HIS QUEEN novel Chapter 25

My body ached as I turned over. I pushed myself up and rested against the headboard.

"Lay back. You're not fully healed" I turned and saw Thane seating on the recliner. I took in my surroundings and saw I was in his room.

"Water" I croaked. My throat felt dry and I wondered how long I was out if it. I looked at my dress and saw I had been changed into a light dress and my injuries were cleaned up.

He held the cup to my mouth and I took small sips. I drank about half of the glass and I gently pushed his hands away. He placed the glass on the table and arranged pillows at my back.

"How long was I out?"

"Six hours" I nodded. His eyes rolled in the back of his head. He grunted and stood up.

"I have to go. Your meal will be brought to you" I nodded. He leaned and have me a forehead kiss and left.

The door opened and Lily came in with a tray if food "Your highness" she bowed.

"Come on. I'm still Esme. You don't have to call me that"

"But the king said....."

"Call me by my name. Atleast while we are in private. Please, don't be formal with me." she smiled.

"I'm so happy for you" she squealed. She sat on the bed beside me. She placed the tray on my legs and I began eating. She talked about the duel and how I had won hearts and all. I smiled as she continued talking. She didn't seem like the quiet Lily I had come to know.

The door opened and Noir stepped in. She stood abruptly and moved away from the bed twisting her fingers nervously. Noir's intense gaze was focused on her and she looked at her feet. The room seemed tense.

I cleared my throat and his attention shifted to me. He bowed.

"Your highness. I'm in charge of your security from now on"

"But I don't need security"

"Being the queen comes with many risks. And some might target you to get to the king" I nodded.

"I'll be outside the door" he bowed and left. I heard a loud sigh of relief come from Lily. She resumed her position on the bed beside me.

"Is anything going on between you and Noir?"

"NO!" I raised an eyebrow. "Nothing at all. We've just bumped into each other a couple of times and he seems scary" I laughed.

"That I can agree. He's scary" she smiled.

"I was assigned to keep you company"

"Ohhhh... What about Althea? Not that I don't want you but she was assigned to me before"

"She's still assigned to you but I'm to keep you company all day."

"What about the clinic?"

"I'll have to stop for a while"

"Do you want to?"

"I liked being there but I'll also like to keep you company" I hugged her.

She stayed for a while and left the room with the empty dishes. I settled into bed for a nap.