Caleb is talking about the swelling red on my cheek. The bruise that has been forming since Kira slapped me. But so much has happened since then. It’s hard for me to focus, to keep track. Deciding whether or not to reveal Kira as the culprit of this particular injury requires more critical thinking than I’m capable of in the moment.
Likely realizing that, Caleb softens his gaze and tells me, “You’re safe now.”
In Caleb’s presence, I know I’m safe. He will always protect me. Slowly, that helps me further recover from my shock. It helps when the bodies are gone and the servants begin cleaning up the bloodstains.
Caleb’s outfit is still in tatters, however. For a man about to be married, he looks like he just walked out of a warzone.
One of Caleb’s advisors steps forward. “King Caleb, for
