Marrying a Warhound (Cassian) novel Chapter 62

ATASHA’S POV

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“Your Highness, three patients arrived in critical condition,” Grace reported. “Miss Petra stabilized them, and they are now healing. Eight others have minor injuries. Two miners remain inside the shaft, and the crews are shoring the collapse and digging toward them.”

I nodded and stayed at the intake table to observe. Petra set splints, released a crush compartment, and closed two deep lacerations without losing pace. Joren measured every dose, logged each vial in the ledger, and rotated fresh saline before anyone had to ask.

Annel turned beds quickly, set warm stones, replaced dressings, and kept families clear of the aisles so stretchers could pass. Thane managed intake at the door, checked airways, and kept dust masks on every face that crossed the threshold. Runners carried names and times to the slate, and bay leads echoed orders back to confirm them.

They had clearly handled scenes like this before. Protocol held, the flow stayed steady, and experience carried the ward through the rush. I took notes and let them work.

“It’s different,” I said.

“Indeed,” Grace replied. “The north is used to this.”

“Your Highness.” Annel bowed and stepped closer.

I met her eyes. Earlier I had been too eager to prove what I could do. It felt pointless now. Why rush to prove anything on the first day?

“You did a good job,” I said.

Annel gave a small smile. “You might not know this, but everyone in this infirmary has worked at the palace before. We all have field time and training.”

“I didn’t think Cassian would hire anyone incompetent,” I said.

At his name, a few glances passed between them. The shift was small, but I saw it. I filed it away for later and stood.

“I was right,” I added. “Everyone here is very capable.”

I turned to Grace. “Log a reward for the ward. Hazard pay for today’s shift, hot meals sent to the Maff room, and an extra ration chit for each bay lead. Include the runners.”

“Yes, Your Highness.” She bowed and made a note. We stepped out of the infirmary and headed for the carriage.

11:18 Wed, Sep 10

Chapter 62

78

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“Your Highness… may I ask something?” Grace said as the driver opened the door. “Why didn’t you intervene more? I expected you to take over.”

“I’m new,” I said as we climbed in. “If I start giving orders without knowing their flow, I’ll be guessing. Guessing gets people hurt.”

Grace settled opposite me. “You could have led, anyway. They would have followed.”

“I don’t need them to follow me blindly,” I said. “I need them to trust that I know when to step in and when to stay out of the way. Today, their process worked. My job was to watch it, measure it, and only cut in if it failed.”

She nodded slowly. “So you were testing the system.”

“I was learning it,” I said. Making a deal with Cassian meant that I will be staying in the north for a very long time. I have to learn everything. “Let’s go to the mines…”

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“But your highness that is dangerous- they haven’t- “

“Lets go,” I interrupted as I looked outside the carriage.

Third Person POV

Annel sank onto the stool and rubbed the crease from her mask. “I expected her to storm in and try to run the ward,” she said. “Something drastic.”

“You’re nervous about her,” Petra said, stacking clamps.

“She did,” Petra said, wiping her hands. “Then she came here, set the plan, then stepped back and let us work.”

11:19 Wed, Sep 10

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