Chapter 14: Chapter Fourteen

The cell had been made into a makeshift hospital room. In the furthest corner, Gavin cowered naked, his knees drawn up to his chin. Dark circles hollowed out dull, lifeless eyes. His limp wings were disheveled and missing feathers. His shoulder-length, blonde curls had been hacked off.

A doctor and two nurses were attempting to get near him. Fury and unholy rage contorted his face. They were doing their best but whenever one of them would get close, he lashed out. It seemed that nothing could calm him down.

Upon noticing visitors had arrived, the medical staff backed away and slipped out of the cell quickly. Gavin didn't move, continuing to glower at those outside. Elaine stared at her beloved, not listening to the voices arguing around her. She gripped the bars to support herself. Their eyes met across the cell but there wasn't any recognition on his face.

“My lady, this is the royal physician, Doctor Galenius,” Lucas said, getting her attention.

Dressed in a white toga, The doctor was a tall, bald man with a kind smile. “It is an honor to meet you, my lady. I require your help.”

She nodded, not taking her eyes off Gavin. “Of course, that is why I'm here. What happened to him?”

His Majesty was unconscious when he was brought here last night. After doing some tests, I found two unique hallucinogens in his bloodstream. This type of drug induces extreme and violent hallucinations in the victim.” He gestured toward Gavin. “His Majesty can't see or hear us. He has no sense of reality or time.”

Tears threatened to spill down Elaine's cheeks. “How l...long will the drugs' effects last?”

“I developed an antidote serum which minimizes symptoms. Unfortunately, he awoke in this violent state and I haven't been able to inject him.”

“What can I do to help?”

Doctor Galenius held out the small syringe. “This is a mixture of antidote and sedative. He may respond to your voice. If possible, get close enough to plunge the needle into his upper arm.”

Her bodyguard stepped forward with a scowl. “Absolutely not! She could be killed.”

Elaine took the syringe and stiffened her back. “Lucas, this is my choice. He won't hurt me.”

“He doesn't even know that he is human at this point. My lady, he could rip you apart before I could get into the cell.”

“And what is the alternative? Either I help him or his suffering will continue. I have to try.”

The doctor unlocked the cell door, letting her walk inside. No one dared speak as Gavin's paranoid eyes roamed over her. She didn't approach him. Instead, she lowered herself to the floor and sat across from him.

She smiled gently. “Sweetheart, you are safe. You've been found at last.”

He tensed, clutching his knees harder. “I...know you...”

“That's right, darling. Do you remember being hurt in that cave? I found you. We fell in love.”

“Elaine is dead. This isn't real.”

“No, I'm alive, Gavin. I'm right here.”

Shaking his head back and forth, he covered his ears. A heartbreaking howl erupted from his lungs. She could see his body was trembling. He needed to feel her touch. His cheeks glistened with silent tears.

She rose ever so slowly. His head down, he grieved for the woman whom was standing before him. Speaking quiet endearments, she inched closer. He didn't look up. She crouched a foot away from him.

“My love, touch me. I am real.”

He raised his head and squinted at her. “Am I dead too? Are you here to lead me to paradise?”

“No, you're alive.” She took his trembling hand and brought it against her bosom. “Feel my heart beating and my warmth.”

He stared at his hand clutched against her breast for the longest time. Not a sound was uttered from anyone present, including her. Gradually, the tension ebbed from his body. Recognition replaced the terrified loneliness in his eyes.

The old, practical Gavin calmed before her. “Elaine?...you are beautiful...so beautiful...”

She smiled through tears, kissing his wrist. “I love you so much. All this time, I was so sure you had been killed.”

“Not...y...yet.”

She wrapped her arms around him and drew him close. He sighed against her shoulder. Cradling him, she didn't want to ever let him go. As her lips found his ear, she plunged the syringe into his left arm. He jerked as its contents were emptied into his bloodstream.

She held him for an eternity, rubbing his back. He clung to her, each breath longer than the last. She whispered repeatedly how much she loved him. He went limp at last and lost consciousness.

Immediately, the cell door crashed open.

One of the nurses grabbed a sheet from the bed. Gavin was tenderly wrapped and lifted into friendly arms. He was laid on the bed as Lucas helped Elaine from the floor. She appreciated the soldier's caring support.

Doctor Galenius checked Gavin's body and diagnosed that he was healthy overall except for serious dehydration. The damaged wings would grow new feathers in short order. His mind was a different story. Padded straps were buckled around his wrists, ankles and midsection. Restrained for everyone's safety as well as his, he slept peacefully.

The doctor removed white gloves, smiling at her. “My lady, you saved the day. Thank you.”

“I would give my life for his if necessary.”

“You might have done so moments ago. Again, you have my thanks.”

“Will he recover completely?”

“His Majesty has a strong constitution and the Praetorian serum is a huge benefit. He needs a stress-free environment and several days of rest. Otherwise, he should make a full recovery. Once the drugs are out of his system, that is.”

“Could I stay with him?”

“By all means. Your presence will certainly soothe him if he wakes prematurely.”

