Chapter 21: Chapter Twenty-One

The day had been a grand affair though Elaine couldn't truly relax. Once the guests had filed through, she was escorted by her husband into the coronation banquet. After eating, they were guided into a ballroom lit with eleven gigantic chandeliers hanging from an ornate, frescoed ceiling.

An impressive dignitary stepped to the middle of the dance floor and signaled for silence. “Emperor Gavinicius and Empress Consort Elaina have reunited the planet's hope for a brighter future. Your illustrious majesties, may our thanks warm your hearts for years to come.”

“Thank you, Minister Gaius, we will endeavor to please,” Gavin said, guiding his wife onto the floor. “Strike up the music. I wish to dance with my beautiful bride.”

Whisked into a dance similar to a waltz, Elaine was beyond grateful for Julia Bulette's training. As a Novian queen, she had been well equipped for her role. The customs on this planet were somewhat different but not by much. Manners and polite society were the same everywhere, it would seem.

On his part, Gavin was a superb dancer, much to her initial surprise. Wings and a large stature didn't impede his graceful footwork. Strong arms kept her pressed against himself. She breathed in his unique scent of spicy cologne and warm masculinity. He was safety itself, embodied in an angelic package.

During their fourth dance, his lips brushed against her forehead. “My love, we have triumphed over this day. Maybe we can be happy now.”

“Do you really think so, darling?” she asked, lifting her eyes. “Will we ever find peace?”

“At your side, I already have.” His green eyes narrowed with concern. “Are you troubled about something? I've noticed you have been jumpy throughout this evening.”

“Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to be,” she said lightly, forcing a giggle. “This day has been headspinning to say the least. That must be it.”

“You're sure there isn't anything else you aren't telling me? ”

Her heart beat faster as his knowing gaze pierced her soul. She glanced around, searching for Lucas. He wasn't within sight. Antonius danced by with his wife, Marian. There mustn't be much danger if he was occupied so.

“Now, there is something wrong. Who are you looking for?”

Caught out by her wise, perceptive husband, she chose a version of the truth. “Yesterday, I heard a rumor that your Uncle Lucas might be involved in harming us during the festivities. But it looks as if I was wrong.”

“Is that why you were asking if I trusted him?”

She nodded. “I should have told you sooner. I'm sorry.”

“Yes, you should have.” He released her from the dance, looking very cross. “I don't want to discuss this here.”

Hollow guilt consumed her as she was escorted from the dance floor. Gavin walked stiffly next to her, annoyance plain in his bearing. Intimate tables surrounded the ballroom floor and they took seats at one of these. A round of coffee was ordered from the hovering footmen who scampered off.

“I don't appreciate not being told about what concerns your safety,” he said, green eyes darkening from irritation. “Why wasn't I told of this threat?”

She avoided his intimidating glare and looked down at her lap. “You needed to focus on Darius. A distraction could have interfered. I wasn't sure about Lucas anyway and it turns out I was wrong. I told you that I was feeling paranoid from all directions. This is proof.”

He softened visibly for a brief instance. “I understand. But you're too smart for idle gossip. From what source did you hear this rumor?”

Not wanting to get her accomplice into trouble, she replied, “I would rather not say.”

His eyebrows drew together in anger. “Don't play with me, Elaine. I'm not in the mood.”

“I told her.”

The couple turned to find Antonius standing behind them. He cast a sympathetic glance at her. Gavin looked ready to explode at either or both of them. She acted quickly.

“Shall we adjourn to a private room to discuss this? It won't do for the guests to see an argument. Gavin, please?”

With a tight nod, he agreed and rose from his seat. The threesome left the ballroom, acting as normal as possible. But when they entered an empty conference hall, Gavin rounded on Antonius.

“How dare you? Involving my wife in such a rumor? What in the hell were you thinking?”

Antonius lifted his chin. “It's not a rumor and the threat hasn't gone away entirely. As of this moment, Lucas has disappeared despite agents watching his every move. I was coming to talk to you when I overheard your discussion with Her Grace.”

“Back up here. Start from the beginning. Why is he under investigation in the first place?”

Antonius handed him a paper. “I intercepted this communication between one of Darius' advisors and your uncle. It speaks for itself.”

Reading quickly, Gavin looked up, shock stiffening his wings. “I wouldn't have thought him capable of such treason. To murder my wife and I in cold blood, even at the expense of his own life? How was this to be carried out?”

“We don't know. I was expecting a move to be made earlier today. Perhaps he changed his mind and is trying to escape the city.”

“And all this was kept from me?” he growled, “Not just by my best friend but by my bride as well.”

Elaine glanced at her co-conspirator whose expression mirrored her guilt.

Gavin exhaled, rubbing his neck. “Never mind. I will discuss that deception later. With each of you. For now, we have a bigger problem. How could Lucas disappear without a trace?”

Antonius shrugged. “I was attempting to figure that out.”

“Elaine, I want you to go to our chambers and stay there until I come for you.”

She couldn't stand the ice in his voice. “My love, I thought we were doing what was best.”

