Bound To The Ice Dragon King
Chapter 53: Spoon feeding

Chapter 53: Spoon feeding

Opening his eyes, he muttered, "It doesn’t matter. The important thing is that you’ve returned. And now that you’re back, nothing will separate us again. I refuse to let you depart once more." His words exuded unwavering confidence, resembling a tyrant addressing his beloved.

Rhea nearly spat out the water in her mouth. Hastily swallowing it, she placed the jar down and declared, "You have no authority over me to control me. As long as I have my limbs intact, you cannot force me to remain by your side forever. However, since you are still injured, I would consider staying with you until you fully recover. My only duty is to protect you from being killed, nothing more."

Draven turned his head to face Rhea, focusing on her last statement. He inquired with an amused look, "How do you plan on protecting me from being killed?"

"I know someone who excels at creating masks to conceal any scent. Perhaps we should visit her after you have recovered, to mask your strong dragon scent."

Agreeing with a nod, Draven asked, "Where does this person reside?"

"She resides in the capital city, naturally."

"Very well, then we will depart for the capital tomorrow," he declared. However, Rhea shot him a stern look and stated, "With all your injuries? Don’t even consider traveling that far in your current condition. If we were to depart tomorrow, it would only worsen your state. Let us nurse you back to health before discussing any travel plans."

She couldn’t afford to take any risks. Rhea wasn’t prepared to experience his excruciating pain once again. It would be wiser to care for him until he fully recovered before broaching the subject of traveling, Rhea concluded. Even though she wanted to keep her distance from the dragon, she couldn’t for now. The only way to be able to do so would be after making sure he wouldn’t get himself into the hands of his enemies. She’d help him look for ways to mask his scent, then leave after that.

Just at that moment, there was a gentle tapping on the door, causing the couple to swiftly turn their heads towards it, filled with caution.

"Who is it?" Rhea inquired, feeling a sense of alarm.

"It is I, my lady. I have brought the food you requested," the nosy attendant’s voice responded from beyond the door.

Rhea let out a sigh of relief before beckoning, "Enter."

After the attendant brought the food, Rhea was quick to open the lids, the room filled with the aroma of freshly cooked food. However, among all the several delicious bowls of food only one was for Draven, the porridge.

Rhea ladled the porridge into a smaller bowl and carried it to the bed. She placed it in front of Draven, who didn’t even glanced at the porridge. Undeterred, Rhea sat down on the edge of the bed.

"Eat. You need it to regain your strength." She said firmly as she handed him the bowl.

Draven stayed quiet, his eyes fixated on the bowl of porridge that Rhea held to him. In truth, he didn’t enjoy consuming the human porridge; its scent alone made him nauseous. Ever since he’d been living as Jurian, he had made a point to abstain from eating this specific dish.

"No, thanks. I’m not hungry." He said indifferently.

However, Rhea picked up the spoon, dipping it into the porridge. She brought the spoon to Draven’s mouth, but he frowned and didn’t open it. Rhea’s expression turned stern, "Open up before I force it down your throat." She said firmly, like a mother scolding her son to eat.

Draven’s cold blue eyes meet Rhea’s stern gaze for a brief moment, but then he turned his head away without a word.

"I know you’re not used to mortal food, but don’t forget you’re one now. You have to eat to recover quickly so we can depart to the capital." She said with a forced smile. She then touched the spoon to his lips, and this time, he reluctantly opened his mouth. She carefully feed him a small spoonful of porridge.

Draven’s eyes remained indifferent as he ate, but he didn’t push her away. This was the very first time someone was spoon feeding him. As a dragon king, no one would dare do this to him, not even Alina, who was considered to be the most closest to him before.

Rhea continued to feed him, each spoonful a small act of kindness. The silence in the room was palpable, broken only by the clinking of the spoon against the bowl.

After a few more bites, Draven finally spoke, his voice hoarse and deep, "That’s enough."

Rhea didn’t pressure him to eat more since there was only a small amount remaining in the bowl, but she immediately took the rest of the porridge into her mouth and swallowed it without any hesitation. She then said,

"I can’t afford to waste food in our current situation. By the way, I’ve spent quite a lot on your treatment and the expensive lodging, not to mention the clothes you’re currently wearing. So, I’d like you to pay me back."

Draven couldn’t believe his ears as he gazed at Rhea. However, before he could utter a word, she interrupted him, saying, "I understand that you are currently without money. I am willing to be generous and give you time to repay me once you assume your role as the king of ice dragons. However, I will add interest to the debt each day." While speaking, she began to calculate the interest using her fingers. Her demeanor was even more serious than when she battled the shadow stalkers.

After completing her calculations, Rhea returned to the tables where her meals were stored. Draven watched as she quickly devoured each dish, and before he realized it, all the bowls were empty. Draven was astonished, his jaw dropping slightly without him even realizing it. Despite her slim appearance, she had consumed a large amount of food.

Where did all of that food disappear to? Adding to the surprise, she devoured the entire roasted chicken she had ordered. How could a slender girl like her consume such a large amount of food?! He pondered in amazement while observing Rhea wipe her oily mouth.

Draven didn’t say a word to Rhea and quietly flipped over on the bed. Since he couldn’t move around in his condition, he was forced to stay in bed for the whole day.

When nightfall arrived, Rhea ponder on where to sleep, she didn’t want to share a bed with Draven nor did she fancy sleeping on the ground. Thus, there was only one way out. She brought the table and two wooden chairs together, placing a thick blanket over them and placed a pillow at the top. Without saying a word, she carefully climbed onto the makeshift bed, which seemed like it could collapse at any moment if she made any sudden movements.

In contrast, Draven watched her in astonishment. Wasn’t it better to simply sleep on the floor instead? Or even rent another room if she didn’t want to sleep on the floor. However, considering Rhea’s love for money, she would rather endure a lopsided bed than spend extra. Nevertheless, since Rhea didn’t complain, Draven chose not to comment on her sleeping choice and closed his eyes.

However, Draven awoke in the middle of the night with a strong thirst. He tried to ignore it for a while, as his body ached too much to even stand. But his throat felt too dried. Eventually, he looked over at Rhea and softly asked, "Rhea, could you please get me a glass of water?"

There was no response.

Thinking she was asleep, Draven called out her name a few more times, but Rhea didn’t even stir. He couldn’t help but recall the time he had taken her to that abandoned building. He furrowed his brow. Despite the pain coursing through his body, he pushed through and managed to get up. He approached her unevenly made bed and noticed she was drenched in sweat.