Crossing the Border (Rania) novel Chapter 232

Chapter 232

Rania’s legs gave way beneath her, and she leaned heavily against the cold stone wall to steady herself before collapsing to the ground. The pain surged through her like a violent storm breaking through a dam, overwhelming every fiber of her being. It was as if an uncontrollable flood of anguish had been unleashed inside her chest, crashing relentlessly.

“Are you alright, my queen?” The warrior’s voice was soft yet filled with concern as he stepped closer. Despite his worry, he refrained from reaching out—touching a monarch without permission was considered a grave offense.

Slowly, Rania lifted her head, her face drained of color, pale as if the life was being sucked from her. The sight deepened the warrior’s concern; her frailty was unmistakable.

‘Yes, I am fine,’ she mouthed silently, then nodded gently to ensure he understood, knowing some might struggle to read her lips.

Gathering what little strength she had left, Rania straightened her back and made her way toward Karin’s room. From what she had heard, the healer had regained consciousness. She hoped Karin wasn’t asleep when she arrived.

Thankfully, Karin was awake. She had just finished eating when she noticed Rania’s entrance.

“Oh, Rania!” Karin exclaimed, immediately rising from the bed to greet her. But as she moved, she stumbled slightly, revealing a limp that tightened Rania’s chest with unexpected pain.

“I wanted to come visit sooner,” Karin said, her voice tinged with frustration. “But the healer here insisted I stay in bed. Can you believe that? Me, a healer myself—I know my limits, what I can and cannot do.” She shook her head, half-laughing, half-grumbling about the irritation of being a patient and now understanding firsthand what it meant to be scolded by a healer.

Despite Karin’s chatter, Rania’s attention was drawn to the injured leg. It was impossible to ignore.

“It’s… okay,” Karin said softly, though a sadness lingered beneath her words. “I might walk a little funny for a while.” She gave a short, hollow laugh, devoid of any real humor. If anything, River—watching silently—could hear the sorrow woven into her voice.

Unable to hold back any longer, River wrapped her arms tightly around Karin, a silent apology in her embrace. The floodgates opened, and tears streamed down her face uncontrollably.

Her body crumpled to the floor, and Karin sat down beside her, understanding that the queen’s emotions were too powerful to bear alone.

“I’m sorry. I’m so sorry,” River whispered repeatedly, guilt gnawing at her from within, consuming her.

Karin’s own tears began to fall as well.

“No, it’s not your fault,” Karin reassured her gently. “We’re safe now. We’re alive. That’s what matters.”

It took a long time for Rania to calm her trembling form. Karin held her close, repeating that the deaths of Ares and Deryl were not her responsibility.

“It was their duty, their honor to die protecting you,” Karin said firmly. “They fulfilled their mission with valor. You mustn’t blame yourself—there is no greater honor for a warrior than to fall in service.”

“Please,” Karin whispered, “don’t blame yourself.”

They remained like that for a long time, wrapped in each other’s arms until exhaustion finally claimed them both, and they fell asleep side by side.

The following day brought news that Alpha Letto and his warriors had captured nearly all the enemy forces, though some had scattered and hidden deep within the forest.

They had also buried the wild wolf who had died protecting Rania and her companions.

Rania went to pay her respects at the burial site—not only for the wild wolf but also for Ares and Deryl.

By now, the palace was aware of the recent events, and a few elders were expected to visit the queen.

Alpha Letto advised Rania against accepting their visit, suggesting she could claim she was still too weak. But Karin disagreed.

“No, she can’t appear weaker than she already is,” Karin said firmly. “They don’t want a fragile queen. Rania needs to show her strength, especially now.”

“The king will arrive in a few days,” she added reassuringly. “Everything will be alright.”