The doctor hustled everyone out. She sat on the bed next to Gavin and grasped one of his hands. A presence drew near behind her. Lucas had lingered behind.

“I would like to stay too, my lady. May I?”

She nodded, rather surprised by the meek request. “He can use good people around him right now. You have been a kind friend to both of us.”

“Just doing my duty, ma'am.”

“Your concern seems to go beyond that.”

Lucas stood at the foot of the bed, his hands clasped behind his back. “I have known him since he was a baby though I rarely saw him.”

“May I ask why you took an interest?”

“I am Sessilee's brother. His uncle.”

“Oh, I didn't realize that you had a family connection.”

A memory softened his face. “My sister was a brave survivor, much like yourself. She adored her second child.”

“What was Darius like?”

“My sister treated him very badly. I warned her several times over the years but she had only contempt for a son born from prostitution.” Dark emotion contorted his face. “Emperor Hadrian's main entertainment was sex and beautiful women. My sister was obsessed with him but he refused to marry her. Their illegitimate son was her reason for living.”

“I have heard that she passed away. You have my heartfelt condolences.”

“Sessilee killed herself after Gavin's trial, punishment and exile. The bloody spectacle was too much for her. She went home and slashed her wrists.”

Elaine winced, remembering the day when she had almost thrown herself off a cliff. She observed Gavin's haggard features as he slept. Betrayal had battered him but he lived still. She hoped life would become easier as time moved forward.

Lucas cleared his throat. “My lady, I have matters to attend. If you would excuse me...”

He left in a hurry. Confused, she didn't have the energy to figure out his mood swing. This situation was hard for everyone involved. Some memories could cause lifelong pain, extinguished only by death.

A comforting silence fell over the cell, the first for her since arriving at the compound.

Gavin's even breathing was a pleasant relief. She didn't want to let him out of her sight again. Sympathy ached within her body. He had endured horror, pain, bloody torment and now mental torture as well. She could only hope that when he awoke, there wouldn't be recollection left behind of this latest torturous ordeal.

Peaceful for a short while, he slept on. His bare chest rose and fell regularly. She watched the once carefree and handsome face, now drawn and grimacing. Fear trickled through her. Would he be able to recover this time?

Holding one of his limp hands, she kept vigil by the bed. She pondered the events of the last several months and longed for those simpler days on the farm. For that brief season, they had been content together.

Gavin's tender smile brightened her memory. She closed her eyes, picturing him at full health. Long, golden curls caught by sunshine on a cool, autumn morning. Sweat trickling down his muscled torso as they worked side by side. The twinkle in his emerald-green eyes upon waking her with a kiss.

She feared for his mental state after this latest strain. He had always seemed strong enough to resist anything but how much could he endure before his mind shattered into a billion pieces? Would she have enough strength for the both of them?

He was much stronger than any man she had met beforehand. Still, even the hardest diamond could break apart when hammered at its weakest point. She wasn't sure how much more he could take.

He looked weak and vulnerable, lying among the white sheets. His pale skin, once golden tan, glistened with ill health. She squeezed his hand, rubbing her thumb over his knuckles. His eyebrows hitched towards one another but he didn't awaken.

She sighed, feeling rather weak herself. These past few days hadn't been easy upon her either. She couldn't leave Gavin's side. Not for a moment if she could help it. They were man and wife, for all that was holy except for a formal ceremony. He was her intended husband and she would not forsake him...ever.

“My lady, may I enter?”

Elaine jumped, deep in thought. “Oh, yes, Gloria. You are always welcome.”

The young woman opened the cell door and entered with a tray. “I brought a few choices for nibbling if you are hungry.”

“I'll eat a little something later, I promise. Thank you.”

With a kind smile, she set the tray down and gazed upon her emperor's face. “His Majesty has fallen into a deep, healing sleep. You must keep your strength for him, my lady.”

“I suppose I am hungry just a bit. Oh, don't go. I don't want to eat alone. Wouldn't you stay?”

With a curtsy and an appreciative smile, Gloria accepted the request. She drew a second chair next to Elaine's. They ate the snack without comment. The delicate cheese sandwiches didn't set well but the strong coffee was much appreciated.

“My lady, you have only eaten a few bites. Won't you have another sandwich?”

Shaking her head, Elaine covered Gavin's hand again. “I can't eat when he is like this. Oh, can he ever recover?”

“Of course, my lady. His Majesty has you, doesn't he?”

“I can't heal a broken mind or erase the horror that has been done to his body. Why do Novians prize violence and torture over decent justice? How could such a powerful, elegant people hold onto these oppressive, barbaric customs?”

The handmaiden frowned. “These are rare, uncertain times, my lady. His Majesty has been treated shamefully but such extreme cases are almost unheard of.”

Anger stiffened Elaine's carriage. “And what of his most recent suffering? It seems like torture and pain are pretty normal. This planet is incredibly savage.”

