Page 11 of Ruby Queen
Chapter 7
Rory held her breath as she stepped into the room. The sterile scent of the vast room hit her in the gut, reminding her this was the hospital wing of the castle. She smiled at the head physician as she slowly ebbed her way towards her friend.
Christine was lying on the bed, cuts, bruises, and bandages littered her body. Rory reached out, placing her hand on Christine’s forearm.
“How bad is she, doctor?”
Doctor Harris forced a smile, “I won’t lie. The next twenty-four hours are going to be the hardest. She sustained mostly bruises and several lacerations,” he removed his glasses, “However, her side of the vehicle took most of the impact. That caused her head to take out the driver's window. She has a head injury, Your Majesty.”
Rory closed her eyes, the magic trickling up her spine. Anthony placed a hand on her shoulder, “Breathe, Rory.”
Nodding, “Will she wake up?”
“We hope so, but we won’t know anything until the swelling goes down. I will have a nurse with her overnight, in case something changes.”
“I will stay with her.” Rory pulled a chair to the edge of her bed, “Anthony, I want to know who hit her.”
“The regent is on his way here, I will speak with him and find out what I can.”
“This is crazy. First, the explosion, then Dimitra is taken, now this. Why her?”
Anthony cocked his head, “I think you know why.” Anthony turned to the medical staff, “Doctor, could you leave us a moment? I need to have a private conversation with Rory.”
The doctor nodded, “For just a few minutes… we shouldn’t leave her unattended.” He waved the others out, clearing the room.
Anthony slid a chair beside Rory, “This is about the letter, Rory. It’s time you faced the truth.”
Tears spilled from Rory’s eyes, “She didn’t deserve this, Anthony. It’s not her fault. None of this is.”
Rory pressed her lips to Christine’s knuckles, “She’s my best friend. God,” she snorted, “Christine was so mad when she left the library earlier. I told her we slept together, Anthony. I hurt her…” she lifted her friend’s hand, “Now look at her. I want to find who did this and burn them to the ground.”
“We’ll find them, Rory. But you’ve got to decide. Being with me is part of the reason she’s lying here in this bed.”
“Anthony,” Rory took his hand in her free one, “This is not your fault. Hell, it’s not mine either. This is whoever is tormenting the kingdom's fault. I love you. I know I try to pretend I don’t, but I do. Everything is so confusing. How can I love two people? I’m broken.”
Pressing her head onto the bed, she let the tears fall freely. Anthony rubbed the back of her neck, “No, Rory. You’re not broken. You have a big heart and found two people to love. And guess what? We love you back. I believe the two of us can accept that we will have to share your love. I know I have. But you must be willing to admit to the kingdom and to yourself that your heart belongs to two. Can you do that?”
Rory lifted her head and stared at her friend. Anthony was right. It was time to stop lying to herself and everyone else.
“I’m scared, Anthony. What if I tell everyone how I feel, and it creates turmoil in the kingdom? What if they aren’t ready for their queen to have two loves?”
“Then, we will be here to support you and help them see that two loves change nothing.”
“I don’t mean to interrupt,” Constable Philips walked in, followed by Regent Daniels, “But I would like to discuss what happened.”
Rory wiped her face, trying to gain composure before turning to face the men. Anthony stood, helping her from her chair.
“Constable Philips, Regent Daniels,” she greeted the men, “First… I have promoted Captain Blake to Commander. Commander Holsten will not be returning. I would also like to make Officer Kris the new Captain. He has shown his value and would lead the men well in Commander Blake’s absence.”
“I suspected the Commander wouldn’t be coming back,” Constable Philips smiled, “Well, congratulations, Anthony. Now… the matter at hand. Ms. Fitzgerald was hit by another SUV as she was pulling out of the main drive. The individual inside the other car was dead on impact. We found a note inside that simply read – Truth or death… this is only the beginning.”
“Truth or death?” Rory shook her head, “this is getting out of control. Contact the other kingdoms and make them aware of what is happening.”
“Rory,” Anthony spoke, “Maybe now is the time to talk about what we discussed?”
“What is he talking about?” Regent Daniels asked.
Rory closed her eyes, “Yes… but I need to have that conversation with someone else before I talk to anyone else.” She glared at Anthony, “Give me two days to sort through some things… then I will brief you on what Commander Blake is referring to. In the meantime, I will be staying in this wing until Christine wakes up.”
“Your Majesty,” Constable Philips growled, “I don’t feel that is the safest decision.”
“If I am not safe in my own medical wing, we have something bigger to discuss. Besides,” Rory locked eyes with Anthony, “If anyone comes in here with the intent to hurt her or me,” she pointed towards her friend, “I will burn everything down around them.”
“I will stay with her, Constable. Inform Officer Kris of his promotion and have him report to me here.”
Constable Philips and Regent Daniels shared an awkward glance, “Fine. I’ll let you know what we find out and what the other kingdoms say.”
Rory watched as they left the room, and the medical staff returned. Leaning into Anthony, “She has to wake up, Anthony.”
“I know, baby. I know.”
