Return of the Crowned Heiress

Since yesterday afternoon, Felicia had been working nonstop-first delivering supplies to Hillfort, then searching the mountains for Lucas, later falling into the rapids, and finally ending up here. She was utterly drained but she managed to summon the last of her energy, waving branches and jumping to signal to the helicopter above.

Her efforts paid off; the helicopter circled twice overhead before slowly descending as she watched in relief.

She stepped back as it landed on a large, flat area by the stream. Several of Stephan's men jumped out. Felicia recognized them-they had been with him outside Macey's house the other night. Seeing her, they greeted her politely, bowing slightly. "Hello, Ms. Fuller."

She was taken aback by their sudden respectfulness but replied, "Hello."

The last time they had met, they had been indifferent and neutral. Now, there was an unmistakable warmth and deference.

What happened?

but shrugged it off and pointed to the small

saw Stephan, their jaws dropped

His clothes were smeared with dirt, ripped in several places, and he had lost his shoes-a look they had never thought possible for him. Even with his pale face from injury, his gaze was

they greeted him, heads

got up, glancing at the fire still burning in the cabin. One

As Stephan stepped in, he saw her rummaging through a pile of supplies, sounding

kit. "Lift your shirt. Let me treat

had been no way to clean his wounds yesterday, and the two of them had barely stayed warm by huddling near the fire. Now that they had medical supplies, it was time

care for his wounds.

cooperated as she carefully unwrapped the fabric from his wound. Then, she cleaned, disinfected, and applied fresh bandages. Neither of them spoke. Each of Stephan's men focused on their tasks, doing everything

the helicopter lifted off, filling the air with the roar of its blades, Felicia worked in silence. Then, out of nowhere, he asked, "Did you strip me of my clothes yesterday?"