The doors slammed open.

Riftan didn’t let a single servant come close. Not even the maids who rushed with bandages and salves. He growled low — a threat — and they all backed off.

Only he could touch you.

Only he would.

He laid you gently on the silken sheets, eyes scanning your face as if you’d disappear.

“You’re still bleeding,” he muttered, voice cracking. His hands were trembling as he dipped a cloth in warm water. “I should’ve stopped the sparring. I should’ve—”

You reached for him.

“Riftan,” you whispered, soft, barely audible.

He froze. Then took your hand and kissed it. Kissed your wrist. Kissed your cheek, just below the cut.

“I’m sorry,” he murmured. “I promised to protect you. And I failed.”

You tried to speak, but he shook his head.

“No. Let me say it.”

He sat beside you, brushing strands of hair from your face. “I’ve fought wars. Killed kings. Endured hell. But nothing — nothing — has terrified me more than seeing blood on your skin.”

His voice cracked again. “You’re… you’re everything. Do you understand that?”

You nodded, throat tight. “I’m okay now.”

He leaned closer, pressing his forehead against yours.

“I can’t lose you. I can’t.”

You cupped his cheek. “You won’t.”

He sighed shakily. “You’re too good. You forgive too easily. Even now, you’d defend her, wouldn’t you?”

You said nothing.

He smiled bitterly. “That’s why I love you. You make me want to be gentle.”

And then, he kissed you again — slow, trembling, reverent — as if apologizing through lips alone. His fingers never left your skin as he cleaned your wound, applying balm with a touch that made you shiver.

He bandaged it carefully, then wrapped his arms around you, pulling you into his chest, your head tucked beneath his chin.

“I’m not letting you go tonight,” he whispered. “Not for anything. Let them gossip. Let them talk. They don’t matter.”

His lips brushed your temple. “You’re mine. My first. My only. The woman I will worship until my last breath.”

You fell asleep to his heartbeat — fast, strong, and loud — like a shield that would never let you go.