SWNOVELXO Chapter 98: His Care
Raelynn stirred awake, her body heavy and her throat dry, a dull ache throbbing behind her eyes. Every small movement made her body ache, and even turning her head felt like too much effort. She squinted at the dim room, the weak morning light barely sneaking past the thick curtains. It took a moment for her eyes to focus, and when they did, they landed on Elion.
He was slumped in a chair beside her bed, his usually perfect posture abandoned as he dozed off. His posture was relaxed, chin down and arms resting casually across his chest. It was strange, seeing him like this.
The Elion she knew was always in control, every move precise, his piercing gaze able to silence a room. But right now, sitting quietly in the room, he seemed almost like an ordinary guy.
Raelynn allowed herself a rare moment of reflection. Last night's fever-induced haze had blurred the details, but she remembered enough—the water, his frantic worry, the way he'd stayed by her side. He hadn't left her, not even for a moment. Why? The logical answer was the baby. Their child bound them in ways she couldn't deny. But was that the only reason?
Her quiet moment was interrupted by a sharp, unexpected cough. She tried to suppress it, but it was no use. Her chest rattled with each heave, and the sound was enough to wake Elion.
He stirred, blinking rapidly as his sharp senses kicked in. He looked at her immediately, his brows pulling together. "You're awake. How are you feeling?"
"Like I've been hit by a very slow-moving carriage," Raelynn muttered, managing a faint, teasing smile.
Elion's lips twitched, but his concern didn't waver. He leaned forward, his gaze scanning her pale face and sluggish movements. "You don't look fine."
"I'll live," she said lightly, though her voice lacked its usual strength. She shifted, trying to sit up, but Elion was already at her side, gently pressing her back down.
"Stay in bed," he ordered. "You're not going anywhere today."
Raelynn raised an eyebrow. "Since when did you start playing nurse?"
He adjusted his posture, his expression carefully neutral. "Since someone decided to make a habit of scaring me half to death," he muttered, deflecting with his usual dry humor.
She let out a faint laugh, but even that left her breathless. Elion's frown deepened, and he reached to adjust the blankets around her. The way he held her was softer than she expected, as if she might shatter in his hands.
"I'm fine, Elion," she murmured, though her voice lacked conviction.
He didn't reply immediately, his focus entirely on ensuring her comfort. "You're a terrible liar."
Before Raelynn could respond, Elion stepped back. "Stay here," he instructed, as though she had any other option. He disappeared out the door, leaving the room eerily quiet in his absence.
A few minutes later, the door opened again, and Elion returned with Sloane in tow. The doctor shuffled in, looking half-awake, her messy bun barely holding her hair and her bag swinging lazily from her hand.
"So," Sloane said, yawning as she walked over."What happened this time?"
Elion folded his arms and leaned casually against the wall. "She had a fever last night, so I stayed to keep an eye on her."
Sloane glanced quickly at Raelynn before turning her sharp eyes back to Elion. "You stayed here all night?"
"Yes," he replied flatly, like it was no big deal.
Sloane smirked but said nothing. She walked up to the bed, slipping into full doctor mode as she started her check-up. She measured Raelynn's temperature, felt for her pulse, and listened to her breathing, her face calm but focused.
"Well?" he pressed, his voice coming out a little harsher than he'd meant.
Sloane gave him a look, her expression making it clear she wasn't amused by his attitude. "The fever's down for now, but it might come back if she doesn't take it easy. Pregnancy weakens the immune system, remember? She needs sleep, water, and a proper meal."
Elion nodded. "I'll make sure of it."
Sloane rolled her eyes. "You could start by asking someone to make her porridge. Or better yet, call Hera to help."
Elion hesitated for a moment, then nodded again, surprising both women by leaving without argument.
As soon as the door closed behind him, Sloane turned to Raelynn, her smirk returning. "You know," she said casually, packing up her bag, "I've never seen him like this."
"Like what?" Raelynn asked, though her cheeks betrayed her, blooming with warmth.
Sloane smirked, one eyebrow raised. "Like a man who cares about more than just his duty."
"It's not like that," she said quickly. "It's because of the baby. He's just... being cautious. He's just only worried if me being sick might affect the baby. That's all," she said, resting a hand over her stomach.
Sloane let out a soft chuckle, shaking her head she fiddled with the leaves of a plant on the bedside table. "Raelynn," she said with a knowing look, "trust me. I've known him for a long time, longer than you. And in all that time, I've never seen him care about a woman like this. Not once. It's not only because of your baby."
Raelynn was about to snap back, her defenses kicking in, but a harsh cough stopped her short. She turned her head, quickly covering her mouth with her hand as her body shook from the force of it.
"Whoa, easy there," Sloane said, stepping closer to pat her back gently. "Breathe, Raelynn. Just breathe."
After a few seconds, the coughing finally stopped, but her throat burned, and she felt embarrassed. She coughed lightly, her voice scratchy as she muttered, "I'm fine."
She shot her a look, the teasing grin on her face mellowing into something more genuine. "Sure you are," she said lightly.
She looked away, her thoughts spinning. Did Elion really care? Or was it just the baby?
Sloane chuckled, clearly amused by her reaction. "Rest up," she said, patting Raelynn's hand. "And don't overthink it. You'll drive yourself crazy."
And with that, Sloane walked out, leaving Raelynn to sort through her messy thoughts.