Chapter 287: The Comfort of Silence
Lyria's POV
"I t-told you I could s-stand though," I said, my voice still carrying a note of protest as I looked down at the Duke's head resting comfortably in my lap.
Duke Valenridge seemed perfectly content, his breathing slow and even, as though he had already begun to drift toward sleep.
"Perhaps you have forgotten," he said, his voice drowsy, "that you have only recently begun recovering. Standing for an extended period would not be wise. You need to conserve your strength."
"My s-shoes are p-padded," I said, trying another angle. "T-they are quite comfortable. I c-could stand for h-hours without i-issue."
He was quiet for a moment, as though considering this. Then he spoke again.
"Padded shoes do not negate the fact that you are still healing," he said. "Your body requires rest, not additional strain. You may feel well now, but pushing yourself too soon could cause a relapse."
