[ELARA'S POV]
Three days.
That's how long Dr. Chen kept Damian on strict bedrest. Three days of him lying in our bed hooked up to monitors while I sat beside him counting every beep, every breath, every sign that he was still okay.
His rib hadn't shifted. The lung was fine. But he was still weak. Still bruised. Still healing.
And still stubborn as hell.
"I need to check the security reports." He tried to sit up for the fifth time that morning. Winced. Pressed his hand to his wrapped ribs.
I pushed him back down. Gently but firmly.
"You need to stay still."
"Elara..."
"Still, Damian. Doctor's orders."
He looked at me. Gray eyes tired but clear. The morphine was wearing off. He'd refused another dose this morning. Said he needed to think straight.
Marguerite appeared in the doorway with a tea tray. She moved into the room like she owned it. Which technically she did.
"You are being difficult." She set the tray on the nightstand. "Drink this. It will help with the pain."
