Chapter 351 - Three Hundred And Fifty

Chapter 351: Chapter Three Hundred And Fifty

The dark night was slowly giving way to the moon as it climbed high above the sky, illuminating the road as Camilla and Kade rode their horses back toward the mansion. The road was quiet, surrounded by tall dark trees.

The wind blew cold against Camilla’s face, making her shiver under her cloak. Every small bump on the path made a sharp pain shoot through her lower back and ribs, but she kept her hands firm on the leather reins. Her left arm was stinging from the cold wind, the blood on the sleeve of her shirt was already dried with a few wet patches, but she did not say a word about it.

After nearly an hour of silent riding, the high iron gates of the mansion appeared. The guards opened the gate. The two riders slowed their horses to a walk, entering the stone courtyard.

The courtyard was still and quiet. A single lantern burned softly near the stable entrance. The moment the sound of horses’ hooves clicked against the cobblestone, a young stable boy ran out from the shadows. He looked sleepy, rubbing his eyes, but as soon as he saw Lady Camilla, he bowed low, his hands trembling slightly with respect.

Camilla pulled her horse to a stop. She swung her leg over the saddle and slid down to the ground. Her feet hit the hard stone floor, and a sudden wave of dizziness hit her head. She held onto the saddle for a brief second to steady herself before letting go.

Kade quickly dismounted as well. He walked over to her side, his eyes noticing how pale her face looked under the pale moonlight.

The young stable lad stepped forward, taking the leather reins from Camilla’s hand. He bowed again.

"I will take care of the horses right away, my lady," the lad said in a quiet, respectful voice.

"Thank you," Camilla murmured softly.

Kade handed his horse’s reins to the boy as well. The lad guided the two tired horses away toward the warm, dark stables.

Camilla turned her head to look at Kade. She saw the tired dark circles under his eyes and the tension still holding his shoulders tight.

"You should go to the camp tomorrow," Camilla spoke, her voice calm and steady despite her exhaustion. "They need you there."

Kade looked at her. He knew the soldiers at the military camp were anxious and needed their lieutenant to keep order. But his main duty felt tied to this house. He looked down at her left arm. Fresh blood was slowly dripping onto her leather gloves.

He pointed his finger toward her arm. "Your arm, my lady."

Camilla looked down at the cut on her sleeve. She raised her right hand and lightly waved it off, dismissing his concern.

"It’s fine," Camilla said flatly. "It’s just a scratch. I’ll take care of it."

Kade wanted to argue. He wanted to tell her that a sword cut was never just a scratch, especially for someone who had already collapsed from total exhaustion hours ago. But when he looked into her firm eyes, he knew she would not listen to any fussing.

Kade placed his right fist over his chest and bowed deeply. "As you command, my lady. I will prepare to leave for the camp in the morning. Please... get some rest."

"Goodnight, Kade," Camilla replied softly.

Kade turned and walked toward the side guard quarters.

Camilla stood alone in the quiet courtyard for a moment. She took a deep breath of the cold air to clear her head, then turned toward the stone steps of the mansion entrance. She lifted her dark cloak slightly with her right hand and climbed the steps one by one.

She pushed open the front door. The grand foyer inside was dim,lit only by a few burning candles on the wall brackets.

Standing near the base of the grand staircase was Uncle Murry. The old man was still wearing his neat dark coat, but his face looked tired, line with deep wrinkles. He was holding a clean cloth in his hands, pacing back and forth on the marble floor. He had not retired for the night.

When the front door creaked open and Camilla walked in, Murry stopped dead in his tracks. He turned his head quickly, his eyes wide with fear and relief.

Camilla stopped walking. Despite the pain in her body and the blood on her arm, a soft, gentle smile appeared on her pale face.

"Uncle Murry," Camilla said softly, her voice filled with warmth. "How long have you been awake?"

Uncle Murry looked at her. He saw the dark leather outfit, the black hood pushed back over her shoulders, and the blood soaking through her left sleeve. His old heart sank deep into his chest. A look of worry, sadness, and fear washed over his wrinkled face.

"You’re injured, my lady," Murry spoke, his voice cracking with emotion. He took a few quick, unsteady steps toward her. "And you have barely healed from your previous injuries. You fell down the stairs only hours ago! Your head is still wrapped in bandages!"

He stopped right in front of her, his hands trembling as he stared at the blood on her arm.

"If the General wakes up and finds out..." Murry continued, his eyes welling up with tears he desperately tried to hold back. "If he sees you like this... how do I answer to him? I was supposed to take care of this house. I was supposed to keep you safe while he is helpless in bed!"

Camilla felt a sharp pang of guilt in her heart. She saw how much the old man cared for both her and Damon. She saw how heavy the burden was on his old shoulders.

She took a step closer to him. She reached out with her right hand and her injured left hand, ignoring the pain in her arm, and gently took Murry’s cold, trembling hands into her own.

"I’m sorry, Uncle Murry," Camilla said gently, looking straight into his worried eyes. Her tone was sincere and quiet. "I won’t cause you to worry again from now on. I’ll be more careful."

Murry looked down at her hands holding his. He let out a long, shaky sigh, feeling the softness and determination in her grip. He knew he could not stay angry or scold her. She had done everything to protect the General, even if it meant putting her own life in danger.

Murry nodded his head slowly. He raised one hand and gently tapped the back of her hand with a fatherly tenderness.

"You can freshen up while I call Doctor Aris," Murry said, his tone softening completely. "The doctor is resting in the east wing. He will be in the room in a few minutes."

Camilla smiled again, her eyes softening. She nodded her head. "Thank you, Uncle Murry."

She let go of his hands and walked past him, heading up the grand stairs. Murry watched her go, his heart praying silently that peace would finally return to this house.