About a week later, I began to heal as my body regained its feeling, and the aches started to dissipate with each rise and set of the sun. They gave me all the wine I could drink. So, I was in heaven. You truly cannot go wrong with pure, sweet red wine. It helped numb the pain with its strength.
The king came to check on me every couple of days. He came today to discuss some things with me. "How are you feeling today, ser Alex?"
"I am well today… It is a good day, my lord!"
"Good… very good indeed. So, Celest told me about you two."
"She did?!"
"Mhm."
"Fuck… my lord, I tried to stop her, but her persistence in the pursuit of me showed true, and soon thereafter, I couldn't resist her anymore, sire. I am…"
"Shh… I am okay with it, ser Alex. Your courage for the kingdom is what really showed truth. I know if it came down to it, you would give your life for hers… as she would for you, and I know that you would die for what's inside these walls too. That is what any father wants for his daughters. Someone who will risk it all to protect them, no matter the cost. So, you have my blessing, ser Alex."
"Tha… Thank you, sir! If there is ever a time when you are not around anymore, I WILL protect her at all costs… even though she does a damn fine job at protecting herself anyway." I promised him, as we both chuckled at her astonishing heart of character.
"I know you will… if you don't, I will haunt you from beyond the grave!" he said, as he did his famous belly laugh.
"Yes, sir!" I added, as I laughed with him.
A couple more hours rolled by, as Celest came to visit me as well.
"Hey, big guy! Share a drink with me?"
"Sure!" I confirmed as I handed her the bottle.
She took a long gulp and said, "My dad said he talked to you."
"Yeah, he did… why would you tell him about us?"
"Did the conversation not go well?"
"No, it went fine, but…"
"Well then, what are you complaining about?"
"It's just it might not have gone well, so, you got lucky, I guess… but next time, talk to me before handling it on your own, okay?" I told her.
"Yes, I will! Sorry about that, my love."
"It's okay, worry not," I assured her.
She then kissed me and said, "I love you."
"I love you too… forever, my lady."
"Forever, ser Alex."
She then walked away, as she slowly let go of my hand and blew me a kiss.
My heart felt full of love, and it did feel good that it wasn't something to hide anymore. I realized that I was very much in love with Celest, as I felt like I couldn't stand to be away from her and felt nothing but positive, passionate, and strong feelings for her. I needed her, and I hoped she needed me, too.