Ash & Cynder: A Cinderella Retelling (The Kingdoms of Harellia Book 1) by Kimbra Swain

Author:Kimbra Swain [Swain, Kimbra]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2021-08-18T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 12

Raleigh rushed to an awaiting carriage. He quickly looked over Ashtyn’s injuries. He worried that she wouldn’t live through the night either.

When he arrived at his home, his entire staff waited eagerly to meet the young woman, but scrambled to help when they realized she was injured. Benny led him to the room they’d prepared for her.

Raleigh laid her on the bed and began to remove the sleek fighting clothes she’d worn. Benny slapped his hand.

“Get out,” she hissed.

“I need to see what’s wrong so we can treat her,” Raleigh said.

“And I said, get out! You will not soil her honor.”

“Soil her honor? Benny…”

“Out!” she demanded.

Raleigh sighed, then did as the older woman instructed. He paced outside the door when he remembered the vial that the priestess gave him. Would it restore Ashtyn? He waited for what seemed like forever. Just when he was about to bang on the door, Benny opened it and invited him inside the room. She’d placed Ashtyn in the bed. Raleigh walked slowly toward her. He skin was so pale. His heart ached at the bruises forming on her face, and the swelling around her eyes.

“I assess that she has a couple of broken ribs, but the head injury is more concerning. The rumor mill has it that her opponent was reprimanded to the dungeons because she didn’t stop fighting when the trial was called. Ashtyn paid the price for that.” Raleigh sat down on the edge of the bed. “There isn’t much we can do for her. I’ll prepare some ice bags for her face, but if there is a trial tomorrow, she will not be able to attend. The broken ribs alone will keep her from moving around for several days.”

“We will do what we can,” he said. The woman started to walk away. “Benny?”

“Yes, Lord Raleigh?”

“The king killed Sidra because Odhran tried to save Ashtyn during the trial.” His voice sounded distant.

“And the prince?” she asked with a deep sorrow tainting her tone. She had been friends with Sidra. Raleigh knew the death would affect her, but he wouldn’t hide it from her.

“He sees now, but it’s too late,” Raleigh said as he took Ashtyn’s hand in his. He realized then that her skin was split where she had punched her opponent. One of the fingers appeared to be dislocated, possibly broken.

“Theo, it’s not too late,” Benny said, then left him alone.

He reached into his pocket and retrieved the vial he’d received. He held it in his hand and felt the warmth emanating off the glass. The bright orange liquid looked like lava. He closed his eyes and said a silent prayer to Cynder. He gently lifted her head and pried open her mouth with his thumb. He poured the liquid into her mouth, and she drank it down without hesitation.

“This will help. Just rest, Ashtyn. I’ve taken care of everything,” Raleigh said.

He remained by her side. There were no immediate visible effects to her injuries, and he began to question himself.

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