The Duke's Bed Warmer-Chapter 45: His Responsibility

Alina woke later than usual the next day. The light streaming through the curtains was too bright. It was afternoon already.

Alina lay still, staring at the canopy, trying to understand what felt wrong. Then her body answered.

Her head was throbbing. Her ankle was still swollen, and her throat was dry and her skin too warm.

I have a fever.

She blamed it on the exhaustion from Audrey’s drilling and Emeric’s lessons. And even before that, there was constant sewing in the garden in the cold weather. Her body had finally had enough.

She didn’t have the energy to move, get ready, attend breakfast, or attend another protocol session with Audrey.

She stayed where she was, until someone knocked at the door, and the door opened. A maid entered quietly carrying a tray with a bowl of soup in the centre. The fragrance reached Alina before she could see it.

It was her favourite soup with fresh bread. The maid set the tray on the bedside table.

"His Grace ordered that your meals are to be served here today," she said. "You’re to rest."

"He ordered this?" Alina asked, surprised.

"Yes, miss. He came to the kitchen himself this morning before breakfast and told the cook to prepare light food. He specifically asked the cook to prepare your favourite soup."

Seriously?

"Thank you," Alina said.

The maid nodded and left.

Alina sat in the bed, looking at the tray. Austin had a history of showing his care in the most uncommon ways. He will never say he cares for you, but he’ll prove the opposite through his actions.

Alina smiled, picked up the tray and enjoyed her soup.

"Perfect," she murmured.

Flashback

Austin woke at his usual hour. He got up and was about to go for a bath when he noticed she was lying uncomfortably. He walked to her and saw her shivering.

He hesitated for a second, but then placed his hand on her forehead. It was too warm. She had a fever.

She stirred faintly at his touch, her head turning slightly toward his hand, as if seeking its warmth. He removed his hand slowly before she could wake fully.

He looked down at her for another second, then carefully, he pulled the blanket up, tucking it around her shoulders properly, smoothing it down so she wouldn’t feel cold.

The shivering slowed then stopped. She looked a little more at ease. He watched her for a moment, just to be sure. Then he left the room quietly, already thinking of what she would need before she woke.

Meanwhile, Audrey, in her room, was planning the seating arrangement for the royal dinner when Austin entered.

"Alina is unwell," he said.

She put her pen down.

"She has a fever and a sprained ankle. She won’t be attending your protocol sessions."

"What happened?"

"Exhaustion, most likely. You’ve been pushing her too hard."

Audrey stood.

"I’ve been preparing her. She needs to be ready. My father neither forgives nor forgets mistakes."

"She is my responsibility," Austin replied. "Not yours. I will take care of her."

Audrey stared at him in disbelief.

"Your responsibility?" she repeated. "Since when?"

"Since the day she arrived at Ravennoor."

"You signed a contract for her, and the contract says you own her not care for her."

Austin’s jaw tightened.

"I’m not discussing this with you."

"You’re drawing a line, Austin."

He didn’t answer. Instead, he turned and walked away.

In the afternoon, Emeric knocked at Alina’s door.

"Alina? It’s Emeric. I heard you were unwell."

She sat up immediately.

"Come in."

He stepped inside, looking worried. 𝐟𝐫𝕖𝗲𝘄𝚎𝗯𝕟𝐨𝕧𝐞𝚕.𝕔𝕠𝐦

"I came as soon as I heard," he said. "Are you alright? What happened? The cook said you had a fever."

"I’m fine. Just exhausted." She gestured at the chair. "Sit. I’m glad you came. I was getting bored sitting here alone."

"It’s my fault," he said as he sat. "I pushed you too hard. We should have taken breaks. We should have..."

She shook her head.

"It wasn’t just yesterday. It’s been days of exhaustion. My body finally gave up," she smiled.

But he didn’t smile back.

"I’m sorry, Alina. I really am. I didn’t mean to..."

"Stop apologizing." She reached out and touched his wrist. "You were just helping me."

He finally smiled.

"I’ll take my leave now. You need to rest."

"No. Sit. As I said, I’m getting bored."

"Then...do you want to talk about something else?" Emeric asked.

"Yes. Please."

He told her a funny story about a dog from his hometown.

They both laughed. He then told her another joke, this time about a cat. It was funnier than the first one. They were both laughing when the door opened and Austin stepped in.

He was carrying a small bottle of medicine, a cloth, and a jar of salve. He stopped when he saw Emeric.

His expression didn’t change but his hands tightened around the bottle and the jar. The laughter died and the room fell silent.

Emeric stood and bowed.

"Your Grace. I apologize for entering your room without permission," he said. "I heard about Alina’s condition and couldn’t stop myself from coming. I wanted to make sure she was alright."

Austin didn’t say anything. Alina could feel the tension in the air.

Austin walked into the room towards the bed and set the medicines on the bedside table next to her food tray.

"The physician said you should take this for the fever," he said, tapping the bottle. "This is for the ankle. You need to keep it elevated. And this..." He tapped the jar. "...is for the swelling. Apply it twice a day."

She looked at the medicines, then at him.

"Thank you."

He didn’t acknowledge it. Instead, turned to Emeric.

"Lord Emeric. I want a private word with you outside."

Emeric smiled and nodded before walking to the door, as if he already knew what the conversation would be about. Austin followed but paused at the door.

"Rest," he said, without looking back at her.

Then he left and closed the door.