Rena sat on a chair as she watched a nurse clean and stitch the wound on Jurina's arm. It wasn't long but it was quite deep and it stained her chainmail a crimson color. Every time the cloth of alcohol came down onto the wound, Rena flinched when she heard Jurina hiss in pain. The nurse finished up quickly and wrapped the wound, warning Jurina not to strain her arm for at least a week so the wound could close properly. Jurina agreed and Rena followed Jurina out.
"Rena-chan… meet me for dinner tonight… in my room please. I'll send a maid to call you… I have to go address the people."
"But you shou—"
"Don't worry Rena-chan… I'll be fine."
Jurina stroked Rena's cheek lightly before turning around and walking out to the courtyard where her men awaited her orders. Rena just sighed at the stubborn prince before she went to take a bath and get ready for the dinner. As she sat in the warm waters, she looked at the scar on her stomach. She remembered the time when a rogue came by and she caught him stealing something. He stabbed her with a knife and left her to bleed to death. But a young girl found her and called for help. The little girl kept talking to her, telling her that she had to be alright because one day, she will marry her. She never did find out who that little girl was. She got out of the bath and made her way back to her room to get dressed. She found a silk red one piece dress that hugged her curves perfectly and she put it on and adjusted it so it was perfect and got ready. A soft knock came from her door and she turned to look at it.
"Yes?"
"Jurina-sama has requested your presence, Lady Rena."
"Ah… I'll be right there."
She quickly finished up tying her hair in a half up half down way and stepped out. She walked to Jurina's room and knocked lightly.
"Come in…"
She pushed the door open and walked into the bedroom. Someone had set up a table with candles and roses. Jurina was standing by a chair and when Rena looked to her, she pulled out the chair and gestured for her to have a seat. Once Rena sat down, Jurina went back over and sat down herself. The chefs came in and brought out the appetizers. As they ate, Rena watched Jurina. She seemed to have difficulty eating and she seemed extremely tired. After watching her struggle for a bit longer, Rena pulled her chair over and took the utensils out of Jurina's hand.
"Wha-?"
"Say 'ahhh' Jurina-chan."
"What…? I- I can eat by myse—"
"Open wide…"
Jurina had no choice but to relent and allowed Rena to feed her. Rena kept feeding her while ignoring her own food and Jurina attempted to refuse the first few times but later gave in. Halfway through the entrée, Rena decided to ask what was nagging at her since the start of the dinner.
"Ne… Jurina-chan…?"
"Hmm…?"
"You're so tired… yet you asked me to have dinner with you… why? Why didn't you just rest?"
"Because… I haven't had dinner with Rena-chan in so long… I wanted to eat with you as soon as possible… but it seems that instead of having a normal dinner, I'm being fed."
"It's okay… but you shouldn't push yourself! It's not good for you!"
"I know…"
Jurina finished eating and Rena went back to eat her plate. Jurina just observed her with a soft smile on her face and they began to chat. Jurina asked her what she had done while she was gone and Rena told her how she tended to the garden and found Yuko having a stare off with a squirrel. Jurina laughed lightly at that and she seemed genuinely interested in what Rena has to say. She gave Rena her undivided attention and it made Rena happy. Once done, Jurina said she needed to take a bath before bed since she still reeked of blood and dirt. Rena helped Jurina into the bath and she herself decided to take another one. She washed Jurina's back and hair, being sure not to get any soap into the wound. As they sat in the water, Rena noticed Jurina starting to fall asleep. She swam over and kissed the sleepy prince on the cheek before smiling at the surprised girl.
"No sleeping in the tub Jurina-chan!"
"Mmm…"
Rena laughed and help Jurina out of the bath. She couldn't help but notice the tight abs that rippled every time she moved her upper body or how her toned arms felt when Rena helped her out. She loved the feeling of Jurina's soft skin on hers and how the girl's body would fit perfectly with hers… then, suddenly, she realized what she was thinking and she shook her head.
"What's wrong Rena-chan…?"
"Eh..? Nothing… let's get you back to your room."
Rena helped Jurina dry off and dress into her night clothes and dressed herself before going back to Jurina's bedroom. The maids had cleared out the table and chairs and now, it was just a regular bedroom. She helped Jurina into bed and rolled up her sleeves before cleaning and dressing the wound. It had healed somewhat already and that surprised Rena. Jurina healing so fast that it was already closing after the first day back. Suddenly, the door opened and in walked the Brigadier General and another girl.
"Matsui-san, good evening. Your highness… I have news of the recent attack on the village 50 miles from here. Nothing as bad as before but the Field Marshall is willing to take some men out right now and take a look and see what can be done."
"Are you sure you're up for it Shiori-chan?"
"Of course your highness."
"Then so be it. Do what you think is right."
"Yes ma'am."
"Oh and… Rena-chan… meet our Field Marshal, Shiori Michishige."
"Pleasure to meet you Matsui-sama."
Rena returned the bow and the two left the quarters. Rena turned to Jurina and finished dressing the wound before putting the bandages away. She tucked Jurina in and placed a lingering kiss on the prince's forehead before turning to leave. She felt a hand grab her and she turned around.
"Ne… Rena-chan…"
"Yes…?"
"Will you… do me a favor…?"
"What is it…?"
"Stay with me… tonight… please… I'll have nightmares…"
"Nightmares…?"
"Of them being slaughtered… the villagers… the innocents… we didn't get to the last village on time… we watched as they were cut down and slaughtered like pigs… all of them… even the children… why… didn't we get there on time? If only... if only…"
Rena quickly got into the bed with the sobbing girl and held her tight. She whispered soothing words into the young girl's ear as she placed kisses on her head, attempting to hush her.
"It's okay… I'll be here with you tonight… and whenever you need me… I'll be right here next to you."
That night, Jurina right when Jurina started thrashing and crying, Rena would immediately grabbed her and hold onto her. It stopped the girl's frantic movements and ragged breathing and she returned to normal. This happened a few more times and each time, it broke Rena's heart more and more.
