Chapter 23 - Uncertain Future

Eric POV

I had cringed internally when I had threatened Julia. I never wanted to do that to her, but I realized if I did not tell her bluntly that she was stuck here, she would have tried walking back to the city. And with the rogues that surround the kingdom, that would be tragic for all of us.

I moved forwards, hearing her quiet footsteps behind me. They lacked confidence, like she was afraid to take a wrong step. I turned around, extending my hand to her, which she continued to ignore. Before I turned back, I noticed she was looking flushed again. “How are you feeling?” I asked.

“Fine,” Julia replied coldly. I knew she was not fine. There was something wrong with her. “Why didn’t you tell me your birthday was today?” I asked her. “It did not seem overly important given everything that has been happening,” she replied. She paused for a moment, bending slightly as if she were experiencing pain.

I took a