Chapter 393 - Side Story (Gladiolus)(6)(unedited) (2/2)

”If I swim for help now…” Anatalia was deep in thought about thinking of swimming in the dangerous current to seek help when she felt someone grab her hand. When she looked, Gladiolus had his eyes half open.

”Don't go.” Gladiolus said with a weak voice. ”It is dangerous out there.”

”Gladi!” Anatalia was surprised to tears seeing Gladiolus conscious. ”Why did you not tell me that you were hit by a poisoned arrow? I would have treated it immediately when we were still out of danger.”

”I am sorry. I never thought it was poisoned.” Gladiolus said with a weak smile. ”If I just knew…” he trailed off.

”It does not matter anymore. What we need now is to get you an antidote and fast.” Anatalia said. ”If I just swim out and seek help, then…”

”No, don't go.” Gladiolus repeated. ”You can see how strong the current is. Even if you are a siren and a good swimmer, that current can cut your body to shreds.”

Anatalia was silent with what Gladiolus had just said, because she knew that what he just said was true. But she was determined to go and face such dangers just to save Gladiolus' life.

”I am fine, do not worry. It is just a slight scratch. I am sure I can endure.” Gladiolus said while Anatalia looked at him nearly in tears. He put his hand on her cheek and rubbed the tears away with his thumb. ”I do not want you to go into such dangers because of me.”

”What do you mean because of you?” Anatalia said with slight agitations. ”I am doing this because it is specifically you. It is because I love you!” She said with irritation. Gladiolus was in a state of shock with her words.

”Can you repeat that?” Gladiolus asked. ”What did you just say?”

”I said 'I love you'.” Anatalia repeated and blushed.

”Really? You love me? Gladiolus had a huge smile on his face. ”I am the most happiest man right now. I want to hug you.” He was about to sit up but Anatalia pushed him back down.

”You are a patient so stay down.” Anatalia said with a red face. ”If you do not want me to go then at least let me suck the poison out of your wound. It will at least stop it from spreading.”

”Will that be fine?” Gladiolus asked.

”I am the imperial doctor, remember?” Anatalia replied and Gladiolus just stayed silent.

Anatalia started to suck the wound and spit out blood that she had s.u.c.k.e.d. She did it a few more times while Gladiolus was visibly in pain.

”There, all done.” Anatalia said. ”Once the tide subsides, I will go and get help immediately.”

”Okay.” Gladiolus agreed. ”But for now, stay here with me.”

Gladiolus opened his arms asking Anatalia to go in his embrace. Anatalia saw that she was still in her wet clothes. She cannot let Gladiolus be cold while his body had just been poisoned. She thought twice but opted to take off her clothes with leaving her under garments on. She slowly got into Gladiolus embrace and put the blanket over them.

”Hmm, I would love to get used to this.” Gladiolus said while embracing Anatalia close to him.

”I-I will keep your body warm.” Anatlia said shyly.

”I love you, Ana.” Gladiolus whispered to her and kissed her forehead that made Anatalia blush even more.

”I love you too.”

The two were curled up under the blanket while the fire was cracking at the fireplace.