Refusing to look at her, he stated, “And this request is what is best for you. Antonius, summon an escort for Elaine and post extra guards outside our chambers. Make sure they know to search the rooms first. I'll meet you in the palace's control room. We'll find Lucas before he can do any harm and I'll kill him myself.”

“As you wish, my lord,” the soldier said quietly.

After Gavin had slammed the door shut, Elaine sighed. “This scheme backfired on us, didn't it? I apologize for getting you in trouble.”

Antonius shook his head. “No, the mistake was mine. I miscalculated and shouldn't have involved you. Forgive me, my lady.”

“We better do as he said. I think we've done enough damage for one day,” she commented, opening the door.

Three guards were motioned to accompany her and Antonius left to meet her husband. The men shepherded Elaine to the royal apartments. She was brought to a pair of red doors etched with gold emblems and carvings. The rooms were quickly searched and nothing untoward was found.

When the doors closed, she leaned back upon them. The quiet was delicious as weariness washed over her. Her thoughts were consumed by guilt and apologies. A creaking noise interrupted the silence.

“Gloria, is that you? Mara?”

There was no reply and she realized that at least one handmaiden should have been there to see to her needs. Heart racing, she took several steps forward. Her fingers closed around the dagger's hilt at her waist.

When she spun around to call the guards, a man's broad chest smacked into her face. Hands closed around her throat, cutting off a scream. Lucas' livid, sneering face assaulted her eyes. His hot breath seared her flesh as she was drug further into the chambers. Her crown fell off with a clatter.She was thrown to the cold tile floor like so much cheap trash.

Underneath the bed, Mara's bruised, lifeless body had been hidden.

Biting back a sob, Elaine struggled to get away from the man but he followed, pulling her up by her hair. Without mercy, she was slammed into a wall. Pain shot up her left leg as a bone snapped under the onslaught.

“Why, Lucas? Why are you doing this?” she cried hoarsely, cradling her bruised throat. “Darius isn't worth it.”

“My nephew wasn't much but he was all that was left of my sister. I owe him everything, including my rank and station. If he'd been emperor, I would have ceased to be invisible at last.”

“You've been so kind...”

“Oh yes, it was hard to pretend to care about you or your precious golden boy.” He laughed, ripping a silken cord from a drapery. “Bitch, you are a means to an end. Killing you will destroy your bastard husband's fragile mind. His blood will soon mingle with your own.”

“You are no match for his strength or rage. I've seen him tear men apart.”

He advanced, brandishing the cord. “When he is holding your lifeless corpse, I'll drive a sword through his heart. He won't have time to blink, much less fight back.”

“Help me! Help, anybody!” She attempted to scream but the words came out in a breathless croak.

A crazed glint in his eyes, Lucas set upon her, wrapping the cord around her neck. Life began ebbing from her lungs. She clawed at his hands, gasping for breath. Giving up, her fingers fumbled for the dagger at her waist.

Black spots dotted her vision. With the last ounce of her waning strength, she pulled the weapon free and stabbed with wild abandon. He cried out in pain but his grip didn't slip.

As death loomed near, the man's crushing weight was removed suddenly.

She reared up, coughing and sucking in glorious oxygen. Fear and pain throbbed through her. Bodies crashed throughout the room and shouts jarred her senses. Then strong hands were gripping her shoulders. Panicked beyond reason, she punched and fought this new attacker.

“Elaine, my love, shh...I'm here. Oh, by the gods, I thought I had lost you. I'm so sorry.”

Gavin's tearful voice and comforting scent calmed her. She wanted to reassure him but fell unconscious instead. Pain was swallowed up in a fitful dreamworld. However, the same discomfort greeted her upon awaking. Gavin's worried face came into focus when she opened her eyes.

Unshaven and haggard, he smiled gently and stroked her cheek.

“My darling, beautiful girl...you are finally awake. How do you feel?” he asked, emotion thick in his voice.

Her throat tender, she struggled to form words. “Pain...it hurts all over. Lucas...what happened?”

“I sent Antonius after you on a whim. He pulled that bastard off you and killed him.”

“The guards...why didn't they help me?” Her voice sounded hoarse and strange to her own ears.

“Those damnable fools claimed to have heard nothing. I stripped them of their ranks and shipped them off to work the mines.”

“Mara...she's dead. What of Gloria?”

“Injured but she will survive.”

She tried to take a deep breath and regretted the action immediately. Pain shot from her ribs, throat and left leg. Hacking coughs seized her lungs, making matters worse.

Gavin held her against his chest, whispering comfort.

“I am...so sorry,” she croaked, clinging to his shirt, “This is all my fault. Should have...told you.”

“That's in the past, my love. Don't worry about anything.”

“Aren't you...still angry?”

“Of course not. I was more upset with Antonius for putting you in danger.”

“How hurt...am I?”

He swallowed and grimaced. “A broken leg and five cracked ribs. Your throat was crushed.”

Another painful wave washed through her and she cried out. Gavin held and comforted her. Doctor Galenius appeared at his elbow and proceeded to pour a vile liquid into her mouth. She sputtered, fighting weakly.

