Rebellious Love

ﮩ٨ـﮩAbigailﮩ٨ـﮩ

I groaned softly as I slowly opened my eyes, the familiar ceiling coming into view. For a moment, I just stared, letting reality sink in.

So... I'm really alive, huh?

I scoffed quietly at the thought, feeling the dull ache spread through my body as I tried to move. Every muscle protested, reminding me of whatever happened before I blacked out.

How long was I asleep? I have no idea.

Turning my head to the side, I noticed familiar armor stacked neatly against the tent wall. The distant clatter of weapons and murmurs outside confirmed it — I was back at one of the military headquarters near the borders.

I sighed in relief. If I'm safe, that means Philip must've gotten help just in time. The thought eased some of the tension in my chest.

Groaning, I forced myself to sit up, biting back a sharp hiss as pain shot through my bandaged waist. The wound burned like fire, but I couldn't afford to stay down. Gritting my teeth, I swung my legs over the edge of the cot and slowly stood up, every movement sending fresh waves of agony through my body.

My eyes caught a fresh shirt neatly folded nearby. I grabbed it and carefully slipped it on, wincing as the fabric brushed against my injured side. Steadying myself as I slowly went to the table where a bottle of water is placed, trying to ignore the dizziness creeping in.

This is not good at all... Dammit. I failed myself again, getting hurt in battle. I need to train harder... be better. I clenched my fists, anger bubbling beneath the pain.

Before I could think further, I heard the cloth door of the tent rustle open but no one came in.

Well, that's... confusing.

Suddenly, I heard a soldier's panicked voice outside. "The Princess's body is missing from the tent!"

What the fuck?!

Wait... I'm not a ghost, am I? No, that's ridiculous. If I were a ghost, I'd still see my body lying on the bed when I stood up. That soldier must've freaked out when he saw the empty bed and jumped to the worst conclusion.

I sighed, shaking my head as I leaned against the table, grabbing a cup of water to steady myself. The cool liquid soothed my dry throat, though it did little to ease the dull ache in my side.

As expected, the generals from nearby rushed into the tent, their faces tense and alert.

"Morning," I greeted casually, raising my cup toward them before taking another sip. Their stunned expressions were almost worth the trouble.

As I set the cup down, Arthur suddenly rushed in and pulled me into a tight hug, his arms wrapping around me like a protective shield.

"Ow ow ow ow..." I winced, the sharp pain in my side flaring up instantly.

Arthur quickly loosened his grip but didn't let go entirely. "You're awake..." he whispered, his voice shaky with relief. "We thought... I thought—"

I sighed, resting my forehead against his shoulder. "I'm fine... well, mostly. Just try not to crush me next time."

He let out a strained chuckle, still holding me gently. "No promises."

"Well, glad you survived after I saved your ass," I said with a smirk, trying to ignore the lingering ache in my side.

Arthur scoffed, smirking right back. "And I'm glad you finally woke up after a week of being a vegetable. But hey, good to have you back, sister."

His teasing tone was familiar, comforting even. I rolled my eyes but couldn't help the small smile tugging at my lips. "A week, huh? Guess I needed the beauty sleep."