The next morning, Derek woke up and noticed that Nora was lying motionless on the bed, her skin flushed and glistening with sweat.

“Daphne?” Derek's voice trembled with concern etched on his face.

She stirred, her eyes half open, clouded with fever. “My King,” she whispered, her voice barely audible.

Derek rushed to her side, feeling her scorching forehead. “Daphne, you are burning up.”

Nora lifted her hand weakly, and Derek grasped it tightly, “How long have you been like this?” he asked, his curiosity pique.

Nora blinked and responded. “I don't know,” she muttered feebly.

The thought of anything bad happening to her made his core churn. His chest...