“Swallow this down, Your Grace, it will take away the pain and let you sleep,” the doctor said gently.

Gavin's arms tightened around her. “My love, do as he says.”

She obeyed, relaxing into her husband's embrace. “Don't leave me...please.”

“Sleep now. The world doesn't exist until you are well.”

“I...love you...always.”

Within minutes, she fell asleep and remained mostly so for several days. On the fifth, an empty bedroom greeted her bleary eyes. Anxiety quickened her pulse. Feeling much stronger, she pulled back the covers.

“Gavin, are you here?”

Within seconds, he came around the corner and rushed to her side. “My love, you shouldn't be getting out of bed.”

“I wanted you and I'm tired of laying down. You needn't fuss, darling.”

Bandaged leg and all, he bundled her into his arms. An overstuffed armchair had been made ready. Purple flames danced and flickered in the virtual fireplace. He lowered her into the chair. An ottoman was placed under her leg and a soft pillow slipped behind her back.

“Sit here and get warm. I'll fetch a blanket.”

She smiled as a brown fur throw was tucked around her hips. He paused in this task, finding their heads close together. A sudden, gentle kiss consumed her mouth. He released her, his breath coming in short draws. Emotion glistened in his eyes, adding a sparkling diamond to each emerald.

“Again, I thought I lost you. When I saw you bleeding on the floor...”

“My dearest one, I am feeling better today. My bones will heal in time.” She touched his arm. “Everything is alright now.”

“I can't do this.”

“What can't you do?” she whispered, caressing his cheek. “Tell me.”

“Rule this planet, make decisions which will affect billions and keep you safe. I'll give up the throne to someone else. Antonius perhaps.”

She smiled, leaning her head back against the chairback. “Not so long ago, I found a poor, wounded creature in a cave drowning in his own blood. He fell at my feet, beaten into the dirt. But in his eyes, I saw a stubbornness burning there. A fire which can't be quenched even now. You were born for greatness.”

“And if I would give up our crowns? Would you disown me?” The twinkle in his eyes softened his mild threat.

“I would be thrilled to live our lives quietly but your heart is here with your people. No matter how much you bluster and deny it.”

“You know my thoughts before I have them.” He sighed, staring at a rather ugly painting on a nearby wall. “Very well. I will stop boring you with my complaints. Let's talk of our honeymoon instead. I was going to surprise you but we need something pleasant to speak about just now.”

“What is the surprise? Oh, do tell me!” she squealed, clapping her hands.

He chuckled and walked into the next room. “First, my wedding gift to you.”

Excitement knotted in her stomach as he came back holding a basket covered in a pink cloth. Something alive was moving underneath. She lifted the cloth and out popped an orange and white, longhaired cat. A squeal tugged at her sore ribs.

“Ohhh, Gavin, he is perfect. Thank you, thank you!” She nuzzled the purring feline and stroked its soft fur. “I'll call him, Teddy, I think.”

“Teddy, huh? Where did you get such an odd name?” he asked, petting the cat as well.

“Teddy was my favorite brother who had trouble thinking clearly. I protected him up until the day I was sold into slavery. He's the only member of my family I miss.”

Understanding shimmered in his eyes. “It's a fine name. Now you have a companion during recovery and later while I'm off on business.”

“And I have you, husband.” She cupped his chin and kissed him.

Squashed between them, the gorgeous cat meowed in protest, jumping off her lap to explore the bedroom. Their mouths locked, Gavin picked her up tenderly, fur blanket falling to the floor. She was laid on the bed; he stretched out next to her.

Teddy jumped up, settling by their feet. The lovers lay together with fingers intertwined and heads touching. His left wing swept over her body, providing soft warmth.

“So where shall we spend our honeymoon?” she asked, running her fingers through his downy feathers, a favorite activity.

“Once you are mended, we will spend several weeks at a remote retreat.”

“Tell me about it.”

“A farm set in a protected, wooded valley. I will hunt and fish for our meals. There will be a small garden, flowers and animals to tend.”

“Sounds like heaven. Oh, to have you all to myself, even for a short time.”

“Yes, all the pleasure of our former life without worrying about safety or hardship. The days will be filled with fresh air and honest work. Each night will be ours to explore one another.”

“I can't wait to have you again.”

Teddy chose that moment to crawl beneath Gavin's wing and settle between their chests. A chuckle was shared at his antics. Laying back, Elaine thought back to those lonely, miserable years as a prostitute. God had delivered her. She was married now, not just to an emperor but an angel, no less. Their future wouldn't be easy but she was ready for the challenges ahead.

“How far we have come on this path of redemption, my love.”

He smiled affectionately. “Indeed. Yet our journey is only in its infancy.”

“I love you.”

“As I do. Now sleep. Heal and regain your strength. Adventure, intrigue and diversion will have to be saved for another day.”

“We are cast outs no longer.” She smiled.

“Never again, dear girl. I promise you.”

The first in a long time, husband and wife didn't dread what was to come the next day. The future beckoned, purified by redemption. Their pasts would never stop haunting them but could be faced together. That night, nightmares didn't dare plague their slumber.

THE END