Page 24 of Ruby Queen
Chapter 15
A fire burned just beneath her skin as Rory took in the devastation of what was once the market. Several people had been killed in the blast that leveled half of the building. The flames continued to smolder at one end of the remains of the brick and mortar store. Flicking her hands, she extinguished the orange and red inferno, leaving only smoke and ash.
“Thank you, Your Majesty.” A rescue worker bowed, wiping sweat and grime from his forehead.
“Have you found any survivors?”
“Yes, ma’am. They’ve all been taken to the medical tent over there.” He pointed toward a massive white tent where people were rushing around.
Tipping her head, she turned and hurried toward the makeshift hospital.
“Queen Vermilion, slow down,” Captain Kris called out, running to catch up.
“I need to find them, Captain.”
He reached out, grabbing her arm, “I know. But your safety is important.”
“Fine.” Rory stopped at the edge of the tent. Her eyes scanning the injured huddled underneath its false sense of security.
“RORY!”
Rory gasped when her eyes found the voice who’d called her name.
“CHRISTINE?!” She rushed around the workers, nearly falling over a makeshift bed. Wrapping her arms around her waist, Rory pulled her into a fierce hug. “Oh my GOD! I thought you were dead…”
Christine held fast, her sobs coming out in paid waves, “No… Anthony – he pushed me to safety when he realized what was about to happen. He saw a man placing the device on one of the aisles.”
“Where is Anthony?” Rory scanned the crowd, now forming around them.
“I…” Christine squeezed her eyes shut, “don’t know. After he pushed me outside, he went back in to get others out. He was inside when…” Christine’s voice trailed off.
“No…” Rory turned back to the tattered remains of the store. “NO!” she let go of Christine and took off running. “Anthony!” Rory cried out his name. As she reached the edge of destruction, arms wrapped around her, pulling her back from the danger.
“Your Majesty, you can’t go in there.” Captain Kris grabbed her, tugging her to safety.
“LET ME GO… Anthony might be in there.”
“Ma’am, please…” the Captain fought with her, trying to hold her back. He winced in pain when her hands heated against his skin.
“RORY STOP,” Christine screamed, grabbing her hands away from the Captians reddening flesh. “You're hurting him.”
Rory glanced down, realizing what she’d done, her body went limp against him. “Please… someone has to look for him. He can’t be dead.”
Christine tugged Rory from the Captain’s arms and held her in an embrace. Placing a kiss to her head, “They’ll look for him, Rory. But you have to calm down. You’re going to set this place on fire again.”
Rory relaxed in Christine’s arms, her tears spilling down her face. Christine brushed her hair back, trying to soothe her emotions. “He’s alright… he has to be. Anthony saved me, Rory. He kept me from dying. It’s my fault. If I hadn’t needed to make you fucking pancakes, we wouldn’t even be here.”
“Stop… this is not your fault. This is the work of whoever is tormenting the kingdoms. When I find them… I will burn them to the ground.”
Christine smiled, “I wouldn’t expect anything less.” She let out a heavy sigh.
“Shit… are you sure you’re ok?” Rory started checking Christine over.
Batting her hands away, “I’m fine. Like I said, Anthony ushered me out of the store and told me to call you. I’d just made it to the car when the explosion happened.”
“You're covered in ash,” Rory wiped the dirt from her cheek. Leaning forward, she pressed her lips to Christine’s, “I swear you are part cat.”
“Your Majesty?” Captain Kris stood frozen. Rory realized it was the first time she’d shown any affection to Christine outside of the castle.
“Captain… shit. Look, I was going to make an announcement to the kingdom later today. I am in love with Commander Blake and Christine. Anthony knew and accepted this unorthodox relationship. The three of us were going to exchange vows at the ceremony.”
“It’s not my business – but I am happy for you. But, that’s not what I was interrupting for. Officer Davis has found something.”
“Anthony?” Rory held her breath.
“Not exactly,” Captain replied cryptically.
