Chapter Seventeen (Pt.2)
Standing with her head against the doorframe of the royal cubicles in the Sanctuary of Healing, Leah watched as her father spoke softly to her mother. Even though Maeve had been awake for a few days now, she’d barely spoken. The only one she really responded to was Edmon, and so he spent as much time as he could by her side even though it was taking its toll on him, that and his fear for Evalan.
Seeing the pallid figure of her mother lying on the bed, her hair dull and lank, Leah wondered when Brice would allow her father to tell Maeve about Evalan. The physician believed that the queen still wasn’t strong enough to bear such news, as he believed that she would never regain the use of her legs.
“Leah...”
She started at the sound of Maeve’s voice, no longer rich and soothing, but dry, like crushed leaves.
Edmon glanced over his shoulder, slowly nodding for her to join him.
She sat on the edge of the bed and leaned over to touch Maeve’s cheek. “Mother...you’re looking better.”
Maeve merely smiled.
Leah glanced at her father. “You’re tired. You should get some rest.”
“No, I–”
“I’ll sit with Mother. Go on. Get something to eat, rest a while.”
With a sigh, he hauled himself to his feet and kissed his wife. He patted Leah on the shoulder then exclaimed softly as she leapt up and flung her arms around him.
No longer harbouring bitter, angry feelings of betrayal and resentment, Leah knew she might not have another chance to tell him: “I love you, Father.”
He hesitated a moment before tightening his hold on her. “I love you, my child.” His voice caught in his throat; he kissed the top of her head and left.
Turning back to Maeve, Leah moved closer so she could stroke back her hair. Without taking her eyes off her mother, she magically secured the door against any possible interruptions.
Breathing deeply to steady herself, Leah gently worked the energy streams around Maeve to send her into a deep sleep. Slowly getting to her feet, she folded the blanket down and carefully pushed the nightdress up so she could place her hands on her mother’s exposed legs. Closing her eyes, she concentrated harder than she’d done in a long time. ‘Reading’ her mother’s aura helped her isolate the damage that needed to be mended.
Focussing her concentration on the injured areas of Maeve’s legs, Leah began to gather the energy she needed from the energy-streams around her. First, her hands began to glow, then the radiance moved up to cover her arms. Believing herself ready, she took a deep breath, holding her hands mere inches from her mother’s knees.
Minutes crept by. Sweat formed on Leah’s forehead, neck and arms as she cautiously infused the damaged lower legs with the excess power given off by the colliding energy-streams. She refused to acknowledge the throbbing pain that was gradually building in her head. Until finally a small moan escaped her; she carefully brought her ministrations to an end.
Stepping back, she fell heavily onto the chair. As she tilted her head back in an attempt to relieve the pounding within, she became aware of a sticky sensation on her upper lip. Touching it, she peered painfully at the blood that coloured her finger. Ah, just what I need – a nosebleed. Wiping her finger on the edge of her tunic, she leaned down and proceeded to dab at her nose.
She couldn’t bring herself to use magic to unfasten the door, certain she would be overcome with nausea. Instead, she forced herself to her feet and stumbled to the door before turning, and almost falling onto the bed. Steadying herself, she pulled the covers over Maeve.
Did I do the right thing? She stared at Maeve’s covered legs. I suppose I’ll have to wait and see. Except I won’t be here to see... not for a while anyway. Her gaze made its way to her mother’s face, and a soft cry escaped her.
Maeve’s cheeks were slightly coloured, her lips were no longer ashen, and her hair appeared infused with a subtle glow. Leah leaned over to kiss her on the forehead. “I’ll bring him back, Mother, I promise. No matter what it takes, I’ll bring Evalan back.”
Stepping out of the cubicle, swallowing against nausea triggered by the pain, she summoned a passing attendant to sit with the queen until the king returned.
* * * *
“I have made a deal with Belosh, to allow you to pursue this foolhardy task, and to allow me to assist you.”
Leah paused, but only for a moment, before returning her attention to readying her pack. “When I agree to his price, I assume?” Her movements slowed; she pressed a hand to her stomach, trying to quell the churning inside.
“Your success is guaranteed... once you agree to give yourself to me.”
Gasping, she spun around, eyes wide. “Never.”
“Let me finish–”
She shook her head, her voice rising as she said, “I can do this alone, Meraud. If that’s the price for help, I don’t want it.”
He grabbed her by the hands, pulled her towards him. “Do not be a fool. He will orchestrate it so you fail, and then he will have you for your insubordination. This way... my way, you give yourself freely, and you will still have some free will.”
Noticing his tender, pleading gaze, she stopped struggling.
His hand moved to caress her cheek. “Do not be so eager to doubt me, Leah. I will be good to you.”
Frowning, she pulled away, hugging herself, and moved so the bed was between them. “Why should I believe you?”
He hesitated before answering. “I will be the first to admit that which I would never have thought possible but... when I am with you, I do not desire any other.”
Leah turned slowly to face him, barely able to believe what he was saying.
He stared at her before looking away. “I would spend my entire existence with only you.” Inhaling sharply, he moved to stare out the window. “There. I have confessed, bared myself, laid myself open to be eternally wounded by you.”
It was only when she exhaled loudly, did Leah realise her breath had been bottled up in her chest. “But... but you’re a... demon.”
“Do you believe demons are incapable of feeling... of having such needs?”
Biting her lip, she remained silent, arms wrapped across her chest.
Turning, Meraud walked to stand before her. His fingers gently moving her hair off her face, he said, “Is there nothing you will say?”
Looking into his eyes, a small voice deep in her heart shouted, Yes, I am yours, I will be yours forever. Instead, she bowed her head, and whispered, “You don’t know what you’re asking. If I agree to this, I’ll never see my family again.”
“It is true, you will not exist here with them. But I will do all in my power to make it so that you may see them.”
Her attempt to laugh sounded more like a harsh bark. “I don’t think they will want to see me... have anything to do with me when they realise I’ve given myself to a demon lord... willingly.”
He gripped her shoulders. “Then you agree?”
Wincing, Leah pulled away. “I didn’t say that.”
Standing back, he crossed his arms. “Do you not care for your brother? I thought you would do all in your power to guarantee his safe return.”
Leah shut her eyes as if to shut out his words. Isn’t that what she’d promised her mother, that she would bring Evalan back, no matter what? That’s all that matters, Evalan home safe. How could I live with myself if the rescue fails because of my selfishness? At least I’ll still be able to see them...
“Leah?”
She swallowed hard as she struggled to form the words. “Yes,” she finally whispered.
“Yes?”
“Help me... and I will. Be. Yours.”
When he didn’t respond, she slowly raised her gaze to look at him. She didn’t know what she’d been expecting to see, but the sight of him staring at her, a small smile on his lips made her heartbeat quicken.
He reached out to caress her cheek; she welcomed his touch yet a part of her wanted to push him away. But when he leaned down to kiss her, she looked away, shaking her head.
“Not now... I need to be alone. Please go.”
“But–”
“Please, Meraud... I have... this is a lot to get used to. Please...”
He seemed about to say something then inclined his head slightly, and faded from sight.
“What have I done?” she whispered, as she fell to her knees. Then she remembered Evalan’s terrified cries and forced herself to straighten up. “I’ve guaranteed the success of my mission. That’s what I’ve done.”