go. Marcella was now bound to another, and he couldn't allow his own feelings to cloud the reality of her current happiness. With a heavy sigh, he resigned himself to the painful truth and the need to move forward.

Marcella's grip on his hand tightened, signaling her awakening. Her weary gaze met his, attempting to rise from the bed. 

"No," Aurelius gently urged, guiding her back down. "Rest, please. You've just undergone surgery. Your fever persists. You need to sleep."

Marcella managed a weak smile, her voice strained with pain. "Aurelius," she rasped, "Eternia?"

"She's safe, Marcella," Aurelius reassured, his voice softening. "Adrian is safeguarding her with a barrier. Alexa and the Evergreens are imprisoned in the dungeons. Please, don't worry. Just rest." He paused, adding, "Max will inform your husband of your condition."

"Thank you, Aurelius," she murmured, her grip on his hand firm. "But it's unnecessary. Please, refrain from contacting Raphael or alarming Crystalia. Keep this between us until I've fully recovered." She acknowledged the others with a nod. "Thank you all," she said, "But those flowers are poisonous. You'll suffer from itchiness for the next twenty-four hours. Dispose of them and ask the healers for balm."

Magnus panicked and flung the flowers at Theodore, who retaliated by smacking his own bouquet into Magnus' face. Their childish squabble elicited a laugh from Marcella. 

"Please, leave us," Aurelius commanded, his tone firm. "She doesn't need the added stress of your bickering… Also, I'd like to speak with her alone."

Theodore and Magnus nodded, understanding, and exited the room. 

Marcella's voice cut through the heaviness in the room as she noticed Aurelius' teary eyes. She felt a pang in her heart, witnessing this vulnerable side of him that she hadn't seen in a long time. "Don't start crying on me, Aurelius," she said softly, her voice filled with empathy. 

Aurelius struggled to hold back his tears, his hand trembling as he pressed Marcella's hand against his cheek. "I'm sorry," he murmured softly, pressing a tender kiss to her hand. "Everything is my fault…"

Marcella's voice, though weak, cut through the sorrow in the room. "It was Alexa, your psychotic wife," she reassured him. "Don't blame yourself."

"No," Aurelius insisted, his voice breaking. "It was mine. Everything happened because I left you…" His words pierced the air, heavy with regret. "It's because I blamed you… Everything that led to this day was my fault." Tears streamed down his face, staining her hand and the sheets. "I am so sorry, Marcella." 

Summoning all her strength, Marcella sat up and pulled him into a desperate embrace. For a moment, they clung to each other, seeking solace in the warmth of their embrace. "Please stop talking," she pleaded, her voice muffled against his chest. "We can't rewrite what has already happened." Her grip tightened on his shirt as she trembled, tears flowing freely from her eyes. "We both… made mistakes that led to this day." She paused, meeting his gaze with a sorrowful expression. "I'm sorry if you think that I wasn't strong enough to protect our children," she apologized, her voice choked with emotion. "I'm sorry if I chose Crystalia over you… If I chose blindness over seeing the truth… Had I listened to you, Octavius and Cassian would've still been alive, and Eternia wouldn't have been poisoned all those years ago…"

"I shouldn't have blamed you for that," Aurelius murmured, holding her gently. "Instead of giving up and blaming you, I should've fought harder to make you understand… I love you, Marcella. I never stopped. I'm sorry."

Marcella's embrace tightened, her tears mingling with his on his shirt as she whispered, "I'm married to another." 

Aurelius pulled away gently, wiping his own tears as well as Marcella's. With tender care, he guided her back down, his hand resting gently on her forehead. "I shouldn't add to your stress," he murmured, his voice filled with anguish. "Please rest. I'll stay by your side and watch over you."

Marcella nodded, her eyelids heavy with exhaustion. 

In the quiet of the room, the weight of their pain and longing hung heavily in the air, a palpable presence that spoke volumes without a single word. 

In the sanctuary of Adrian's room in the Princess' Palace, Eternia found solace in his embrace. Adrian enveloped her in his arms, holding her tightly as if to shield her from the pain and turmoil that engulfed their world. 

Adrian's voice was a comforting balm to Eternia's troubled soul. "I'm sorry you had to go through that," he murmured, his words laced with empathy. "It must have been terrifying for you. Alexa is pure evil. But now, with enough evidence and witnesses, justice will finally catch up to her."

Eternia's voice trembled with guilt and sorrow. "My mother got hurt because of me," she whimpered, tears still streaming down her cheeks. "She protected me... even when her strength was failing, she shielded me with a barrier." This is all my fault…

Adrian's reassurance was gentle yet firm. "She'll be alright," he assured Eternia.

"How do you know?" Eternia inquired, her voice laden with worry.

Adrian smiled warmly, gently squeezing her hand. "Because she reminds me of my sister," he explained softly. "She's beautiful, strong, and resilient. And she has your father, Eternia. He would stop at nothing just to save her. I see how much he cares about her."

Eternia sought solace in Adrian's embrace, finding comfort and security. He was her sole companion in this turbulent world, her unwavering shield. With a sense of trust and relief, she allowed herself to surrender to sleep, nestled securely in his arms. 

Adrian held her close, his protective instinct kicking in. "No one can harm you, kid," he whispered softly, his voice a soothing reassurance. "I promise you that."