Chapter 10
“Now stitch it closely. As if you were quilting… In my experience, a well-sutured wound heals quickly. Madam, do not be afraid.”
The first stitch. The fierce pain of a needle piercing living flesh was beyond anything Godiva could imagine. Yet though it must have been excruciating, Leofric showed nothing. He drew in a sharp breath, but made no sound.
“Next, guide the needle this way…”
Godiva was not sewing cool, delicate fabric, but warm, thick flesh. Through her fingertips and palm, she felt Leofric’s pain as if it were her own. Her teeth clenched without her realizing it. At some point, the soft skin of her lips split beneath her bite, and a thin line of red blossomed.
“Godiva.”
Leofric brushed his wife’s lips with his fingers. His touch was frighteningly cold, and the crimson bead smudged beneath it.
“….”
Godiva could not answer. She was barely holding back her tears; if she opened her mouth, she would sob. Why was he so strong? What did a split lip matter at a time like this? She struggled not to cry. If her vision blurred… if it blurred… Her beautiful mouth trembled as she fought to contain her grief.
“You may cry.”
Why had she not realized it sooner? That her heart was filled entirely with this man. Why hadn’t she known? That it was enough simply to love him. In all their quiet, peaceful days, she had not understood. She had closed her eyes, telling herself she could not know what she had never endured. Had she failed to tell him how precious he was to her? Why, why, why… Everything felt like regret. Her violet eyes brimmed, on the verge of bursting with tears.
“—Hhk….”
Godiva squeezed her eyes shut and let the tears fall.
“After all, you are brave.”
He said it lightly, yet his gaze seemed to tell her, It’s all right. If it’s too much, you may stop now. But she could not.
“Madam…”
The barber called softly. She nodded firmly.
Slide.
Pierce.
The room was silent. No one dared even breathe loudly. Acting as the barber’s right hand, Godiva drew needle and thread through torn flesh. As the wound gradually closed, Leofric’s face grew drenched in sweat. And so did hers.
“Madam, now only the final knot remains…”
That seemed to be the barber’s last words.
“Madam…”
The world blurred.
“Madam…”
Darkness swallowed her.
“Godiva.”
A low voice.
“Godiva, open your eyes.”
Her damp lashes trembled.
“Godiva, there’s no time.”
It was Leofric. It had to be.
“Hurry, Godiva…”
“Leofric?”
Her eyes would not open. In rising panic, she shook her head. Her tawny hair spilled like gold across the white bed.
“My wife…”
Her heavy eyelids parted slightly. Through the haze, she saw her husband’s figure. She bit her lip. Suddenly, the world sharpened into clarity.
“Leof—”
His silver eyes were close—too close. His lips, cold as frost, pressed against her forehead. It felt like the first chill of late autumn.
“Live well.”
Her chest ached. Something inside her melted away. Godiva lay still, tears streaming silently down her cheeks until they were soaked.
“I’m sorry I cannot stay with you.”
Leofric stroked her hair. But his touch was like ice. His gaze was more tender than she had ever seen it. A sudden fear gripped her—it was like her father, like that dream on that night… She jolted upright in the bed.
“Leofric, where are you going?”
She caught his hand; the cold bit deep into her bones. Pressing it to her cheek, she tried to warm him.
“To a place you cannot follow.”
“Leofric, what do you mean…?”
She wept without realizing it. At some point, Leofric leaned down and kissed her damp lashes.
“From the moment I first saw you, you were mine.”
“Leofric, don’t say such things.”
It was unmistakably a farewell.
“Do not waste away in sorrow.”
“Leofric, don’t go.”
With a pale face, Leofric smiled. The smile was gentle and infinitely kind.
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