Allie’s maids really were fiercely loyal to her—especially Bella, even if it was to the detriment of her own health.
Weirdly, I felt better knowing she had such a strong ally on her side. Bella looked sweet, but I had no doubt she would hold her own. She had to be able to if she was serving Allie so diligently.
God only knew she was a handful.
I kicked off my shoes at the end of the bed and sat down next to her. She looked so peaceful. There was some colour in her cheeks compared to this morning, and that made me smile as I brushed the back of my fingers over her cheek.
She felt warmer, too, as if the life was slowly returning to her.
“Wake up soon, my Allie,” I said softly, lying down on the bed next to her. I propped my head up on my arm so I could see her, but she didn’t so much as blink at my closeness. “I miss you and your smile. I’m going crazy without you here.”
I watched her as if she would respond to me.
Stupid.
She still hadn’t even twitched.
“Bella and Annie have been taking good care of you. They bathed and changed you earlier, although I had to tell Bella to get a sleeping potion. She’s too worried to sleep properly.” I traced her delicate features with my fingertip. “Rina’s been here, too, and she’s punishing herself for not being able to protect you. You need to knock some sense into these women. We’re all just waiting for you to wake up.”
I linked my fingers through hers and brought the back of her hand to my face. Her skin was so soft, and I closed my eyes as I brushed my lips against her hand.
“Come back to me, Allie,” I whispered. “Please.”
Chapter Thirty-Seven – Alicia
The Original Alicia
I was back at Stein Castle.
No, my body wasn’t.
This was… a memory.
But it wasn’t mine. Not in this life.
Stein Castle wasn’t this lively. Endless streams of people were running in and out of the castle gates—everyone from happy children to vendors with their carts and carriages being pulled by horses. Laughter rang out through the air as both nobles and commoners mixed together, and there was a pang in my heart at the sight.
This was familiar.
This… was preparations for Kalon’s birthday party.
How did I know that? We hadn’t spent a birthday together.
My viewpoint changed from the front of the castle to a room I vaguely recognised as Kalon’s office. He sat in his place behind the desk, just as handsome as he was now, but perhaps another couple of years older.
“Your Highness!” The office door burst open, and a frazzled Sir Hayes darted into the room. “The Crown Princess won’t stay in bed!”
The who now?
“Stop fussing, Hayes,” my own voice said. “I haven’t thrown up today, and I need to stretch my legs.”
Alicia appeared in the doorway, wearing a dress that flowed gently over a small baby bump.
Oh, God.
I was pregnant in this timeline.
And… the Crown Princess?
