Primrose squeezed his hand back, her voice breaking into a soft whimper. "But it hurts me too, seeing you suffer like this!" Her eyes shimmered with tears as she whispered, "I love you just as much, Edmund ... and I don’t want anything bad to happen to you either."
Yet deep down, she knew there was no easy choice.
To protect their child, both of them had to give up their comfort and strength. Primrose carried their baby in her womb, while Edmund poured his magic into her every day to keep them safe.
If even one of them refused to endure this burden, then everything they hoped for ... could be lost.
Edmund tightened his hold on her hand, his thumb brushing against her trembling fingers. "Wife ... don’t cry," he whispered, his voice hoarse but gentle. "This is nothing compared to what you’re carrying for us. You’re the one who deserves to be protected."
Primrose shook her head firmly. "No, Edmund. You’ve given just as much as I have. We’ve been protecting our child together."
Dr. Celdric, who had been quietly watching their tender exchange, finally cleared his throat. "Both of you are right, Your Majesties. This responsibility cannot rest on only one side."
Before either of them could respond, he added more firmly, "But I must be clear, Your Majesty." His gaze softened as he looked at Primrose, who seemed on the verge of tears. "His Majesty will be fine after a full day or two of proper rest."
[Maybe even half a day would be enough,] Dr. Celdric thought wryly. [They make this small fever look as if His Majesty were lying half-dead on the battlefield. The maids and soldiers were right, their love shines so brightly, it almost blinds anyone who looks too closely.
But her poor husband really did look like he was on the verge of death. His face was pale, his lips dry, and he seemed as though he could wither away at any moment!
"Are you sure?" Primrose asked nervously, her voice trembling. "You’re certain it isn’t something dangerous? Something that could drain his magic and then ... then take my husband away from me?"
[Take His Majesty’s life?] Dr. Celdric muttered inwardly, almost rolling his eyes. [His body is immune to poisons and illnesses alike. There’s no way something that simple could kill him.]
"I am completely certain, Your Majesty," Dr. Celdric said firmly. "I will give him medicine to reduce the fever, and after that, I strongly suggest His Majesty take proper rest for at least one full day."
"I have ... many things to do today," Edmund muttered, stubborn even in weakness.
In his mind, he added, [I even promised Sir Callen that I would conduct the royal guard’s test today. He might be disappointed if I cancel it suddenly.]
"No, you’re not!" Primrose cut him off firmly. "I’ll ask Sir Dorne and Sir Leofric to handle your duties. The only thing you need to do right now is rest!"
"Her Majesty is right," Dr. Celdric said to Edmund. "If you force yourself to work, your fever will only get worse, and there’s a chance you won’t be able to channel your magic to Her Majesty. That would put her and your future heir at risk."
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