Chapter five

Raven’s Pov;

The morning air was chilly as I made my way into the woods, a small basket in hand. The sky was  still laced from the last remnants of dawn, casting a soft golden glow over the treetops. It was my favorite time of day, the brief, fleeting moment when the world felt peaceful before reality crept back in.

I adjusted the small dagger Tate had given me at my waist, letting my fingers brush the hilt. It wasn't much, but it made me feel safer.

My mother’s fever had worsened overnight. She needed stronger herbs, ones I could only find deeper in the forest. I quickened my pace, my mind focused on the task ahead.

But I hadn’t gone far when a deep, familiar voice broke through the silence.

"Are you following me?"

I whirled around, my heart slamming hard against my chest.

It was him again!

He stood a few feet away, leaning lazily against a tree, his arms crossed over his chest. His grey eyes glinted with amusement as he watched me, a smirk tugging at his lips.

I took in all his features as I glanced at him. It was as though he had even become more handsome. His jawline made even the sharpest blades seem blunt and his jet black hair seemed intentionally tousled, giving him a kind of cute messy look.

"Relax. I don’t bite,” He chuckled, pushing himself off the tree.

I instinctively reached for my dagger, narrowing my eyes. "That’s exactly what someone who bites would say."

His smirk widened. "You do have a point."

My grip on the dagger remained firm. "Why are you here?"

He shrugged. "I could ask you the same thing."

I hesitated before answering. "I’m collecting herbs."

He took a slow step closer, his gaze dipping to my basket. "Ah, a healer."

I didn't confirm or deny it.

His eyes flickered to my sleeve. "You’re injured."

I tensed.  I had tried to hide the bruises princess Ellie had left behind, but his gaze was sharp, missing nothing.

Before I could react, he reached for my wrist, his touch surprisingly gentle as he pulled back my sleeve. His jaw clenched when he saw the dark bruises marring my skin.

“How did you get injured?” His voice had lost its playful tone.

I pulled my arm away. "It’s nothing."

His gaze darkened. "That doesn’t look like nothing."

I stepped back. "It’s not your concern."

His eyes burned into mine for a long moment before he exhaled sharply. "Here."

I blinked as he pulled out a small tin and pressed it into my hand.

I hesitated. "What is this?"

"Medicine," he said simply. "For the bruises."

I frowned. This was a very expensive medicine. "Why would you give this to me?"

His expression softened for a bit. "Because I don’t like seeing pretty things bruised."

Heat crept up my neck and I didn’t care that he referred to me as a thing. “You don’t even know me.”

"Maybe not." He tilted his head. "But I’d like to."

I looked down at the tin in my hand, my fingers curling around it. I wasn’t sure what to say.

Then, something caught my eyes.

A tear in his trousers, just above his knee. The fabric was soaked with blood.

I inhaled sharply. "You’re hurt."

He glanced down at his leg as if just now noticing. "It’s nothing."

I lifted a brow. "That doesn’t look like nothing."

His lips twitched. "Using my own words against me?"

I didn’t smile. "Let me see."

He hesitated.

I folded my arms. "I won’t take no for an answer."

After a moment, he sighed and sat on a fallen log, rolling up the fabric.

I swallowed.

It wasn’t just a wound, it was a deep gash, torn open as if something had bitten his skin.

I looked up. "What happened to you?"

His expression remained unreadable. "A beast,” and then before I could speak, he spoke up again. “Don’t worry, I made sure to kill it.”

A strange feeling curled in my stomach.

"Stay here," I said, turning towards the bushes.

I could feel his gaze on me as I knelt and began picking a few  leaves. After gathering enough, I returned to his side and crushed the leaves in my palm, creating a thick paste.

"This will help," I said, reaching for his leg.

His muscles tensed beneath my touch, but he didn’t stop me.

I carefully smeared the paste over his wound, trying to ignore the way his skin felt warm beneath my fingertips.

He watched me, something unreadable in his gaze. "You know a lot about herbs."

I nodded. "My mother taught me."

"A healer as well?"

"Yes." I hesitated before adding, "She’s sick."

His expression shifted, but he didn’t press further.

After a moment, he spoke. "Thank you."

I looked up, surprised.

His tone was genuine.

"You gave me medicine first," I said. "It’s only fair."

His smirk returned. "I don’t think I’ve ever been patched up by such a lovely healer before."

I rolled my eyes. "Are you always this shameless?"

He grinned. "Only when I want to be."

I shook my head, standing up. "You should wrap that wound properly."

"I will," he said, watching me closely. "And you should be more careful."

"I’m always careful."

His gaze dipped to my bruised wrist, and he didn’t look convinced.

I turned to leave but stopped. “Are you new here?”

He looked taken aback and then he smiled. “I guess. You could say so. Why? Do you know everyone here?”

I nodded. “I’m Raven.”

He nodded but didn’t offer his name.

“You should tell me your name,” I pressed, smiling nervously.

He grinned and began to walk away. “Next time. Next time, Raven.”

I watched his retreating form, internally berating myself for speaking to a stranger like that.

I let out a deep sigh, clutching the small medicine jar he had given me. Perhaps, when we meet next time, he wouldn’t be so quick to leave.

The second princess was still asleep when I returned, but her room was a disaster. Broken glass and shattered furniture littered the floor.

Sighing, I got to work, sweeping up the shards, straightening the furniture, and setting out fresh clothes for her.

She must’ve thrown a fit again.

By the time I finished, I hesitated before approaching her bed.

I took a deep breath.

"Your Highness," I said softly.

She stirred, her brow furrowing before she cracked her eyes open.

She groaned. "What time is it?"

"Late morning," I said.

She sat up sluggishly, rubbing her temples. "Why are you here?"

"I was told that you haven’t had anything to eat. Please you have to eat something”

She stretched, glancing around her now-clean room.

Her lips curled. "At least you’re useful for something."

I bowed my head, biting back a reply.  I didn’t care that she had not eaten, but she was going to punish me for not checking up on her if I hadn’t done that.

She waved me off. "Go. I’m not hungry.”