Chapter 470 His Promise
Ethan's words made Ashley unable to meet his gaze.
She kept her eyes downcast, allowing her bangs to hide her emotions. "How could I possibly be jealous? It's not like I have feelings for you."
Ethan felt a gnawing sensation in his chest, both irritating and painful.
An awkward silence fell between them.
"Your Highness, the doctor has arrived."
"Send him in."
The physician entered the bedchamber with medical equipment and conducted a series of examinations on Ashley. "Your Highness, the conclusion remains the same as before—her internal organs are intact, but her external injuries are severe. She requires a specific ointment, otherwise scarring is inevitable."
"Then what are you waiting for? Have the ointment brought here immediately," Ethan commanded.
"Your Highness, I've given you all I have. Use it sparingly. This particular healing salve can only be obtained from a renowned healer in Aivalia, and acquiring it requires certain procedures."
"A healer from Aivalia?" Ethan inquired. "What's their name?"
"They call him Asclepius."
Ethan furrowed his brow. Asclepius? Why did that name sound so familiar?
"I'm giving you three days to contact Asclepius and purchase more of the healing salve. I only have half a bottle left, and we cannot run out before she recovers."
Ashley's injuries covered her entire body, and each application consumed a third of the remaining ointment.
"As you wish, Your Highness."
After the doctor departed, Ethan took out the medicine bottle. "Pearl, it's time to apply the salve."
Ashley's cheeks flushed. "I can do it myself."
"Your hands are trembling. It's impossible for you to apply it properly. Let me help," Ethan insisted.
"You needn't trouble yourself," Ashley protested, embarrassed. "If you're concerned, a lady's maid could assist me."
Ethan gave her a mischievous smile. "What's this? Feeling shy?"
He whispered in her ear, "There isn't a part of you I haven't seen. After rescuing you from the dungeon, I personally cleaned your wounds and applied the medicine."
Ashley was speechless.
Her face turned crimson, her eyes revealing a complex mixture of emotions—embarrassment, awkwardness, and attraction.
Unfortunately, Ethan was focused on opening the medicine container and missed the sentiment in her eyes.
With gentle hands, Ethan supported Ashley's shoulders, helping her lie back down. "Applying the medicine will sting. Try to bear with it."
Ashley's heart raced inexplicably, her hands trembling involuntarily.
Using a cotton swab, Ethan applied the salve to Ashley's skin. Initially, it felt cool and soothing, but soon it felt as though insects were crawling into her wounds. The pain made her cry out several times.
"Don't be afraid. I'll be gentle," Ethan's voice was infinitely tender.
Tears welled in Ashley's eyes, yet his gentle voice provided an intangible sense of security as she bit her lip, enduring each painful application.
Ethan tried to be as delicate as possible, but Ashley was still in pain. He worked with such careful attention that beads of cold sweat formed on his brow.
Having only treated her hands and feet thus far, Ashley already felt tormented.
"Pearl, I've finished with your hands and feet. Now I need to treat the wounds on your body," Ethan explained.
"Okay," Ashley's voice was weak.
Ethan carefully unfastened her clothes, revealing skin marked everywhere with lash wounds. The sight pierced his heart. He tenderly applied the medicine, tears forming in his eyes.
Teardrops fell from Ethan's cheeks.
Ashley, enduring the pain, suddenly heard Ethan's sobbing. "Your Highness, why are you crying?" she asked, surprised.
Ethan covered his face in anguish, not wanting her to see him in such a vulnerable state.
"Pearl, you belong with me," he declared. "As long as I'm here, no one will ever hurt you again!"
This was his promise to her.
And the only promise Ethan had ever made to a woman.
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