“My lady, with all due respect, I have lived on Novus for my entire life. My late husband died for the Roman Empire's great vision during a rebellion. If you are right then he died for nothing and His Majesty is the ruler of a doomed empire. Such a tragedy can't be our future.”

Pain crossing her face, Gloria gathered the dishes. Her silence spoke volumes. Elaine regretted that her sharp words had been spoken in haste. She cast her gaze toward Gavin and couldn't imagine dealing with his death.

“I should have thought before I spoke. I'm sorry for being so insensitive when I've only been on this planet for a few days.”

A smile softened Gloria's features. “You have every right to be frustrated. A lot of evil has taken place. But I hope that Novus' future queen will be proud of her empire in time. And perhaps get to know her people better before passing judgement.”

Elaine received a respectful curtsy to which she nodded. The handmaiden tiptoed out, leaving the cell door ajar. Except for occasional footfalls up the corridors and voices drifting far away, there was undisturbed quiet.

Gavin slept on, still as death.

Casting her eyes over his bruised flesh, she couldn't bear seeing the straps buckled around his wrists and ankles. She longed to untie them but wasn't a foolish girl. Only upon waking could he prove himself to be of a sound, calm mind.

Hours passed though she couldn't tell how many. There were no clocks or any such thing in the cell. She didn't care. Nothing else mattered until her beloved's health had been restored.

Growing tired, she laid her head on the bed, her cheek resting on his warm fingers.

Sleep claimed her until she awoke with a jolt. Gavin's breathing was much lighter and more shallow, indicating that he was awake. Raising her head, she found two emeralds gazing out from under sleepy eyelids.

Gavin smiled weakly, looking exhausted, vulnerable and beaten. “I...thought...you were...dead.”

“No, my darling,” she purred, stroking back his shorn hair. “We are together now. It's my turn to protect you. How are you feeling, handsome?”

“Tired and...so...thirsty,” he croaked with much effort, looking down at his manacled wrists. “Why am I...restrained?”

“The doctor thought it best for a little while.” Elaine retrieved a glass and brought the rim to his dry, cracked lips. “Here, drink this, dearest one.”

He could manage only three or four swallows. Water overflowed from his mouth and trickled down his chin. She was distraught to see how weak he had become. She wiped away the excess spillage from his throat, attempting to busy herself. His eyes, hungry and probing, never left her face.

A faint smile lifted his mouth. “D...don't leave...”

“I won't, Gavin, I'm right here with you.”

The comforting words fell upon deaf ears. He had fallen asleep again, his left hand gripping hers. Grief consumed her. Of all the people in her wretched life, he was the last one to deserve this fate. Why are good men treated so cruelly while evil men are free to torment?

A knock interrupted her anguished thoughts. She wiped away hot tears from her cheeks. Doctor Galenius stepped inside the cell, carrying a clipboard. Three nurses lingered in the doorway. A sympathetic look crossed his middle-aged face.

“My lady, please forgive my intrusion, but my assistants and I must make His Majesty more comfortable. I will have Gloria take care of you while we care for him.”

“I would prefer to stay, doctor. He woke up for a few minutes but just fell asleep again. I need to be here when he wakes up so he isn’t alone.”

He laid a comforting hand upon her shoulder. “I must insist, my dear. Your health is my second concern. You need sleep and a decent meal. Gloria, would you escort her ladyship to the imperial apartments and arrange for a meal to be brought to her?”

Gloria appeared at Elaine’s elbow. “Lean on me, my lady. We can’t have you falling ill too.”

Exhausted, she didn’t have the strength to resist any longer. Her legs were weak as she stood upon them. Her new friend gripped her waist, guiding her from the cellblock. Elaine’s last glimpse of Gavin was as the medical staff surrounded his bed.

A guard escorted the two women through several hallways to a furnished apartment. Once there, Elaine slumped onto a red-velvet couch, her face buried in her hands. Steeped in misery, she heard distant tinkling as Gloria worked in the kitchen. A crystal goblet was held out to her.

“My lady, drink this down. It will soothe your nerves and relax you.”

She took the glass, staring into the dark liquid. “I should be with Gavin. What are they doing to him?”

“Changing his bed linens, doing tests and performing a thorough examination. Now, drink that herbal tea and try not to worry. I wouldn’t ever lie to you, my lady.”

Elaine took a sip and was surprised for the better. The cold brew tasted of brandy, peppermint and honey. She drank the rest without argument. The drink reminded her of Julia Bulette.

Once the johns had gone each night, the madam would make herbal tea for her girls before they all went to sleep. While not missing the lifestyle, Elaine did pine after the friendships with Dolly, Julia and the other girls. They took care of each other and no one was truly alone.

Once the herbal drink was gone, Gloria covered her in a white fur throw.

“Rest now, my lady. You are safe and His Majesty is in good hands.”

“Would you wake me when the doctor is finished?”

“Yes, of course.”

Left alone, she could feel sleep dragging her down into sweet oblivion. She let herself fall. Demons had haunted her dreams since leaving the farm. Not this time though. She slept hard and without horrors. There was enough time to worry and hurt upon awaking.