"Ethan!" Valerius Evander shouted in shock. He rushed over, catching Ethan’s weakened body. His hands trembled as he desperately tried to press against the wound on Ethan’s neck, but the warm blood continued to pour out, staining Valerius’ hands red.
Ethan’s body felt completely drained, his phoenix eyes slowly closing as a faint smile appeared on his lips, finally tasting the freedom he'd longed for. The coldness crept in, and darkness began to envelop him.
“Fetch the physician! Immediately! Hurry!” Valerius yelled in panic.
“Ethan! You can’t die! Open your eyes and look at me!” Valerius pleaded, but only silence answered him.
Doctor Henry Thorne was called urgently. As he entered the room, he froze at the chaotic, intimate scene before him—pillows and blankets strewn across the floor, the two men’s clothes disheveled, and blood pooling on the ground.
The moment Valerius saw Henry, he commanded, “Hurry! Save him!”
Doctor Henry rushed over and carefully examined Ethan’s wound. His voice trembled with urgency as he reported, “Your Majesty, he has lost too much blood. His pulse is incredibly weak.”
Valerius’ voice turned menacing, his eyes blazing with fury, “No matter the cost, you must save him. If he dies, you won’t keep your head!”
Henry shuddered, not daring to delay. He quickly pulled out herbs and bandages, beginning the process of stopping the bleeding. Blood still trickled from the wound, soaking Henry’s hands as he worked.
Valerius couldn't believe that Ethan—so gentle and fragile every day—would risk his life so recklessly. If Ethan died, Valerius knew he could never forgive himself. His own rage and obsession had pushed Ethan to the point of suicide. "I should have controlled myself... I shouldn’t have forced him," Valerius berated himself in agony.
Doctor Henry’s voice broke through Valerius’ thoughts. “Your Majesty, the bleeding has been stopped, but His Highness has lost too much blood. His condition is critical. We must monitor him closely. If he makes it through the night, he may have a chance to recover.”
Valerius, trying to contain his emotions, ordered, “You are to stay here and watch him day and night. Do not slack off.”
Remembering something crucial, Valerius turned his fierce gaze on Henry, his voice cold and threatening. “What you’ve witnessed here today—choose your words carefully. You know the consequences if you speak out.”
Henry trembled and bowed deeply, “I understand, Your Majesty.”
No one, aside from the doctor and Valerius, was allowed to enter Ethan’s chamber. Valerius personally oversaw every detail, from the medicine to the food, ensuring nothing was left to chance. He ordered Henry to prepare the finest medicine, and demanded that the most nourishing meals, regardless of cost or rarity, be brought to restore Ethan from the brink of death.
Valerius never left Ethan’s side, attending to his every need. From changing his clothes to cleaning his wounds, he did it all himself. Gazing down at Ethan’s frail body, marked with the brutal signs of violence and the still bleeding wounds from their lovemaking, that he had inflicted on Ethan, made him sigh in disbelief, unable to understand how he could have done such a thing to him.""I must have been insane... to do something so beastly."
“Ethan... You must be in so much pain. I’m sorry,” Valerius whispered as he gently stroked Ethan’s pale face.
The soft steps of the palace maid bringing food and medicine echoed through the chamber. She quietly placed the tray on the table and silently retreated.
Valerius took the bowl of porridge, sipped a small amount, and then gently parted Ethan’s lips. Pressing his mouth to Ethan’s, he slowly used his tongue to push the porridge down Ethan’s throat, attempting to breathe life back into the cold, fragile body. Each movement was careful, until the porridge and medicine were finished.
Outside the door, Reed Jace and Leo Grant paced anxiously. Earlier that afternoon, before leaving the palace, Harrison Ryder had been uneasy, sensing something amiss. He had pulled Leo aside with an urgent request, "If anything happens to His Highness, report to me immediately."
After inquiring from Doctor Henry Thorne, Leo Grant learned that Ethan Caelan's condition was extremely critical, with a grim prognosis—he might not survive the night. He quickly went to General Ryder’s residence to inform Harrison Ryder.
Upon hearing the news, Harrison was utterly shocked. "When I left the palace, His Highness was still in good health. How could his life be hanging by a thread now?"
Leo Grant replied, "Since the Emperor arrived, no one has been allowed to enter the room. Shortly after, the Royal Physician was summoned. When he came out, his hands were covered in blood."
Harrison pondered for a moment before responding, "There must be something deeper going on here. I’ll head to the Jade Heart Palace tonight."
"Aren't you forbidden from entering the palace?" Leo asked, concerned.
"Don't worry, I have my ways," Harrison answered, his eyes flashing with determination.
As night fell, Harrison quietly slipped into the Jade Heart Palace. With his agile skills, he easily avoided the guards, scaling the high walls before climbing onto the roof. Removing a tile, he peered into Ethan Caelan’s chamber.
Through the gap, Harrison saw Valerius Evander sitting by Ethan’s side, the dim candlelight casting shadows on the Emperor's tense face. Ethan lay motionless, his face pale as death. Seeing this, Harrison’s heart wrenched in agony.
Suddenly, Harrison’s eyes widened in disbelief. Valerius carefully lifted a bowl of porridge, gently blowing on it to cool it down. Then... he lowered his lips to spoon-feed Ethan with his mouth. His lips brushed Ethan’s delicate lips, transferring small amounts of the warm porridge to his lifeless form. The sight before him left Harrison utterly speechless.
“The Emperor... is doing this?” Harrison mumbled, stunned. A whirlwind of confusion and disbelief swirled inside him. The man he had known as a cold, distant ruler was now displaying a level of care and intimacy beyond imagination. The Emperor was using his own mouth a gesture reserved only for someone deeply beloved.